What is Grant of Probate?

Grant of Probate is a legal document issued by the Probate Registry that confirms an executor has the legal authority to deal with the estate of someone who has died. It gives the executor permission to access bank accounts, sell property, settle debts, and distribute the estate according to the will.

When is Grant of Probate required

Most banks and financial institutions require Grant of Probate before releasing funds over a certain threshold. This threshold varies by institution but is typically between five thousand and fifty thousand pounds. If the estate includes property that needs to be sold, Grant of Probate is almost always required.

When is Grant of Probate not required

If the estate passes entirely to a surviving spouse or civil partner, if all assets were held jointly, or if the total estate value is very small (typically under five thousand pounds) probate may not be required.

When there is no will

If the deceased did not leave a will you will need to apply for Letters of Administration instead of Grant of Probate. This works in a similar way but is issued to an administrator rather than a named executor.

How long does probate take

A straightforward probate application typically takes between nine and twelve weeks from submission. Complex estates or those with inheritance tax considerations can take significantly longer.

How SafeKept helps with probate

SafeKept stores all the documents and account information your solicitor needs to apply for probate, including estimated values, account numbers, and policy documents. This reduces the time and cost of the probate process significantly.