Applying for probate
1 May 2008
You will need to apply to the Probate Registry for a 'Grant of Letters of Administration'. You can do this yourself or go through a solicitor.
If the deceased left a Will this is called a Grant of Probate. If they died intestate, without making a Will, it is called Letters of Administration. This Grant is usually needed by people such as insurance companies before they can release any of the deceased money to the executors.
The Grant gives you the right to manage any assets, such as money and life assurance policies, held in the deceased’s name.
Applying for probate can take time – sometimes up to a year. Note: As a personal representative(s) you are responsible for any Inheritance Tax (IHT) due.
When a Grant may not be needed
If the estate is held in joint names it will simply be transferred to the surviving owner, or if below £5,000 you won’t need to apply for probate.
