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In practice, different terms are used, depending on whether or not the deceased person left a will and where they lived. This information covers probate in England and Wales.

Different terms associated with probate

If the person who has died leaves a will

In this case one or more 'executors' may be named in the will to deal with the person's affairs after their death. The executor applies for a 'grant of probate' from a section of the court known as the probate registry. The grant is a legal document which confirms that the executor has the authority to deal with the deceased person's assets (property, money and possessions). They can use it to show they have the right to access funds, sort out finances, and collect and share out the deceased person's assets as set out in the will.

If the person who has died didn't leave a will

If there is no will, a close relative of the deceased can apply to the probate registry to deal with the estate. In this case they apply for a 'grant of letters of administration'. If the grant is given, they are known as 'administrators' of the estate. Like the grant of probate, the grant of letters of administration is a legal document which confirms the administrator's authority to deal with the deceased person's assets.

In some cases, for example, where the person who benefits is a child, the law states that more than one person must act as the administrator.

• What to do if there is no will

If the person who died lived in Scotland

If the deceased person lived in Scotland you apply for a 'grant of confirmation'.

• Find out more about applying in Scotland Opens new window

Personal representative

This is a general term which means executor or administrator.

Grant of representation

This is a general term which includes grants of probate and grants of letters of administration

Is a grant of probate/representation always needed?

When a grant is needed
A grant is almost always needed when the person who dies leaves one or more of the following:

• stocks or shares
• certain insurance policies
• property or land held in their own name or as 'tenants in common'

In most cases above, the bank or relevant institution will need to see the grant before transferring control of the assets. However if the estate is small some organisations, such as insurance companies and building societies, may release money to you at their discretion.

• Meaning of 'tenants in common' Opens new window

• Applying for probate

When a grant may not be needed

A grant of representation may not be needed where:

To establish whether the assets can be obtained without a grant, the executor or administrator would need to write to each institution informing them of the death and enclosing a photocopy of the death certificate (and will if there is one).

Probate and Inheritance Tax

The personal representative won't be granted probate until some or all of any Inheritance Tax that is due on the estate has been paid.

More useful links

• What to do after a death in England or Wales Opens new window

• Registering a death

• Help with PDF files