Grant of Probate

When somebody dies the Executor has to administer the deceased person’s estate. In order to get the authority to do this, an application to the probate registry for a grant of probate is required. Once the Grant of Probate is issued then the Executor can collect in and deal with the deceased person’s estate. For example, a bank would need to see a grant of probate before any money held by the deceased would be released, whilst you would also need probate to sell a property.

The grant of probate shows a number of things including :-

in 2019, the Government introduced a new style of probate document with a hologram for extra security. An example of which can be seen by clicking here.

If you need help obtaining probate, call our Probate Solicitors helpline 0844 740 1637

The Probate Process

There are essentially five stages in obtaining probate, which maybe summarised as follows :-

Frequently asked probate questions

When do I need probate ?

Each estate is always very different and much depends upon the nature of the deceased’s assets and liabilities.

Probate is not always required, for example, probate would typically not be required :

  • for jointly held assets
  • when the estate assets are very modest eg. below £15,000.
  • when pension policies or life insurances have nominated beneficiaries, or when the bank account was in joint names.

Unfortunately, there is not a standard limit adopted by banks as they all differ as to when probate will be required. Given this, the starting point is simply to ask the bank, or asset holder whether they actually do require probate or not.

When will I definitely need a grant of probate ?

You will need probate in the following circumstances :-

  • To make a legal claim on behalf of an estate
  • To sell a property in the name of the deceased
  • Large assets typically over £15,000
  • to collect or sell shares
  • large insurance policies which do not have a nominated beneficiary

How long does probate take ?

Obtaining probate varies considerably, and will be depend upon the following factors :-

  • whether the deceased made a will
  • the organisation of the deceased assets
  • whether inheritance tax is payable
  • whether there is a will
  • whether there is a property
  • the number of beneficiaries

Timescales vary for probate. In very straightforward cases it can be obtained in 5-7 weeks, whilst in most cases we find that probate typically takes 3-4 months.

How much does probate cost ?

We help people obtain probate on a fixed fee – this is much more straightforward and easier to understand than complicated hourly rate and percentages often charged by banks or other solicitors.

if you would like a fixed fee quote call us now.

If you want to know the costs of obtaining a grant probate through ourselves we simply ask a few straightforward questions relating to the estate assets and liabilities.

Probate Help

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