When somebody you care about passes away, it’s a devastating time that can make everything else seem much more stressful than usual. Here at Beeston Shenton Solicitors, we are here to make things easier for you, providing top-quality legal advice and useful information to help you. This time we have put together a detailed guide on everything you need to know about obtaining a grant of probate to ensure that you can get everything in order with minimal stress.
What Is A Grant Of Probate?
A Grant of Probate is a unique legal authority needed to be able to deal with the estate of someone who has passed away. The person who deals with this is usually named in the will, this person is referred to as an executor. Executors may have to apply for a grant of probate to legally be able to deal with the will. The grant itself is a legal document advising that the executor has the authority to deal with the deceased person’s assets.
Is A Grant Of Probate Needed?
A grant of probate isn’t always needed. However, if the person who has died has owned property, or a financial institution such as the bank has specifically requested it, a grant of probate will be needed. Unfortunately, there is no set guideline for whether a grant of probate is needed as it completely depends on an individual’s personal assets which are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
How Long Does Probate Take?
When you have submitted an application for probate, as long as it is an uncomplicated case, processing should take around four to eight weeks. If your case is a little more complex, it can take a lot longer.
How To Apply For A Grant Of Probate
You can apply for obtaining a grant of probate online, using the Government website. You can also apply for it via post, however, it is a lot quicker to apply online. To use these services, you must be the executor named in the will or the administrator. The administrator is somebody who has been appointed by the courts to deal with a deceased person’s estate when no will has been left behind. If you’re unsure of exactly how to apply, have questions about it or have any other queries, you can get a solicitor involved to help you to obtain one.
Contact Us
If you are struggling with obtaining a grant of probate, our Wills and Probate team is available here at Beeston Shenton Solicitors for assistance and advice. Contact us for more information and support.
