Hello Pixie,
Well, this was a surprise. Lena signed her will 26 Jan 1953, died 14 June 1963, and probate granted 24 Feb 1965.
Here is the answer to the delay in probate.
1. Gordon Sinclair Branthwaite, solicitor of Christchurch says
a) I am the executor and trustee under the will of the said Lena May Sampson.
b) Lena May Sampson died 14 June 1963 but I was not aware of such fact until the daughter of the deceased, Adeline Violet Avant, recently called me, and informed me.
c) George William Sampson, husband of deceased, who has a life estate under the said will, was under the impression that nothing had to be done regards the estate until after his death, and he did not think it necessary to notify me of his wife's death.
d) That said Adeline Violet Avant visited Christchurch recently to see her father and ascertained that probate had not been applied for, and instructed me to do so.
Sworn 24 Feb 1965
2. Adeline Violet Avant of Otematata, married woman, was present at her mother's funeral.
Sworn 18 Feb 1965.
The will:
Money to go into trust and income from trust to go to my husband. He shall have the use of my house and its contents. After his death all to my daughter Adeline Violet Avant.
Estate was valued at under Pounds 1,000
Pixie, I can not see your place of residence in your profile. So, is there anything more I can do as a Christchurch based researcher.
I have also looked up the name "Avant" in NZ Whitepages, and there is not one.
Regards,
Jean
