What is probate?

‘Probate’ is the legal term used to describe the administration and distribution of a person’s estate after they have died. The person or people that carry out these duties are known as Executors.

A Grant of Probate is the legal authority given by a court to The Executors. Once they have been given a Grant of Probate they can distribute the estate as laid out in a person’s Will, including the property, to the beneficiaries. You can apply for a Grant of Probate from a Probate Registry, located throughout the UK.

Executors are the people that usually receive a Grant of Probate and are chosen in a person’s Will. If no Will was left then the Grant of Probate will usually be given to the next of kin. There are two main types of Grant of Probate, one for each of these circumstances: if a Will was left then a Grant of Representation is administered and if no Will was left then Letters of Administration are created.

An Executor’s duties come with an added weight of responsibility as they are required to care of what is often the most valuable and personal asset of the estate, the property, in addition to being personally liable for administering the estate correctly. We understand the responsibilities of being an Executor and have designed support and services specifically to help you in your duties.

From a comprehensive house valuation report to legal support services, we provide advice upheld by facts and figures so that you can make informed decisions. We take the time to find out what you want from the sale and use our experience and network to assist you with your aims.
For more information on how our Executor Services can support you, please click here.