When is a Grant of Probate not needed?

• When the deceased's estate is valued at under £5000, and
• The estate does not include land, property or shares
• All assets are held jointly with another surviving person
• Any bank or building society accounts contain less than £5000 each

Types of Grant of Representation

• A Grant of Probate
• A Grant of letters of administration with will annexed
• A Grant of letters of administration (Grant of simple administration)

Grant of Probate
This is where the deceased left a valid will appointing executors who are willing to act and prove the will
A Valid Will
For a Will to be Valid

1. It must be in Writing
2. The Testator must be over 18
3. It must be signed by 2 witnesses
4. Witnesses must sign in the presence of the Testator
5. It must be dated

A Grant of Letters of Administration with Will Annexed
This is where there is a valid Will but one or more of the following applies

• No named Executors
• All the named Executors have already died
• The Executors have renounced their right to act
• The sole Executor is now a divorced spouse
• The sole executor died before taking out the Grant
• The Executors have been cited but refuse to take the Grant
• The Executor applies for their attorney to take out the Grant

A Simple Grant of Administration
This is where there is no valid Will