Advice on Finding Solicitor Handling Relative's Estate

Hi all, any or all advice would be greatly welcomed. Apart from what
I've found out on the net in the last week I know nothing about these
things - never had to handle someone's estate, never owned property, so
I'm learning - fast.

A relative I haven't seen in a very long time died recently. I have
reason to believe I would be entitled to at least part of his estate.
However, I'm totally in the dark as to whether he made a will or in
fact if another relative or friend is handling it for him.

I know the easiest answer to this question is "Get yourself a probate
solicitor." Right, if I was sure I was going to get anything from this
and had a few hundred squids spare then I would have done so already. I
just want to know is there anything else I can legally do myself before
I start having to pay out silly money?

I see from the property ownership register that he is (or at least
still was at the last check - how often do they update that thing?)
still the registered owner of his house. He bought it from the local
council in 1989. I'm unsure if he still has a mortgage to pay off on
it. I asked the council and not being the lender where unable to tell
me, obviously.

I got a copy of the death certificate which tells me he officially died
15th February 2006. Unfortunately, I suspect it may have been a good
time earlier than that. I'm not looking forward to my first visit
inside that house, I can tell you.

So if we assume the worst, he left no will, no-one's claimed the house
- how long before this bona vacantia takes effect?

Any other info needed - please ask. I want to do as much as I can
myself before I go to the solicitors. In fact, is it feasible to
approach solicitors local to the deceased relative's house and ask if
they are handling his estate?

Thanks in advance for any help - replies welcome by email as well as
this thread.

.

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