At Confidence Wills, we understand that the terms ‘Probate and Estate Administration can be confusing. That’s why we are here to answer your questions and provide clarity on what these processes entail.
In this short article, we will explain the difference between Probate and Estate Administration.
Probate is a term associated with the ‘Grant of Probate’. This is a legal document that is issued by the Probate Registry after an application has been made following the death of a testator (someone who has made a Will). The Grant of Probate confirms the validity of a Will and it gives the Executor or Administrator authority to administer a deceased person’s estate. It is also referred to as Confirmation in Scotland.
The purpose of probate is to prove who has the legal authority to deal with a deceased person’s estate. ‘Dealing with an estate’ is known as the ‘Estate Administration’. These responsibilities include paying off any debts, settling funeral costs (and other testamentary expenses) and distributing assets to beneficiaries in accordance with the wishes stated in the Will.
Confidence Wills can facilitate the probate process, helping to identify the deceased’s assets, placing a value on them and distributing them according to the Will. Our team can sell assets if necessary and have a responsiblity to act with integrity and professionalism. Confidence Wills has a team of experienced probate professionals who support with this process that are available to help you every step of the way.
As detailed above, Estate Administration is slightly different from Probate. This process involves dealing with all aspects of the deceased’s estate and includes tasks such as gathering assets, preparing accounts for inheritance tax, paying off debts, dealing with any legal disputes over the Will and finally distributing the estate to the beneficiaries. Confidence Wills are also available to help you with this process, ensuring that everything runs smoothly for you.
If you die without a Will, or as it’s more likely, if you’re reading this and a loved one has passed away without a Will, Confidence Wills can still help you. Passing away without a Will is known as ‘intestacy’ and Confidence Wills can help you with the estate administration process, helping to identify the deceased’s assets. You wouldn’t apply for a Grant of Probate in the same way as you would if you died with a Will Instead, Confidence Wills can support you to apply for letters of administration. This document is similar to a Grant of Probate and it will give you the authority to administer the estate of the deceased. Confidence Wills will be able to provide you with more details on this process during a no obligation consultation.
If you’re thinking about dealing with the estate of a loved one, Confidence Wills can provide you with all the information and guidance you need. Our team of dedicated professionals are here to answer any questions, help you avoid pitfalls and perhaps hold your hand through the process. Losing someone dear to you can be a difficult experience, but Confidence Wills will make sure that the probate and estate administration process is as straightforward as possible.
For more information or to book in a free consultation, give us a call at Confidence Wills on 0121 2024714 or complete our contact form on our website.
We look forward to hearing from you soon.