I take it you mean letters of administration? As I was told the last time by the probate office themselves, probate only applies if you have a will.
Even then , although most people do, you do not need to get probate or letters of administration. There is no time limit on that or indeed, sometimes any need to do it at all , as was the case with my other aunt ( different side of the family) and even though the estate has been settled ( to a second wife of my uncle, who also died twenty years ago) no one has applied for probate or letters. It was all dont with death certificates.
I know they didnt apply because I had a caveat sitting on the case at probate which means ( still) no one can get probate or letters , so no one could take the money that was mine. But they did it anyway and the woman has give the house to her granddaughter from a previous marriage.
So it never works out does it?
But I am sure no relatives exist in this case - although one in law ( my sisters husbands brother - broither in law died five years ago) wants a share of what is left. he has no legal entitlement though as far as I am told. I would share it with him but I doubt there will be anything to share.
Thanks anyway.