Probate is the legal right to deal with someone’s estate when they die.
We collect details of all the estate assets and liabilities of the state, so that the executor/s of the will or their legal representatives can apply for probate.
If there is no will the application for probate is usually made by the closest living relative of the deceased, or their legal representative.
We provide an efficient service, relieving some of the stress at a difficult time.
Q: What’s a grant of representation?
A: The grant of representation establishes who can legally collect monies from financial bodies and individuals. We can apply for a grant of representation on your behalf to make the probate process smoother for your family.
Q: How does HMRC know the tax liabilities from an estate?
A: When the assets and liabilities of the estate have been calculated, this is reported to HMRC to determine your estate’s tax liabilities, such as income tax, inheritance tax and capital gains tax.
Once the net estate is declared, a submission is made to the probate office, which will issue a grant of probate.
Q: What is a grant of probate?
A: This legally entitles the executors of your will to collect money due to you from banks and elsewhere and to pay any taxes or debts from your estate.
Q: What are beneficiaries?
A: These are the people you would wish to inherit something, or everything, from your trust or via your will.
Q: Can my executors inherit from the will they are acting on?
A: It is a common misunderstanding that executors can’t inherit from the will; they can.
Q: How do I know my Will is legally binding?
A: For a Will to be legally binding, the signature of the person making the Will must be witnessed by two independent people.
Q: Can a witness to a will inherit from it?
A: No they cannot. You may wish to make a gift to your witnesses at the time of making the will but this is not obligatory.