Probate

Simply put, probate is part of the estate administration process (dealing with a person’s legal and tax affairs after they’ve died). Every estate is different, but there are various stages of the process which are required in most cases. What could be involved?

Gathering Information

Banks, HMRC, the Department for Work and Pensions, creditors and other financial institutions will be contacted. It will be made known someone is acting on your behalf date-of-death valuations will be requested.

Preparing tax forms and applying for the Grant

Relevant tax forms will be prepared (including Inheritance tax considerations) and a grant of probate requested on your behalf. There will be no need for you to visit a probate registry and any liability will be taken on. Selling and transferring assets Shares and other assets within the UK and overseas can be sold. If there are any assets to be transferred to beneficiaries, this will be arranged.

Paying debts

If there are sufficient funds, the deceased's debts will be paid and interim distributions to other beneficiaries can be made and "Specific legacies" - specific sums of money or assets mentioned in the Will may be settled.

Selling property

After valuing the property, the property will be sold or transfered to beneficiaries. This process will involve liaising with estate agents and the buyers' solicitors.

Producing estate accounts

Full and final estate accounts will be produced and sent to all the beneficiaries.