Probate & Estate Planning

What is Probate? 

Probate is the word used to mean a certificate granted by the Probate Registry to executors of a Will that allows them to deal with the assets of someone who has died.  

The word probate is commonly, but incorrectly, used interchangeably with other terms, which mean different things. This can be confusing! “Probate” may be used instead of: 

1. Grant of Letters of Administration - a certificate granted by the Probate Registry to people who are inheriting under the intestacy rules that allows them to deal with the assets of someone who has died. 
   
   
2. Grant of Letters of Administration with Will Annexed - a certificate granted by the Probate Registry to people inheriting under the Will, when there is no executor appointed, that allows them to deal with the assets of someone who has died. 
   
   
3. Estate Administration – the whole process of dealing with a deceased’s persons affairs. You can find out more about this process here

Probate, and Estate Administration, both have lots of elements to consider and can be complex. Considerations might be: 

1. What is Estate Administration and what do I need to do?
2. What are the duties of an Executor in a Will? 
3. Inheritance Tax 
4. Frequently Asked Questions about Probate 
5. Our Pricing 

 

What is Estate Planning?  

Estate Planning is planning your affairs before death to ensure that all the documents are in place to ensure that: 

1. The people you want to inherit do so correctly and at the right time 
2. You have protections in place for ensuring long-term family wealth if needed 
3. You have documents in place in case you lose mental capacity 
4. You have a plan to minimise your Inheritance Tax Bill 

 

Find out more about Estate Planning here