Will, Probate and Solicitors

Managing a will after a death

Murray's Funeral Directors is here to help by offering support and advice for those who have recently lost a family member. Take a look at our advice regarding wills and probate below.

Contact our team in Burton today

Is there a will?

If it is known that a will was made, it is important that the contents should be ascertained as soon as possible after death, as it may contain directions as to the funeral arrangements, etc. This may be amongst personal papers at home or with a bank or solicitor for safe custody. Before the estate left by a deceased person can be realised and distributed among the persons entitled to share it, a GRANT of PROBATE or LETTERS of ADMINISTRATION are usually required.

 

Perhaps the simplest procedure is to instruct a solicitor or bank to act for you. If you decide to use a solicitor or bank to act for you, this will not necessarily involve you in heavy expense and will almost certainly relieve you of many worries. If you decide to use a solicitor or bank manager to obtain the appropriate grant, they will need to see a copy of the death certificate.

 

They will also require such items as:

  • Share certificates
  • Deeds
  • National Savings bank books
  • Savings certificates
  • Premium bonds
  • Pension books
  • Insurance policies (in the name of the deceased)

 

They will also need to have details of any debts that may be owing. You need not worry about paying these immediately. They can be dealt with in time.

Help with a funeral costs
  • Probate

    Where the deceased has left a will, it has to be proved before the Probate Registry of the High Court of Justice, after which the executors named in the will are enabled to administer the estate.

  • Letters of administration

    It may be possible to arrange for your bank or solicitor to act in the administration of the estate where no will has been left. This can be of real benefit to the family faced with complex financial matters.

  • General

    Where amounts are small it is sometimes possible for them to be obtained without making an application for a grant. This applies mainly to assets held by the National Savings Bank, but only where the total net estate does not exceed the current amount set annually and in accordance with the government budget.

  • Applying for a grant yourself

    To make a personal application or make enquiries regarding Inheritance Tax contact the Probate and Inheritance Tax Helpline on 0845 30 20900 who will advise and send out appropriate paperwork. Alternatively, use their web page.

     

    Complete the forms to the best of your ability and send by post together with a copy of the death certificate (from the registrar), any will or written wishes left by the deceased, full details of the estate, i.e. everything possessed by them or due to the deceased like a house, property, cash, bank balances, and insurances. Return the forms by registered post and state at which registry office the interview should take place.

  • Consult a solicitor

    In most circumstances, it is advisable for you to consult a solicitor both to relieve you of many worries and to take control of wills, problems of intestacy, outstanding debts, grants and letters of administration. A solicitor will save you a great deal of unnecessary trouble and eventually save you money. If it is known that a will was made, it is important that the contents be ascertained as soon as possible after death as it may contain instructions regarding the funeral arrangements.

     

    A will may be amongst personal papers, with the bank or solicitor for safe keeping. If a solicitor has been consulted by the deceased in the recent past it is important that you contact them without delay.

Arranging a funeral

If you need help managing a will after a death in the family, speak to the team at your local Murray's branch today for expert advice and support.

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