How to apply for a Grant

How do I get a Grant?

The choice is essentially between DIY and Professional help & advice.

We suggest you consider choosing Professional help & advice if any of the following arise:

  1. the Deceased owned property (house, land & buildings) at the date of death, in the UK and which was not held as 'Joint Tenants'. Obtain advice on Conveyancing or Assent but you may be able to obtain the Grant yourself
  2. the Deceased owned any assets abroad
  3. the Deceased was involved in a Sole Tradership, Partnership or Limited Company prior to death. Obtain advice on Taxation matters and if there is uncertainty over valuing the business assets or shares then obtain advice on getting the Grant too
  4. there is no Will and you are unsure who inherits (see Intestacy and Missing Beneficiaries)
  5. there is a Will but it is disputed for any reason (see Inheritance Act Claims and Validity of Will)
  6. the gross estate exceeds the current Excepted Estate level (see Excepted Estates)
  7. Inheritance Tax is likely to be payable
  8. the estate might be insolvent (see Creditors) or the Deceased was an undischarged Bankrupt before the date of death (see Bankruptcy)
  9. there is a Will but some Beneficiaries have died before the Deceased and you are not sure whether their children inherit or the surviving Beneficiaries do so instead
  10. there are assets which may be difficult to sell or protect prior to sale
  11. the lay Executor wishes to protect themselves against claims of mal-administration from Beneficiaries or simply don't have the time or expertise
  12. Trusts (children, charitable or life interest) are established by the Will or under Intestacy

There may be more but if none of these cause a problem, you may be better off by 'doing probate' yourself

Preferred Professionals

If you are in any doubt about what is required of you in administering a deceased estate, we have a list of preferred Professionals which we would suggest you consult... Read more »