What is Probate?
Probate is the legal process that gives someone the authority to deal with a person’s estate after they die. If the deceased left a Will, the named executor must apply for a Grant of Probate, which confirms their right to manage the estate. If there is no Will, a relative can apply for Letters of Administration, and the estate will be distributed according to the rules of intestacy. Probate is often required to access bank accounts, sell property, or transfer assets, particularly where the estate is of significant value.
What is Estate Administration?
Estate administration is the broader process of managing everything the deceased owned, owed, and was entitled to. This includes collecting in assets, paying off any debts, calculating and settling Inheritance Tax, and distributing what remains to the correct beneficiaries. It also involves dealing with financial institutions, government bodies, and possibly the sale of property. Whether or not probate is required, estate administration must be carried out thoroughly and in accordance with the law.