It’s a sad topic, but a very essential one, when considering what happens to someone’s belongings and property when they die. Handling this process is known as probate. Getting legal assistance through the probate process can save you time, effort, and stress in what is already a very difficult period.
What do you need to know about probate?
Probate is, as mentioned, the act of handling what happens to someone’s estate after they die. To be able to do this, you’ll need a “grant of representation”, which is a legal document proving your right to handle the estate’s administration. If there is a will, the executor of the estate will be the one who has to apply for the grant of probate. If there is no will, next of kin will have to apply for a grant of letters of administration. This process can take four to eight weeks and is covered in detail on http://waymanandlong.co.uk/new-services/estate-planning-probate/
What is involved in probate?
Probate deals with the administration of the deceased person’s estate. This can include a number of things, including the transition of title or sale of property, division of assets, or the repayment of debtors if debt was owed at the point of death. The probate process is different for every single person.
The process starts by getting a clear and complete assessment of the estate’s assets. This includes any property, possessions, or money in current/savings accounts. After that, any outstanding debts need to be settled. Following this, the remaining assets can be divided according to the conditions of the will, if present.
Why might you need legal assistance?
Legal assistance through the probate process can be invaluable. The first thing to acknowledge is that the death of someone is always difficult to deal with, and someone handling a person’s probate was likely to have been close to them. Probate requires a clear head, which can be difficult while simultaneously grieving.
A probate specialist will be able to guide a person step by step through the probate process. They will also be able to help fill in any forms that are necessary, which can be a lot during the application for a grant of representation. They can also help by offering advice and guidance on the best ways to evaluate the estate’s assets, and how to best approach any debts that are still owed. This ensures the probate process is handled in accordance with the law, eliminating the risk of further issues.
Making an investment in peace of mind
For many, investing in professional probate legal advice is an investment in their ongoing peace of mind. It ensures they have a helping hand to guide them through the potentially complicated probate process, ensuring no stones are left unturned and no unpleasant surprises are encountered. The grieving process is hard on everyone, and dealing with complicated legal requirements can be daunting during this time. A probate specialist can help demystify the entire process through to completion.
When dealing with probate, consider investing in specialist legal help. It will give you peace of mind, and make the process as stress-free as possible.
