Probate

Probate is the legal process that happens after someone dies to deal with their money, property, and possessions otherwise known as their estate.

• Confirms a will is valid (if there is one)
• Appoints someone to manage the estate (called an executor if named in a will, or an administrator if there isn’t one)
• Ensures debts and taxes are paid
• Distributes what’s left to the beneficiaries

Without probate, you may not be able to:

• Access bank accounts
• Sell property
• Transfer ownership of assets

There is an application fee for probate, which can be found here Applying for probate: What is probate – GOV.UK