What is Probate ?
Arguably the most common question raised to a probate solicitor is what is Probate ? and why is it required ?
After someone dies a legal process has to be followed to manage a Deceased Persons assets. For example, banks and building Societies need to know who to pay monies to when closing a bank account. This legal process is known as Probate, it is undertaken by the Executor if there is a will, or by an Administrator if no will was left. To administer the estate a legal document known as a Grant of Representation must be obtained, this is issued by the Probate Registry and is obtained by the Executor or Administrator dealing with the estate. It is this document that banks will ask for when closing an account together with the death certificate and a copy of the will. Slightly different terms apply if a will exists as the Grant of Representation is known as a Grant of Probate, while If there is no will it is known as a Grant of Letters of Administration. We have dedicated probate helpline that deals with probate questions daily, you can contact us on 01482 638 564.
