Probate Helpline 0808 168 5181
You may have heard of probate before, but often, it’s not something we know much about. We only start to learn more about probate when faced with the death of a loved one. During this emotional and difficult time, it can be a struggle to process all this new information – particularly when there’s so much conflicting advice, which often contains complex and legal jargon.
The aim of this website is to make the process of probate clearer for you, so you have a better understanding of the administrative process that takes place after someone’s death.
What is Probate?
When a loved one passes away, a close family member (or sometimes a friend) will be granted the legal right to deal with the deceased’s assets – their money, possessions and property.
To be granted this right, you will need to apply for a ‘grant of probate’. This is what we mean when we say probate. Essentially, it’s your legal right to administer someone’s estate.
There are a number of factors and complexities involved with the application for probate. To find out more about probate, visit our probate page.
Who Can Apply for Probate?
If you would like to talk to someone directly about probate, just call our free number on 0808 168 5181
The Process
- Is there a will? Firstly, you will need to check if there is a will, if there is it will give an indication of who is to administer the estate. If there is no will, usually, the estate will be passed to the next of kin. Read our Probate and Wills page for further information.
- Next, you will need to apply for a ‘grant of probate’. A document that will give you the legal right to administer the deceased’s estate – their funds, property and possessions.
- Once you’ve done this, you will need to pay any inheritance tax that is due.
- Once you have collected all of the estate’s assets (e.g. funds from a bank account or sale of a house) you will need to settle any debts – credit cards, loans, unpaid utility bills etc.
- You will need to distribute the final funds/estate amongst the beneficiaries.
Find Out More About Probate
What is Probate
Find out what probate is and who needs to deal with it
How Long does Probate Take
Find out how long the process takes and what you can do to speed things up
Probate and Wills
Find out what to do if there is no will and what to do if you’re named as an executor
When Probate isn’t Required
Sometimes a ‘grant of probate’ isn’t needed, find out when this applies and possible traps and pitfalls
What’s Included in the Estate
What do we mean by assets? And how do we value the estate?
Inheritance Tax
Will inheritance tax affect me? What can I do to minimise the impact of inheritance tax?
Planning for a Death
How and why might you plan for your death and what are the benefits of doing so?
What to do when Someone Dies
What should you do directly after someone has died and what administrative tasks need to be considered?
How to Make a Will
Find out why you should have a will and when you should seek the advice of a solicitor.
