A Grant of Representation is the legal document issued by the Probate Registry that authorises one or more individuals to deal with a deceased person’s estate. It confirms the authority to collect assets, settle debts, and distribute the estate according to the Will or, where no Will exists, under the rules of intestacy.
There are two main types:
- Grant of Probate – issued when the deceased left a valid Will and named executors.
- Letters of Administration – issued when there is no Will or no executor is able or willing to act.
The Grant is applied for through HM Courts & Tribunals Service and is generally required when the estate includes property, significant assets, or financial accounts exceeding set thresholds. It forms a critical part of estate administration and protects third parties (such as banks) when releasing funds to the authorised representatives.
Governing Law:
- Administration of Estates Act 1925
- Applied for through the HM Courts and Tribunals Service.
- Required for estates over £5,000 in most cases.
Sources:
Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Probate#Grants_of_representation
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