When a person dies, probate is the process of administering their estate by organising their assets, money and possessions and then distributing them as per the terms of a will or in line with the rules of intestacy. To be able to start probate, an executor (the person who takes legal responsibility for carrying out the instructions of a will) […]
What happens if I do not apply for probate?
When do banks ask for a Grant of Probate?
After a death, an estate executor or administrator is responsible for winding up the deceased’s affairs. This may include obtaining a Grant of Probate. We take a look at when banks will ask for a grant before releasing funds. In some situations, it is not necessary to obtain a Grant of Probate after someone dies. This includes when the deceased […]
How to obtain a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration
After a death, it is often necessary to obtain a Grant of Probate or a Grant of Letters of Administration. This is the document that gives the deceased’s personal representatives legal authority to deal with their affairs and wind up their estate. If the deceased left a Will, it will name executors. These are the people who are responsible for […]
Update on Probate Registry Delays
During the course of the pandemic, there has been a considerable backlog of probate applications at the Probate Registry. This backlog was actually an exacerbation of a situation that has been ongoing since 2017. The reasons are not that simple to explain. Staff shortages at the Probate Registry and other complications during the pandemic are understandable, but these should have […]
What Happens to Someone’s Bank Account When They Die?
When a person dies, the personal representative (PR) takes responsibility for the management of the deceased person’s estate which includes money, possessions and property and will also be responsible for the closure of bank accounts. If the PR has been named in a will they take on the role of the executor. How to find the bank account information of […]
New Flat Fee For Probate But Processing Time Is Much the Same
Probate is the legal right to deal with another person’s property, money and possessions after they have died. There are only certain people who are entitled to apply for probate. Who can apply depends on if there is a will present. If there is a will, executors who have been named in it may apply. If there is no will, […]
Do I Have To Act As An Executor If Named In a Will?
Administering a relative’s will can be a traumatic experience, but it’s not a role you are forced to do, even if you have been appointed to take on the task by the deceased relative in his or her will. There is a process available if you want to withdraw your rights to take on this task. It’s called renunciation and […]
Check Carefully For a Will When a Loved One Dies
We often think that we have to make a will at sometime or other so that we can be sure that our assets don’t get into the wrong hands once we have died. It seems that in some cases making a Will hasn’t had the effect one would expect it to have. Most law firms admitted in a National Will […]
Choosing an Executor to Administer Your Will
The person who sorts out your property when you die and carries out the instructions in your Will is called your executor. It is preferable that you appoint an executor in your Will as it makes it easier to finalise your Will after you die. There are no restrictions on who you choose to do the job, but it is […]
The Pros and Cons of DIY Wills
The number of British adults who have not made a Will is alarmingly high. It has been estimated that around 60% of adults have not concerned themselves with making a Will. Why not? The two main reasons seem to be cost and procrastination. Those adults who do think about making a Will are concerned about the cost of making a […]
Bereavement & Financial Support
You could get a Funeral Expenses Payment (also called a Funeral Payment) if you get certain benefits and need help to pay for a funeral you’re arranging.. You can also get up to £700 for any other funeral expenses, such as funeral director’s fees, flowers or the coffin. The payment will not usually cover all of the costs of the […]
An Introduction To Power Of Attorney
All powers of attorney are prepared and checked by a specialist Solicitor so you have peace of mind that it is correct and accords with your wishes. There are two main types of Power of Attorney which enable you to appoint people to deal with your personal affairs should you find yourself incapable of doing so, whether due to physical […]