Frequently Asked Questions: Probate

Probate is the legal process of administering someone’s estate after they die. It involves proving in court that the deceased person’s will is valid (if they had one) and then distributing their assets according to their wishes or the laws of intestacy if there is no will. Read More

The person responsible for handling probate is usually the executor named in the deceased person’s will. If there is no will, or if the named executor is unable or unwilling to act, the court can appoint an administrator to handle the process. Read More

The length of the probate process can vary depending on the complexity of the estate, but it typically takes between six and twelve months. Read More

The cost of probate can also vary depending on the size and complexity of the estate, as well as the fees charged by the executor or solicitor handling the process. In general, it can range from a few hundred to several thousand pounds. Read More

Generally, any assets that were solely owned by the deceased person are subject to probate. This includes property, bank accounts, investments, and personal possessions. Read More

If there is no will, the deceased person’s assets will be distributed according to the laws of intestacy. This means that their spouse or civil partner, children, and other close relatives will inherit in a specific order of priority. Read More

Probate can sometimes be avoided if the deceased person’s assets were held jointly with someone else, if they had a living trust, or if their estate was below a certain threshold. However, in most cases, probate is necessary to legally transfer ownership of the deceased person’s assets to their beneficiaries.  Read More