If you have recently suffered a bereavement in your family, we understand how difficult this can be. Dealing with a loved one’s estate can be particularly difficult to manage alongside your grief.
I’ve been named an executor, what does this mean?
If you’ve been named the executor of someone’s Will, you’re responsible for administering their estate. That means organising their assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing what’s left according to the instructions left in the Will.
The executor or administrator of the estate takes responsibility for applying for probate and distributing the estate to the beneficiaries.
What matters can arise during probate?
We assist individuals and families with many matters that can arise during probate. These include:
- Obtaining a Grant of Probate
- Administering the estate
- Transferring or selling property
- Dealing with banks and building societies
- Arranging pension provisions
- Informing utility companies
If you are the beneficiary of an estate and aren’t sure what your next steps are, we can help. If you are looking to dispute a Will you may have been left out of, visit here.
What is probate?
Probate is the process of administering the estate of a deceased person.
Do I need probate?
If you have recently lost a loved one, you may be wondering if you need probate to deal with their estate. Before submitting your application, it’s worth checking to make sure you need it.
Probate gives you the legal right to deal with their estate when they die. This includes things like property, money and possessions.
How do I apply for probate?
Once you’ve worked out that you need probate and built up a good picture of the assets and debts within the estate, you should start your application as soon as possible. The Government can take a little while to approve applications, so the sooner you submit the better.
How long does probate take?
Traditionally, applying for probate has been a complex, expensive process that can take many months to get sorted. But there are now options available to help make things quicker, simpler and more affordable.
The probate process can take anywhere from 3-12 months. Sometimes even longer in complex cases. This covers everything from collecting information about the estate to distributing assets to beneficiaries.
Is it advisable to contact a solicitor to help with the process?
Yes. Probate can be complicated – involving the completion of many different forms and it also places certain responsibilities on the individual dealing with a person’s estate.
Contact us to guide you through the unfamiliar process to avoid any mistakes or problems occurring – 01792 468684 or email enquiries@pgmsolicitors.co.uk.
