Specialising in the niche area of Will Writing & Estate Planning we regularly receive queries about probate: wills and probate are inextricably linked due to the simple fact that one (wills), in many cases, sets off the other (probate).

So we thought weíd share some information on probate for those of you who have niggling questions.† As always, to find out more, please call us or contact us online here.

What is probate?

Probate is the legal process that has to be followed when someone has died.

What is a grant of probate?

A grant of probate is the formal document issued by the probate registry to the executors of a will.

What if the deceased person didnít make a will?

If someone passes away having not made a will, then a grant of letters of administration is issued by the probate registry instead.

This document is issued to the deceasedís next of kin – those who are allowed to deal with the deceasedís affair. They are known as administrators not executors.

The grant of probate and the grant of letters of administration allow those responsible to carry out the same role ie dealing with the deceasedís affairs.

What does the grant of probate do?

The grant of probate allows the executors to deal with the deceasedís assets such as selling property or closing bank accounts. The same applies to administrators under a grant of letters of administration.

For more information or if you require probate help please call us on 020 3128 7081 or contact us online here.