Mr H died intestate leaving a widow (Mrs H) but no children (estate under £450,000). House is in Mr H’s sole name. Mrs B (great-niece of Mrs H) obtained a Grant ‘for the use and benefit of Mrs H limited until further representation be granted’. Although Mrs H was in a permanent care home, Mrs B failed to sell Mr H’s house and the house remained empty for over 2 years. Mrs H then died and a Grant has been issued to me as Attorney Administrator for Mrs K, the niece of the late Mrs H.
As there is a break in the chain of representation, I understand an application for letters de bonis non will need to be obtained in order for Mr H’s house to be sold. Who can obtain the Letters? Am I correct in my understanding that it is now Mr H’s own relatives who should apply for the Letters, even though they won’t benefit?
It is believed there is a surviving brother of Mr H (probably in his 80s/90s) but it is unknown whether there are nieces and nephews. If there are, will all relatives have to be cleared off, or just the surviving brother?
Samantha Pearson
SJP Wills and Estates