Disposal of possessions

How the deceased’s estate is divided is governed by the will. Such matters will be settled by the solicitor appointed to handle the will, and the executors.

The process will, inevitably, take some time, even if the will is quite clear.

If the deceased has not made a will (is ‘intestate’) the process takes even longer; the distribution of possessions is then governed by law, based on a hierarchy of family relationships.