You are not bound by the law to go seeking any legal input when handling the probate process. But it is important to do so when there are specialist probate lawyers how can handle all the hard bits for you.
A grant of probate is the legal permission that executors need to manage to carry out the wishes stated in the will. The executor needs it if they are to collect all that the deceased owned and divide it among the beneficiaries as they wished through their will. They may happen to be also part of the beneficiaries, and still manage to do their job. In cases where there are more than one beneficiary mentioned, the maximum that can apply for a grant are four. They will then approach the matter as a team.
In cases where there are no probate solicitors to facilitate, the executor shall have to go through the probate services to get the grant. For cases where there was no will, there would have to be an application for letters of administration. This shall also be the case where the named administrators are now ready to do what is expected of them. It is expected that you will come with a copy of this letter when you go to the probate office for the grant application. Probate solicitors normally are entrusted with the wills, and so they can give expert probate legal service.
Since there shall be an inheritance tax charged on the estate, some part of it will have to be paid before the grant can be given. The grant can be out before the tax authorities decide how much tax shall be charged on the estate. In case they come up with unfair figures according to you, you need to seek the counsel of a solicitor. A probate solicitor comes with expert knowledge of the inheritance laws and tax issues. You need such a person to manage the complexities of our situation.
The executor may find out that there are many banks and other financial institutions to be approached in the carrying out of their duties. This is how they shall have to carry so many copies of the sealed grant. They cannot work with copies not sealed or photocopies. The executor, therefore, has to determine how many copies shall suffice while applying for the grant. The serviceable rates shall be within the grant application.
When you think of all the intricacies that go with the work of managing such a process, it makes sense to seek professional assistance. A probate solicitor shall handle the process much faster. You will also need them when it comes time to sell the property in the deceased’s estate.
They will also see to it that the inheritance tax amounts is not too high.