Grants of Probate

You need to apply for a grant of probate when someone has died as it gives authority for the deceased assets to be released and confirms you are the person entitled to deal with the estate, including the distribution of any assets. The executors in the will are the people who are authorised to deal with a deceased’s estate, but they need a grant to confirm that they are the person entitled to deal with estate. If no will has been left, there are rules to follow which clarifies who is entitled to act. This is explained in more detail under ‘Letters of administration’.