In the UK, the Executor of a Will is responsible for managing the estate of a deceased person, paying any debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining assets according to the terms of the Will. The specific duties of an Executor may include:

When dealing with the death of a loved one, many Executors find themselves worrying about the costs of administering the estate and how fees can be paid. Acting as an Executor or Administrator is not a paid role, and it’s common to feel concerned that it may leave you out of pocket. In this blog, we’ll cover what probate is and whether probate (and other fees) can be paid out of the estate.

When someone passes away, probate may be required before their assets can be dealt with. This blog discusses what probate is, when it's required, and the probate thresholds of some UK financial institutions.

The term Personal Representative might sound daunting, especially if you’re navigating the complex process of estate administration for the first time. A Personal Representative is responsible for the administration of a deceased person's estate; they are liable for various legal and financial tasks that ensure the smooth transition of assets to the beneficiaries.

Bereaved families and estate administrators across England and Wales continue to face delays when applying for a Grant of Representation – the umbrella term for Grant of Probate (when there is a Will) and Letters of Administration (when there is no Will).

Dealing with the estate of a loved one after they have passed away can be a complex and emotional process. One important step in the estate administration process can be obtaining a Grant of Letters of Administration (also known as simply Letters of Administration).

What is a Grant of Probate? “What is a Grant of Probate?” is a frequently asked question by those newly tasked with administering the estate of a loved one who has recently passed away. A Grant of Probate, commonly referred to as probate, is a legal document that is often required in England and Wales by the Executor(s) (if there is a Will) of a deceased person’s estate. In Scotland, the process is known as Confirmation. A Grant of Probate is often requested by financial institutions to access bank accounts, sell assets, and settle the debts of someone who has died. Once probate is granted, this provides the Executor with the legal authority to administer the deceased’s estate and complete the above tasks.

Following a bereavement, there are a number of tasks that need to be completed, which can make an already difficult time even more stressful. The Executor (if there is a Will) or Administrator (if there is no Will) is responsible for administering the deceased’s estate as per the wishes in their Will. They should consider: Whether probate is needed What’s involved in the probate process Whether a probate Solicitor is required In this blog, we aim to answer these queries and alleviate confusion around the probate application process.

When a loved one passes away, the initial steps can be overwhelming. There are a number of tasks that need to be completed and it is often difficult to work out what should be done first. This can make an already tough time even more stressful. This blog aims to summarise the first steps to be taken following a bereavement.