Wills & Probate

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Dealing with Wills and Probate

After a person dies, someone must deal with their money, property and possessions (which are jointly known as their Estate). The deceased person’s taxes and debts need to be paid, and their money and property must be distributed to the people entitled to it.

If the deceased person left a will, the person who deals with the Estate is called the deceased person’s Executor. Otherwise, they are called an Administrator. An Administrator must usually be appointed by the court before they can deal with the deceased person’s Estate.

‘Probate’ is a term commonly used when talking about applying for the right to deal with a deceased person’s affairs (called Administering the Estate). If the deceased person left a will, one or more Executors may be named in the will to deal with the person’s affairs after their death. The Executor applies for a ‘grant of probate’ from a section of the court known as the probate registry.

The Grant is a legal document which confirms that the executor has the authority to deal with the deceased person’s assets (property, money and possessions). They can use it to show they have the right to access funds, sort out finances, and collect and share out the deceased person’s assets as set out in the will.

If there is no will, a close relative of the deceased can apply to the probate registry to deal with the estate. In this case they apply for a ‘grant of letters of administration’. If the grant is given, they are known as ‘administrators’ of the estate. Like the grant of probate, the grant of letters of administration is a legal document which confirms the administrator’s authority to deal with the deceased person’s assets.

In some cases, for example, where the person who benefits is a child, the law states that more than one person must act as the administrator.

In some cases the administration of an estate can be relatively straightforward, but equally it can become complex, and in those circumstances you may find it helpful to seek specialist advice.

For that reason, we are happy to work in conjunction with Glanvilles Solicitors in Fareham, who are experts in the administration of estates, whether the deceased has died leaving a will or not.

Like Freemantles, Glanvilles is a long established company, having been founded in 1884 and having evolved over the passage of time to the firm they are today.

Although certain aspects of estate administration are procedural, every estate is unique and so Glanvilles pride themselves in offering a bespoke service. Some clients instruct them to deal with the administration in its entirety, while others prefer to deal with certain aspects themselves so that the administration becomes more of a team effort.

Where Glanvilles are instructed to deal with an estate in its entirety, their charges are calculated on the basis of the time they are required to spend. Their hourly rates depend on the level of qualification and experience of the professional concerned, which will be dictated by the complexity of the matter.

We appreciate it is difficult for this to mean very much to you in the absence of a discussion about your personal circumstances. It is for this reason Glanvilles offer an initial free no obligation consultation.

However, if you already know that you would like to deal with the majority of aspects yourself, the fee for simply obtaining the Grant of Representation starts from £750 plus vat.

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