Probate, Property and Possessions
The person who deals with everything owned by the person who died is known as the personal representative (or executor if they are named as such in the will). If the deceased got a social security benefit or pension, the personal representative should tell Social Security of the death, form BD8 is provided by the registrar for this purpose.
Wherever the death occurs, it is important to find out if there is a will, and if so who the executor is. The will says what should happen to the money, property and possessions (known as the estate). The personal representative is responsible for paying all the deceased’s debts, taxes and expenses, including funeral expenses. They make payments from the estate, not their own savings. Only when these duties are finished can the personal representative share out the rest of the estate.
If you are a personal representative you may have to apply for grant of probate, or if there is no will, letters of administration. This will give you permission to deal with the estate. For more information on how to obtain probate, contact your local probate registry or seek legal advice.
For general enquires phone 0870 241 0109, or more information is available on the Court Service website.
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