Your Guide to Understanding the Basics of Probate in Harlow

Bereavement is already enough for you to feel miserable. Thus, adding piles of document work or doing something complicated such as a probate can make you feel worse even more. The safest and most convenient way to handle the probate process is to consult one of the best probate lawyers in Harlow town of Essex County. However, doing your homework will help you know what exactly you need, who you should connect with, and if you are being misled. This guide on probate services in Harlow will help you develop a basic understanding of what you are dealing with when applying for probate.

 

What exactly is probate?

Probate is a legal document that shows that you have the legal authority to manage the estate, resolve claims, and distribute assets of a deceased member. It comes under the administration category and is the first legal thing you need to get. Thus, when it comes to managing the inheritance of a deceased person, your priority is to get the grant of probate.

 

Then, what is a Will?

A will refers to the legal record which states the choices and wishes of a person regarding how their house and assets which he/she owns will be distributed after they pass away. A will needs a minimum of one executor and that executor is responsible to handle the estate as per the will.

 

Is it necessary to proceed through probate if there is a will?

Only those wills are required to proceed through probate where you need to switch the ownership of the assets from the deceased to the living beneficiary.

 

Can one have probate without a will? Can I do it myself?

Yes, you can have probate with or without a will. And yes, you can do probate all by yourself but it requires time and effort and also the knowledge of how to do it correctly. It takes anywhere between 6 and 9 months and may need you to devote at least 80 hours of work.

 

Also, remember that when the probate gets delayed, other issues can also arise which can make the process even longer. You may face complications, especially if the will is argued or the deceased member failed to keep the proper record of all of his/her belongings. So, even if you are doing probate yourself, at least you should consult with a probate lawyer in Harlow for guidance to ensure that you are doing it the right way.

 

The process of probate includes estate valuation, gathering information about the deceased bank accounts and insurance policies, completing the Probate application and other forms if necessary, tax payments, etc. Besides, you might even need to attend a probate interview to affirm that you have submitted only accurate information and documents.

 

The probate process starts when you file the probate petition with the probate court for reasons, such as to admit the will to probate and appoint the executor. In case there is no will, you will fill it to designate an administrator of the estate.

 

If you need to file a probate petition or want to know whether or not you need a probate in your particular case, we highly recommend seeking expert guidance of probate lawyers in Harlow.