Information about Will and Testament and Probate by Keoghs, Nicholls, Lindsell and Harris LLP

KEOGHS, NICHOLLS, LINDSELL AND HARRIS LLP Solicitors have kindly provided some useful information about Will and Testament and Probate.

What are the key reasons for having a valid will?

• Control over who you would like to act as your Executors and who will manage your affairs and handle your estate in accordance with your will.
• Certainty as to who will be appointed as legal guardians for your children.
• Control and more certainty over who your money, property and possessions will be passed to.
• Financial security for your children and family members.
• Reduce inheritance tax liability, for example gifts to charities, or making use of all available reliefs.

What happens when a person dies without leaving a will?

• When a person dies without a will in England and Wales, they are known to have died intestate. Their estate is divided in accordance with the laws of intestacy.
• This means that if you die without leaving a will, your money and property may be distributed in a way or to someone you wouldn’t have chosen.
• This may cause issues to loved ones, especially for unmarried couples or long-term cohabitees as they will not inherit anything from your estate unless you included them in a will.

What is a Grant of Probate?

• A grant of probate is a legal document from the court that gives the person named as executor in a will the official go-ahead to deal with the deceased person’s estate.
• When it’s needed: Probate is usually required if the person who passed away owned significant assets in their own name—like a house or big savings accounts.
• Who applies: The executor (or executors) named in the will are the ones who apply for probate.
• What it lets them do: With a grant of probate, the executor can:
• Access the deceased’s bank accounts
• Sell or transfer property
• Pay off any debts or taxes
• Share out the assets to the people named in the will

Obtaining legal help at such a difficult time can help make the process easier, especially if the estate is complicated.

Keoghs, Nicholls, Lindsell and Harris LLP Solicitors have offices in Stockport and Altrincham.

keoghssolicitors.co.uk

Disclaimer
The information provided here, and the mention of any service, product or business in this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. We do not claim ownership of the information, guidance and/or advice contained within this piece.

Links to external, third-party websites are provided for convenience only and do not imply a recommendation or endorsement of the views, content, products, or services expressed within them.

We are not responsible for the content, reliability, accuracy or availability of the information provided within this piece or on the website. 

All original content provided is the property of the creator and is protected by copyright law. 

Jonathan Alcock and Sons Ltd and George Hill Funeral Directors are not affiliated with or sponsored by any of the entities referenced.