The new digital service for grant of probate applications has achieved a 92% satisfaction rating in its first 12 months, according to HM Courts and Tribunal Service.

The service was introduced in July last year to streamline applications by dealing with them centrally at the Birmingham Courts and Tribunal Service Centre. It’s part of a £1 billion reform package for our courts and tribunal services.

Probate is the process by which a person’s estate is administered after they die. It is usually carried out by a spouse, a son or daughter or a close relative with the help of a solicitor. It’s a very important role because everything must be done according to the law and in accordance with the wishes of the deceased.

There are several factors to consider such as did the deceased make a will. There are slightly different approaches depending on whether there is a will.

In most cases, probate or letters of administration will be needed unless the estate is worth less than £15,000 or if it’s jointly owned and passing to a spouse. Your solicitor will be able to advise.

As well as ensuring the deceased’s wishes are carried out, probate will also involve calculating how much their estate is worth and whether there is any inheritance tax to pay.

You may face a penalty if your information about the estate’s Inheritance Tax liability is inaccurate. If tax is due on the estate, you will usually have to pay at least some of it before probate is granted.

Please contact us if you would like advice about making a will or applying for probate.