Dealing with the will and estate

(Probate)

If there is a will, the executors are responsible for making sure that what is specified in the will is carried out.

The executors may need to get a grant of probate from the Probate Registry to give them the authority to deal with the estate. If the person who died didn’t leave a will, but had money or property, an application for legal authority to administer the estate should be made to the Probate Registry. The Probate and Inheritance Tax Helpline on 0845 3020 900 can give you details of your local registry, and also give general advice on getting probate.

In Scotland, application for confirmation of the estate, or for the appointment of an executor where there is no will, is made to the local Sheriff Court.

The person who deals with everything owned by the person who died is known as the personal representative (also known as the executor if they are named as such in the will, or the administrator if there is no executor named or no will).