Probate

If you are an Executor under a will or a relative sorting the affairs where there is no Will, our Bereavement Team are here to give you advice.

First of all, we’ll talk about the situation so we understand about the deceased and their circumstances. Some reassurance that you’re doing nothing wrong is often needed?

Thereafter, an explanation will be given as to what needs to be done and how easy or hard this is likely to be.

Ultimately, you’ll want to know how much it will cost for our Bereavement Team to do some or all of the tasks at hand.

Thereafter, you can make an informed decision as to how you wish to proceed.

To ensure they follow strict rules most Executors need professional advice.

Crucially, any loss or errors in sorting the affairs of the deceased is the personal liability of the Executors. Not knowing is not an excuse.

If the deceased owned jointly held accounts and property, or, if they had little in terms of savings, then probate may not be necessary.

Letters of Administration are obtained from the Court by the next of kin if the deceased did not leave a Will. This is a certificate similar to a grant of probate.

Where there is no Will, money and property belonging to the deceased are divided between relatives in a strict order.

Issued by the Court to the deceased’s Executors, a Grant of Probate is a certificate.

Most importantly, the Executor uses this certificate to sell houses, close bank accounts, deal with insurance companies and everything in between.

Any liabilities and tax due from the estate is paid by the Executors who then distribute any money and possessions in accordance with the Will.