The beneficiary can buy the property from the estate. That means the mortgage must be settled and the price must be market value.
Not only does the beneficiary have to wait for the probate of the will, but will most likely have to wait until the executor is satisfied that the house does not need to be sold to pay any debts of the estate. Until administration of an estate is complete, the executor has the right to possession of all estate property, including the house. If the executor wants to, he/she can let the beneficiary in the house. But even there, the person appointed as executor has no power to allow that until the will has been probated. This is because that person has no power to act as an executor until the will is probated.
I'm not sure what you mean by your probate? Your will is the legal document. Probate does not exist until after your death and the court issues the letters of authority.
The estate must be probated in order for title to the property to pass to the beneficiary. As soon as the will is allowed by the probate court title passes to the beneficiary. However, the estate must be probated and a notice published so creditors can file claims within the statutory period in your state. Once the probate proceeding is completed the beneficiary owns the property free and clear of any claims.
the house is paid off and given to the beneficiary
The gift to the beneficiary will become part of the beneficiary's estate. Generally, the interest of the deceased heir will pass to their own heirs according to the provisions in their will or to their heirs-at-law under the state laws of intestacy. Also, their estate will need to be probated. The attorney who is handling the original estate can explain what needs to be done in order to clear the title to the property.
Without a will, her estate will have to go through probate.
If your husband has a will then his property is distributed accordingly, if he not have a will then the distribution of property is determined by a probate court.
If they were left in the will specifically to the taker (beneficiary), then it is not theft. If they were taken by someone else, then it is some form of fraud or theft depending upon the laws of the state in which the taking occurred.
Probate is going to be the only way to transfer title. Otherwise the title will not be considered valid.
The house MUST go through the probate process in order for title to pass to you. The will must be presented to the probate court for allowance and the court must appoint an executor. When the probate process has been completed you will be the owner of the property.
A deed does not stop probate from taking place. If the deed had a right of survivorship, then it might prevent the house from going into probate.
Tere are many many factors that can effect the outcome of this situation,was there a will involved,a probate attorney needs to be consulted