1. Is my friend entitled to a copy of the will and should she have been called to a reading of the will to establish the facts of the will?
Before Grant issues she is only entitled to details of her legacy. After Grant issues ( and it must have if property has been sold) she can get a copy of the Will, Grant and Inland Revenue Affidavit from the Probate Office.
2. What is an acceptable timeframe for settlement of the will?
Approx. a year - more if there are complexities.
3. How would she establish what the main benefactor is entitled v's all others named and would another solicitor act on her behalf to secure same?
Get a copy of the above, take it to another solicitor and they will review the situation.
"she belives that it would not have been the intention of the desceased to leave everything to the main benefactor"
If the will says leave everything else to X that means everything.
mf