What is a Grant of Probate?

The terminology can be confusing but a Grant of Probate is the legal right to dispose of the property, money and possessions of someone who has died.

Actually, a Grant of Probate is just one of three legal documents called Grants of Representation, which give you the authority to deal with a dead person’s estate.

Still with me? The document is only called a Grant of Probate if an executor named in the will is carrying out the task. If no executor was nominated in the will or if the executor has died or is not willing or able to act, it’s called a Letter of Administration with Will Annexed. And if there was no will or the will has been declared invalid, it’s a Letter of Administration. Phew!

But there’s more. The umbrella term for a person dealing with an estate is a Personal Representative. You are only an executor if you are named in the will. Otherwise, you are an administrator.

If you are still baffled by these terms, give Heritage Will Writing a call on 02380 879243 and allow the experts to guide you through the legal minefield.