If you have just had a death in the family, you may be wondering what to do and how to deal with their personal affairs. Perhaps the deceased left a Will. What now?
You may be able to apply for a Grant of Representation. This gives you the legal right to deal with a person’s property, money and possessions (their “estate”).
A Grant of Representation is a Court Order made in the Probate Registry which authorises the executor/personal representatives to administer and distribute the assets of an estate.
In most cases, the process is as follows:
Check if there is a Will – this normally appoints someone to deal with the estate. If there isn’t a will, the next of kin can apply.
Apply to get a Grant of Representation – this gives you the legal right to access the person’s bank accounts, investments, pension providers and deal with property.
Pay inheritance tax – this is only paid if the estate is worth over £325,000 and is part of applying for a Grant of Representation – once you have paid any tax due, you can collect the assets.
Collect the assets – e.g. money from bank accounts, investments or the sale of the person’s property.
Pay any debts – e.g. unpaid utility bills.
Distribute the estate – give any property, money or possessions to the people entitled to it (beneficiaries).
Only very small estates (worth less than about £10,000) can usually be administered without a Grant of Representation.