Probate in Cardiff is a legal process which occurs when an individual who's responsible for the estate of a deceased person is issued a legal document called the grant of representation which is distributed by the probate registry. Three common types of grants of administration are probate, letters of administration without a will, and letters of administration with a will. Letters of administration are issued when a will exists but no executor is designated or cannot serve. In the event that no will exists, or an existing will is somehow invalid, letters of administration are issued.
Laws dictate who may receive a grant. Executors named in a will receive a grant. The person who receives most of the property of the estate is entitled to a grant, if no executor is designated in the will. If there is no will, next of kin should apply for a grant. Anyone under 18 years old may not receive a grant.
The grant serves as evidence that the individual named in the will may collect money from the deceased's estate. Businesses holding money in the name of the deceased must know the true person to turn over the money to. A grant appoints the correct people to distribute the estate. The remaining estate when a person dies in Cardiff passes on to those in the will. If no will is available, the deceased's estate passes on to his or her next of kin.
Sometimes a grant is not necessary in Cardiff. Ask the company holding the deceased's funds whether they will turn it over to you without a grant. A company may release the money without a grant if the money being held by the organisation is small such as an insurance company. A house jointly owned does not require a grant as it passes on to the next of kin. A grant is necessary in order to sell or transfer property held in the deceased's name.
Will executors often find themselves with many legal questions regarding grants. If the deceased left behind no will, it is advisable to consult a probate specialist to protect your rights. If you have no family and are preparing a will, you may want to appoint a probate specialist to be your executor. If you are uncertain as to whether or not you require a grant, contact a probate specialist in Cardiff.
More on Probate in Cardiff