A lady far too young to be thinking about applying for a Grant of Representation attended my office this week, to deal with her own Will.
She had very thoroughly tackled the Probate forms as far as she felt able, in the relatively early stages of grief, following the sudden death of her husband. She hoped that we could finish the forms off together.
I was certainly able and willing to help, but I asked her to pause and tell me why she needed a Grant. We chatted through what assets there are, and what she’s been able to access so far, and the bottom line was, that she almost certainly doesn’t need a Grant.
One big asset for me to double check about, was their home. For £3, I could check Land Registry records instantly, and she left my office knowing she did not have to tackle those forms any more. The cloud was lifted.
Yes, a record should be kept of what assets made up her late husband’s estate, as it’ll be really handy on her own death, particularly when claiming the transferrable Nil Rate Band, but she can now bin the forms, and deal with other pressing things.
If you’re not sure if a Grant of Probate is required, do get in touch and let us help you work through whether one’s needed or not, and why. We’re generally able to work it out together, and we’re genuinely happy to help. If we can lift the cloud for you, we will.
Call Jane on 01727 840 240.