How to apply for probate
A Probate is the court document that confirms that a will is valid. It gives the executor appointed under the Will the authority to administer the deceased’s estate. Probate is usually required before an estate can be administered in accordance with a Will.
This section is a basic guide as to the process of applying for probate including how it relates to the payment of Inheritance Tax.
We also examine the difficulties that could arise in an application for probate and in what circumstances should a solicitor be instructed.
In some circumstances, an executor may personally be held liable if the Will is challenged.
In the future we will be covering the following topics:
- What is probate?
- Is a grant of probate necessary?
- First things first – before the probate application
- Who registers the death of the deceased and makes the funeral arrangements?
- What information is needed for the executor to administer the estate?
- Applying for probate
- Administering the estate and paying the beneficiaries
- Will Challenges: can the executor be personally sued?
- Do I need a solicitor – what could go wrong?