Probate

Probate is the legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate. The purpose of probate is to distribute the assets of the estate according to the deceased’s wishes, or in the absence of a will, according to the law.

In the UK, probate is a court process that is overseen by the Probate Registry, which is part of the HM Courts and Tribunals Service. The Probate Registry is responsible for ensuring that the correct legal procedures are followed in administering an estate.

The probate process begins with the appointment of an executor. The executor is the person who is responsible for managing the estate and ensuring that the deceased’s wishes are carried out. If the deceased has left a will, the executor will be named in the will. If there is no will, the court will appoint an administrator to act as the executor.

Once the executor has been appointed, they will need to apply for a grant of probate from the Probate Registry. This is a legal document that gives the executor the authority to manage the estate. In order to obtain a grant of probate, the executor will need to provide the Probate Registry with a range of information about the deceased’s assets and liabilities, as well as details of any beneficiaries named in the will.

The next step in the probate process is to value the estate. This involves calculating the total value of all the assets and liabilities in the estate, including any property, bank accounts, investments, and personal possessions. The executor will also need to pay any outstanding debts or taxes owed by the deceased.

Once the estate has been valued and any debts have been paid, the executor can begin to distribute the assets to the beneficiaries named in the will. If there is no will, the assets will be distributed according to the law. In some cases, the executor may need to sell assets in order to pay debts or distribute assets to beneficiaries.

The probate process can be complex and time-consuming, particularly if the estate is large or there are disputes between beneficiaries. It is important to seek professional legal advice if you are acting as an executor, or if you have any concerns about the probate process.

Here at Tracing Beneficiaries we can assist in all stages of the probate process. We can help with locating assets, locating next of kin and beneficiaires, dealing with disputes between family members and beneficiaires, assisting in gathering evidence for grant application, distrbution of assets and more.

Please contact us for the expert assistance you need !