It is a common misconception that if someone dies with a Will then Probate will not be needed. Whether a Grant of Probate (or Letters of Administration) is needed is dependent on the deceased’s estate and what needs to be managed.
What is a Grant of Probate?
A Grant of Probate is a Court Order confirming the validity of a Will and is issued by the Probate Registry. The registered Grant gives the Executor named in the Will the authority to manage and distribute a deceased’s estate.
In the event a person has died without leaving a valid Will then Letters of Administration can be obtained by those entitled under the Intestacy Rules.
Why is a Grant of Probate needed?
A Grant would usually be required (but not limited to) if the Executor/Administrator needs to deal with the sale or transfer of a property (or a share in) or if the money held in the deceased’s bank accounts are over the establishments required threshold. There are many other reasons why a Grant of Probate/Letters of Administration may be required.
If you have any questions regarding applying for Probate or would like our assistance in applying for the same, please get in touch with our Wills & Probate Department on 01388 604691 or via enquiries: enquiries@hewitts.co.uk.
