If you have decided that you need probate, the offices that issue grants of probate or letters of administration are referred to as probate registries. The London probate registry which is situated in the centre of London, is one of the additional Probate Registries that are now operational.
A rundown of how the
probate process works
Your initial step should
always be to look into whether the decedent left a will. One of the problems is
the lack of a central wills record. The deceased person's estate must be
administered in line with intestacy rules and the next of kin in the absence of
a will.
List all of the
decedent's possessions and obligations
Depending on whether a
will exists, submit an application for a grant of letters of administration or
a grant of probate. Once appointed, the executor or administrator has the
authority to handle the estate, including accessing the decedent's assets and
gathering funds to settle debts. If there is any inheritance tax that must be
paid before the award of probate, the issue of an agreement, or the receipt of
clearance from HMRC.
Once the Grant of Probate
has been issued, the assets of the estate may be dispersed in accordance with
the testator's will or the intestacy statutes and the debts of the estate may
be paid.
Will I need to get probate?
Probate is not usually
necessary in all situations. If the deceased had assets under £15,000, the
majority of banks will release the assets subject to the completion of a small
estates form. Similarly, property held in joint names is shielded from probate.