Probate

[langara]

My husband and I have made a joint will, but get a phone call from our will maker once a year telling us about probate, which I am afraid we don't understand. Do we need probate, and what is it?

[murraymints]

assessment of estate for tax purposes

[murraymints]

https://www.gov.uk/wills-probate-inheritance/overview


and to allow you legal right to deal with estate

[Barmaid]

Probate is the process which you go through after a death. Do not worry about it whilst you are alive.

It may be that probate will be needed but that will depend on the value of your estate. A Grant of Probate (aka a Grant of Representation) is where the original Will and financial details of the estate are sent to the Probate Registry and they confirm the appointment of the executors in a Grant. It is this document which will allow you to adminster the estate.

[woofgang]

Its a very expensive option having a professional person undertake to administer your estate when you die. Is there no relative who could be named....also not sure what you mean by a joint will. Surely a will can only cover one person?

[Barmaid]

You are right Woofgang. You CAN make a joint Will but this is extremely rare. I rather suspect that langara and her hubby have made a Will each in mirror image terms.

[woofgang]

That’s what DH and I did. All to the survivor for the two of us, plus a back up beneficiary who was also the back up executor should we both die together.