Probate: A Quick and Simple Guide

1 What Is Probate?

• Probate grants the legal right to manage the deceased person’s estate.

• It involves accessing funds, sorting finances, and distributing assets.

• You should not make financial plans or put property on the market until you’ve obtained probate.
  

2 When Is Probate Needed?

• Check if probate is needed by contacting the financial organizations the deceased person used (e.g., their bank and mortgage company).

• You may not need probate if the person who died:

• Only had savings.

• Owned shares or money jointly with others.

• Owned land or property as ‘joint tenants’ with others.
  

3 Applying for Probate:

• Value the estate and estimate whether there’s Inheritance Tax to pay.

• Executors named in the will can apply if there’s one.

• If there’s no will, the closest living relative can apply.
  

MDW Solicitors Can Help:

• At MDW Solicitors, we specialize in private client work, including probate, wills, and estate planning.
  

Contact us for professional advice and assistance:

• Address: 1 Chalfont Park, Gerrards Cross, SL9 0BG

• Email: debrawilliamson@mdwsolicitors.com

• Phone: 01753 299466
  

 Let us guide you through the process!