What is Probate? ================ What is probate and how does it work? ------------------------------------- Probate is the legal process that allows someone to deal with a person's estate after they die. This means paying any taxes or debts, as well as organising and distributing the person's money, properties and possessions as inheritance. If there is a Will in place, it will name the person chosen to adminster the estate. This person is called the executor of the Will. Whether there is a [valid Will](https://vardags.com/law-guide/wills/what-is-a-will) has a significant impact on the probate process. **If you need legal advice on a Will or probate, click below for a free initial consultation with one of our expert solicitors.** [BOOK FREE CONSULTATION](https://vardags.com/contact "BOOK FREE CONSULTATION") How do you get probate? ------------------------ There are two possible routes for someone to get probate following another persons'death: > - Where the deceased had a Will, those named as executors in the Will get a grant of probate. This is an official document issued by the probate registry that legally allows the executor to deal with the estate of the deceased > - Where the deceased did not leave a Will, then the people that are applying to deal with the estate will be given letters of administration Probate is not needed where assets are owned jointly with someone else (for example, a spouse) since these will automatically pass to the surviving owners. It is also not needed where the person that died only had savings or premium bonds. What is the process? --------------------- The process to be followed before applying for probate is as follows: > - Determine whether or not probate is needed > - Make sure the person applying for probate is eligible to do so > - Obtain an estimation of the value of the estate and report this before you apply > - Confirm whether or not inheritance tax will be due. Usually some of this will need to be paid before probate is granted but it can be reclaimed from the estate afterwards > - Ensure you have the original Will, if applicable For estates valued at more than £5000, there is an application fee for probate. Grant of probate or letters of administration are usually granted within four to eight weeks of the documentation being sent, but this can take longer. Once probate has been granted, the executor or administrator is able to then deal with the estate. If you have been appointed the executor of a Will, you can find an overview of your responsibilities on the [government website](https://www.gov.uk/probate-estate). Who deals with probate? ------------------------ This will depend on whether or not there is a Will. ### With a valid Will In this situation, the executor is able to apply for probate. It is necessary to apply using the original Will - having a photocopy is not sufficient. If there is more than one executor, then a decision needs to be made as to who will apply for probate (up to four executors can be named on the application). Where not all the executors are named on the application, then the one applying has to demonstrate an attempt to contact the others before the application was made. You can search for a Will using the [Probate Registry on the government webiste](https://www.gov.uk/search-will-probate) or the [online National Will Register](https://www.nationalwillregister.co.uk/search-for-a-will/). ### Without a valid Will In this situation, the administrator will deal with the estate. A person that is over the age of 18 years can apply to become the administrator if they are the most "entitled"person to inherit from the deceased's estate. The most entitled inheritors are relatives in the following order: > - Spouses of civil partners (including those that are separated) > > - Children (not step-children) > - Grandchildren then great-grandchildren > - Parents > - Siblings > - Nieces and nephews > > - Half siblings > - Half nieces and nephews > - Grandparents > - Aunts and uncles > - Cousins > > - Half aunts and uncles > - Half cousins The process is the same as applying for probate but the result will be that the person that applies will receive letters of administration that grant the legal right to deal with the estate. Once probate has been granted, the estate will be divided either according to the deceased's Will. Without a Will this is determined by the intestacy rules. Can you contest probate? ------------------------- It is possible to contest a Will during the probate process by entering a caveat. This will prevent any getting a grant of probate until the issue has been resolved. There are various reasons why this may happen: > - The most current Will is not being used > - There is a mistake in the Will > - There is a challenge to the Will > - The beneficiaries have a disagreement with the executor or administrator of the Will What happens where a named executor does not wish to act --------------------------------------------------------- There may be situations where an executor does not want to take up the role. In this situation, there may be a replacement executor named in the Will. Where there are no executors that wish to act, the relevant form has to be filled in and sent to HMCTS Probate. If someone does not want to act as executor, then they can either give up their right completely or they can reserve the right to apply for probate if another executor does not do it themselves. They can also appoint an attorney to act on their behalf. The information on this website is intended as a guide and does not constitute legal advice. Vardags do not accept liability for any errors in the information on this website, nor any losses stemming from reliance upon the statements made herein. All articles and pages aim to reflect the legal position at time they were published, and may have been rendered obsolete by subsequent developments in the law. Should you require specialist advice, tailored to your situation, please see how Vardags can help you. What our clients say -------------------- Thanks to Emma and the team for the outstanding handling of my case. Throughout the months of my ongoing case I was kept informed and updated at all times never left wondering what was happening or where I stood. From meeting... Emma I felt instantly that my case was in good (understatement) hands, she has a friendly personal approach as well as so much expertise in the handling of family law cases. I feel so grateful to have had Emma and her team handle my case and for the outcome! Thank you! Emily Calvin What sets Tatiana apart is her genuine compassion and dedication to her clients. She treated me with the utmost respect and kindness, making me feel valued and supported throughout the entire process. She is a true advocate and... an exceptional professional who will go above and beyond to fight for your rights and your family's well-being. Alexandra Gutina Being supportive, reassuring, & attentive throughout the process, I definitively felt that everyone in the Team was investing in my affairs throughout. Martin Waters Knowledgeable, respectful and empathetic service and team. Michelle Ravden A responsive and helpful service; quick to understand and advise on the issues. Ian Smith I hope you don't need it, but if you do, I would highly recommend Vardags. Xiao Ma