An Introduction to Probate

When a person dies someone has to deal with the winding up of their estate, i.e. their money, property, other assets etc. The person who will deal with the estate will either be appointed in the will in which case he or she is known as an Executor or if there is no will then an Administrator is appointed (the Administration of Estates Acts 1925 sets out who can act as an Administrator).

It is the role of the Executor/Administrator to collect in all the money, pay all the debts including any inheritance tax due and distribute the estate to those people entitled to it under the will or the Rules of Intestacy. In order for the Executor/Administrator to do this they will first need to obtain what is known as a Grant of Representation from the Probate Registry of the High Court. This is a legal document authorising them to deal with the estate.

Obtaining this Grant of Representation can be a complicated and daunting task especially at a time when you have lost a loved one. However, with our help, the process can be relatively straight forward and quick!

Why Use Gabb and Co

We offer a number of services within our probate department providing flexibility to our clients so that they can decide on the service that suits them best. A good reason to use Gabb and Co is to avoid the additional fees the Probate Registry charge if you make the application for the Grant of Representation personally. It is also important to have a solicitor to advise you if there is a house or other property as you will need a solicitor to deal with the Land Registry for you.

The main probate services we offer are as follows:

1. THE WHOLE ADMINISTRATION PROCESS
This service is for those who want to instruct us to deal with the whole administration of the estate, which will involve us writing to all asset holders, preparing a schedule of assets and liabilities, submitting all the relevant tax forms and probate papers to obtain the Grant of Representation and also distribute the estate. This sounds like the service I need

2. OBTAIN THE GRANT OF REPRESENTATION FOR YOU
If you have already gathered all of the details as to the deceased’s assets and you simply need us to obtain the Grant on your behalf then this is the service for you. Please click the link below which will take you to some further information, and our probate Questionnaire. This sounds like the service I need

3. SUPPORT SERVICE
This enables you to feel confident to apply for the Grant of Representation yourself and only contact us on an ‘as and when’ basis. This sounds like the service I need

By having us involved in the process in whatever capacity you decide, we can also provide you with advice as to inheritance tax planning to include advice on agricultural and business relief which could result in you and your family saving tax in the long run. We can also give specific advice on lifetime estate and nursing care planning.

What Should I do now?

Please click on the link to the page you think suits your requirements as above. If you would prefer to have a preliminary discussion by telephone or would like to make an appointment to see a member of our team please email us on privateclient@gabb.co.uk using our enquiry form and we promise to contact you within 2 working days of receipt.

Contact details

email privateclient@gabb.co.uk
post 32 Monk Street, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire NP7 5NW or Old Bank House Beaufort Street Crickhowell NP8 1AD
fax 01873 857589

If you have any general questions at this stage, you can always telephone us and ask to speak to a member of our Private Client Team on 01873 852432 (Claire Lewis or Dawn Sullivan) or 01873 810629 (Ruth Main)