Grant of Probate is the legal authority granted to an executor or administrator to manage and distribute a deceased person’s estate, which includes property, money, and possessions. Securing the Grant of Probate before making any financial decisions or marketing any property related to the estate is essential.
As professionals, we provide specialised assistance to help you obtain a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration (in cases where there is no will).
We offer:
- Expert Legal Advice: Comprehensive guidance through every stage of the probate process.
- Application Preparation: Assistance with accurately completing and submitting probate applications.
- Inheritance Tax Consultation: Professional help evaluating and managing Inheritance Tax obligations.
Determine the Necessity of a Grant of Probate
Steps to Obtain a Grant of Probate:
- Contact the financial institutions used by the deceased to ascertain if a Grant of Probate is required to access their assets. Each organisation has distinct regulations.
- Probate may not be needed if the deceased:
- Only had savings
- Owned shares or money jointly with others, which pass automatically to the surviving owners unless specified otherwise
- Owned property as ‘joint tenants’ with others, which passes automatically to the surviving owners
Verify Eligibility for a Grant of Probate
Eligibility to apply for a Grant of Probate depends on whether there is a will:
- With a Will: Executors named in the will can apply.
- Without a Will: The closest living relative is eligible to apply.
Estate Valuation and Inheritance Tax Assessment
Accurately estimate the value of the deceased’s estate to determine any Inheritance Tax liabilities. This valuation is required even if no tax is due.
Application for a Grant of Probate
Submit the probate application online or by post after completing the estate valuation. If the estate’s value is over £ 5000, the Probate application fee payable to the state is £ 300.
Key Legal Considerations
If there is a Will:
- Executor’s Responsibilities: Executors named in the will or a codicil can apply. The original will must be submitted with the application.
- Multiple Executors: All named executors must concur on the application. Up to four executors can be named.
- Renunciation: Executors can renounce their role or reserve the right to apply later.
If there is no Will:
- Administrator’s Responsibilities: The closest living relative, typically the spouse or children, can apply to be the estate’s administrator.
- Renunciation and Power of Attorney: The entitled person may renounce their role or appoint someone else to administer the estate.
Additional Legal Support
Assistance: Guidance completing necessary forms, such as PA13 for lost wills, PA11 for appointing a representative, and PA15 for renunciation.
Estate Administration: Support appointing an alternate administrator if the most entitled person is unable or unwilling to do so.
Typically, you will receive the Grant of Probate within 16 weeks of applying. This timeframe may be extended if additional information is required.
Please contact the IB Service Ltd team for professional and reliable assistance with the Grant of Probate. We are committed to helping you navigate this complex legal process efficiently and effectively.
£1200
Legal consultation
Assistance with the document preparation
Calculation of Inheritance Tax liabilities
Assistance with Inheritance Tax Compliance
Application Submission
Application fee (as stated above)
Monitoring of the process
The expected timeframe is 2 to 6 months.