When a person dies having made a Will, then 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 a person dies without making a 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.

Jones Gough Solicitors are experts on all matters relating to Wills, probate and estate management and has a proven track record of dealing with probate issues and difficulties speedily and efficiently.

If you would like any further advice about Wills or estates management, then please contact us on 0161 751 6458 or complete the enquiry form.