Probate & Administering an Estate

When a loved one passes away, there’s a lengthy list of tasks to attend to, including the important process of grieving.

So how do you know what to do and where do you start? Who do you need to inform? Who can arrange the funeral? Who can deal with the assets? The answers to these questions depend on several factors, including whether the deceased left a valid will and who their family members are.

What is probate and how does it work?

Probate is the process of administering a deceased person’s estate. This involves distributing any assets to the beneficiaries – after paying off any debts and taxes.

Who is responsible for managing the deceased’s affairs?

The individual, known as an executor, who has been assigned legal authority to manage the deceased’s affairs has the responsibility to ensure compliance with all relevant laws, settling debts, fulfilling tax obligations, and distributing assets to beneficiaries. This is among various other tasks that they should complete; the list can be extensive.

What determines how an estate is administered?

The way in which an estate will be administered will depend on whether the deceased left a will or not. When someone dies without a will this is known as an intestacy.

How we can support you

At Taylor Bracewell, our probate solicitors in Sheffield and Doncaster can help with a wide range of will related questions. For more information, download one of our helpful guides or get in touch with our lawyers in Doncaster on 01302 341414 and Sheffield on 0114 272 1884.

Our Probate Solicitors can support you with the following: