Page 1 of Question Regarding Probate

Sadly my Grandad died last weekend, my Mum has and aunts are being harassed by the solicitor who drew up his will about the probate, what exactly is this? They`ve basically told the solicitor to stick it, and know people who have done this themselves, any information about what this involves would be useful.

Thanks

Rory

Probate is the legal authority for the persons named in the will as executors to basically work out the debts, get in the amounts due and then distribute the assets to those entitled under the will (the beneficiaries)

If the estate is straightforward and you have some time you can make an appointment at the Probate registry to get this sorted yourself. Your first question is who the executors are. If they have named the solicitor in the will as executor then they will have to do it and this will be quite expensive. If relatives are appointed as executors then they can do it themselves.

Also you may not need probate if the estate is small and there is no house or shares etc

Any queries let me know

Mum and aunt are named as executors, so they`ll be doing the probate (there are shares involved so it needs to be done).

Thanks

My aunt died last year and had named me and my bother as executors (she probably hadn`t anticipated dying before my Dad). Anyway, although it can seem daunting it is in actual fact very easy. I acted as main executor (proving executor) while my bother `reserved his power` as he doesn`t live anywhere near me. From date of death to receiving the Grant of Probate it was two months and 11 days, so that proves it doesn`t have to take forever either. Helpful guidance on following links:
http://www.courtservice.gov.uk/cms/2971.htm
http://www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/cto/pa.htm

katiekins
(because it makes me sound nice and cute)

If you get the opportunity to make out a will, you should grab it, because if you die without one and there are any complications about the estate, your nearest and dearest can lose the lot to Gordon Brown.

Katiekins - you`re not, then? :(

J Mark Oates