I know that now, would have saved a lot of hassle further down the line but at the time it just felt like a cost that I didn't need to fork out as all the assets were effectively declared mine anyway.

My mums will also specifically stated she wanted me to have everything too so I thought if I shared everything that was left after paying off her creditors with my siblings anyway there would be no comebacks.

A year later when they'd spent their share I am facing allegations of hiding the size of the estate from them and demands for more cash....hence the nervous breakdown.


In the same situation again, I'd personally apply for probate even if it was only for a couple of grand, just for the peace of mind.