The death of a loved one is devastating, and unfortunately, because the deceased leaves a lot of things behind, someone close to the person must handle their affairs when they are no longer around.
This person is called the executor or administrator of the estate, depending on whether the deceased has a will.
The handling of the deceased’s financial and legal affairs is referred to as probate. The laws surrounding probate can be complicated and exasperating at times, which is why hiring probate solicitors in Portsmouth will take a load off your shoulders.
Together, you and your lawyer are responsible for a great many tasks, which include, but are not limited to, securing assets, paying bills and debts, and filing documents for the probate registry.
What are the primary roles of my probate lawyer?
You will need a probate solicitors in Portsmouth will take a load off your shoulders.
>probate solicitor to advise on all legal matters relating to the deceased’s will and estate.
Help you to obtain a grant of representation (grant of probate)
If you have been named as the executor and are not sure what to proceed with next, a solicitor will guide you through the process.
You will first need to acquire aprobate solicitors in Portsmouth will take a load off your shoulders.
> grant of representation before you can handle the dead relative or friend’s private affairs.
If your relative has named you in the will, you will need a grant of probate. You can only obtain this grant once you have adequately proven to a third party that you are entitled to this information.
Acquiring this legal document is challenging and often difficult to make sense of. Your lawyer will ensure that you complete all necessary paperwork, have a working understanding of complex legal terminology, and ensure that you meet all your deadlines in time.
Acquiring a grant of letters of administration
A grant of probate is only permissible if the person has died with a valid will. When the deceased does not have a will, the situation is referred to as intestate. Laws of intestacy apply here where the next of kin becomes the administrator of the estate.
You must apply for a grant of letters of administration under these circumstances – your solicitor will compile and draft all the relevant documents for you and submit them to the probate registry for review.
Review the will
Unfortunately, there may be family disputes regarding the will where it may be challenged for various reasons, primarily that the will was drafted under duress. This means that the now deceased, who may have been incapacitated or unwell, was influenced by a family member to modify the will to benefit themselves. The job of the solicitor is to review the will for signs of the above carefully.
Pay debts and distribute assets
As the executor, you need to settle debts and liabilities with creditors, with the help of a solicitor.
What is left over of the estate can be distributed to beneficiaries as desired by the deceased.
Hire a solicitor so you can resolve issues surrounding the will and estate quickly and efficiently.