Probate Tips FAQs
Are you handling the affairs of someone who has passed away and need help understanding the probate process?
Read on for the answers to the most commonly asked Probate Tips FAQs.
When someone dies
When someone dies, the first steps you need to take will depend on how and where they died. See our useful guide to find out more.
Choosing a funeral director
The death of a loved one is one of the most upsetting experiences we have to go through. So, when choosing a good funeral director, what should you be looking out for?
Probate & the will
What is Probate? And what happens if you can’t find a Will?
Our brief guide should help put your mind at rest.
Help with funeral costs
Bereavement is, without doubt, a devastating experience that can increase financial strain. If you’re in a position where you can’t afford to pay for a funeral, there are options available and you may be eligible for a Funeral Expenses Payment from the Social Fund.
Simple & affordable probate services
Laurelo are committed to making probate simple, straightforward and affordable. Winners of several awards including Probate Provider of the Year 2022 and 2023 they provide a friendly probate service tailored to your needs.
Who to notify
Having to deal with the affairs of the deceased immediately after their death can be complicated and upsetting, however, sorting out these issues is an essential task that we can guide you through. If you are worried about who to tell when someone has died, our simple checklist will act as a handy guide to help you through the process.
Useful contacts
REGISTRAR’S
Essex Registrar
Tel: 0345 603 7632
Find your nearest registration office when registering a death
Coroner
Essex Coroners Office
Chelmsford: 0333 013 5000
Email: coroner@essex.gov.uk
Essex & Thurrock: 01245 506837
Southend: 01245 506806
Funeral price options
We are pleased to offer a number of price options, which include Unattended Cremation, Simple Cremation, and the Traditional Funeral package.
How to simplify the death notification process
Life Ledger a free, easy-to-use, service helping the recently bereaved inform businesses across the UK of the death of a loved one. Their platform reduces the administrative burden around death and simplifies the death notification process for both the bereaved and the companies they need to inform.
“I was extremely pleased with the way in which I was treated whilst organising my late mother’s funeral. In these very difficult times, I felt that Bennetts and in particular Martyn treated the whole procedure with respect and compassion. It helped a lot. Thank you.”
Mrs O
from South Woodham Ferrers
Applying for Probate, What’s Involved?
Probate is the legal process of managing a person’s estate after they die. It can be time-consuming and complex, especially during an already emotional period. Essentially, probate grants legal authority to deal with the deceased’s estate.
What Does Probate Involve?
- If there’s a valid Will, the Executors handle the estate. They will need to apply for a Grant of Probate to access assets like property, bank accounts, and shares.
- If there’s no Will, or the Will is invalid, the process involves applying for a Grant of Representation, and the estate is distributed according to the Rules of Intestacy.
Do I Always Need Probate?
Not always. If the estate is small (under £10,000) and doesn’t include property or large assets, probate may not be necessary. However, for larger estates, probate is typically required.
Probate Administration Company vs. Solicitor:What’s the Difference?
- Solicitor: Best suited for larger, more complex estates with potential legal complications. They offer expert legal advice but may charge higher fees based on time spent.
- Probate Administration Company: Ideal for those who want a fixed-cost, straightforward solution. They often provide a hands-on, compassionate approach and can handle everything for you from start to finish, making the process easier and more cost-effective.
Need Help?
You can either apply for probate yourself or work with a friendly, professional team whose job it is to make the probate process smoother.
Call Laurelo’s FREE ADVICE line on 020 3058 2329 or visit www.laurelo.co.uk
Bennetts Independent Funeral Directors are pleased to work with Laurelo. Any commissions earned are used by Bennetts to support our working with the community and local charities.