Whether you need to apply for a grant of probate usually depends on what the person owned, how those assets were held and the requirements of the organisations involved. In some cases, an estate can be dealt with without going through the probate process at all. Small Estates Probate may not be necessary if the…
If you have been named in a will but realise you cannot or do not want to take on the responsibility, you can step down, provided you do so before taking any official legal steps. Stepping Aside Before Taking Action The easiest way to step back from being an executor is to formally renounce the…
Yes, you can legally start the probate process before the funeral. However, in practice, most executors cannot submit a complete application until after the funeral due to the administrative steps required beforehand. Why Applying Immediately Is Difficult To submit an official application for a Grant of Probate in the UK, you must meet several strict…
If you are stuck waiting for a grant of probate and wondering why probate is taking so long, you are definitely not alone. What used to take a month or two now drags on for half a year or more. It is easy to blame your solicitor, but the delay usually comes down to a…
After losing a loved one, dealing with their belongings is often the last thing on your mind. However, it’s important to take steps to protect their property, as empty homes can quickly become targets for opportunists. This blog offers some simple steps you can take to keep the property safe. Changing Locks Changing the locks…
How Long Should Probate Take? A grant of probate is required to guarantee the proper handling of a deceased person’s assets if they have a valid will. For the next of kin to manage the estate in the event of an intestate death (one in which there is no legal will), a Letter of Administration…
Reasons For Contesting a Will Family members may want to contest a will if it does not meet their expectations. This is referred to as contesting a will, and instead of going to court, it is often resolved through mediation. However, you can hire a lawyer to help you take the matter to court if…
Although drafting a will can seem overwhelming and even frightening, it doesn’t have to be that way. When you die, a will is a legally binding way to ensure everything is handled the way you want. In this blog, we will look at facts about wills and probate that many people are unaware of. Over…