If you’re named as an executor of someone’s Will, you’ll need a legal document called a grant of probate that gives you the right to sort out their affairs.
Proof of probate is often required when dealing with banks and other financial institutions, local authorities, tax and pensions, insurance and , if selling a property, estate agents. In most cases, the relevant institution will need to see the grant of probate before transferring control of the assets.
Probate can be a lengthy process, depending on the size, value and complexity of someone’s estate but it is much easier if that person has made a Will.
If there isn’t a Will, sorting out a loved one’s affairs can become much more complicated, time consuming and costly. Sorting this out at a time when it can be hard to focus can be a daunting prospect and having help can make the process much easier to deal with.