What is a Grant of Probate?
A Grant of Probate is often required to enable you to deal with the assets of a deceased person. If you need any help on obtaining one or general assistance in relation to an estate, please speak to our Private…
What documents do I need to look for before the funeral?
It desirable to find the following documents before the funeral but the funeral can go ahead even if you do not find them: The most recent will of the person who has died, or a copy of it. Any note…
What documents do I need to find before registering the death?
The following papers contain information needed for registering the death: Birth certificate. Marriage or civil partnership certificate. Death certificate of former wife, husband or civil partner. State pension or allowance book. Passport. Even if you cannot find these papers, you…
What documents do I need to find after someone has died?
If the person who has died was living alone in a private home, someone should go to the home on the day of the death to look for papers relating to insurance of the person's home and its contents, preferably…
How do I pay for the deceased’s bills?
Bank accounts and other assets in the sole name of the person who has died are usually "frozen" from the death until the personal representatives obtain a grant of probate or letters of administration. If the person who has died…
What happens is I have a joint account with someone who has died?
If a person is a joint owner of a bank or building society account with the person who has died, then from the time of the death the joint holder automatically owns the money in the account. The account is…
How do I pay for the funeral?
You, or other family members, may be willing to pay the funeral expenses, on the basis that you will claim repayment from the estate later. However, there are other ways of paying for the funeral: Look through the papers of…
Do I have a right to see the will?
Only the executors appointed in a will are entitled to see the will before probate is granted. If you are not an executor, the solicitors of the person who has died or the person's bank, if it has the will,…
How do I find out whether there is a will?
If you cannot find a will (or a copy) in the home of the person who has died, ask the person's bank and his or her solicitors if they know where it is. You can also: Conduct a Certainty Will…
What do I need to take to the register office?
Whoever registers the death should take to the register office: the medical certificate from the doctor; the persons full name at date of death; any names previously used, eg, maiden name; the person’s date and place of birth; their occupation;…