What is a Grant of Representation?

When someone dies, in order to access assets held with financial institutions, sell assets, and even pay any debts that the deceased held on their death, a legal document known as a Grant of Representation is required.

What are the types of Grant of Representation?

If the person that died left a Will, then this document is referred to as a Grant of Probate.

If the person that died did not leave a Will, then this document would be referred to as a Grant of Letters of Administration.

If the person that died left a Will, but the Will does not appoint an Executor or appoints an executor unwilling or unable to act, then the Grant of Representation is referred to as a Grant of Administration with Will Annexed.

The Grant of Representation will allow the Personal Representatives of the estate to deal with and manage the administration of the estate.

When do I need a Grant of Representation?

Often, a Grant is required in England and Wales when the person who died held properties or assets of significant value in their name. Generally, banks, building societies and other financial institutions require this legal document to release money to the Personal Representatives of a deceased person’s estate. Personal Representatives have the legal authority to administer the deceased’s estate in accordance with their Will or on the application of the rules of intestacy. Here at Johnson Astills, we can provide expert advice to the Personal Representative of an estate to ensure that all steps are taken when administering an estate.  

How do I obtain the Grant of Representation?

To obtain the Grant is a significant step and it is obtained by making an application to the Probate Registry. This may be through an online or a paper application. There is a fee payable to the Probate Registry before they will issue the Grant to the estate.

Our solicitors at Johnson Astills can advise the Personal Representatives and submit an application on behalf of the estate.

If you have lost a loved one and would like some legal advice on how to obtain a Grant of Probate or Grant of Letters of Administration, our expert solicitors at Johnson Astills would be pleased to assist you. For further information, or to arrange an initial fixed fee appointment, please call our Leicester Office on 0116 255 4855 or our Loughborough Office on 01509 610 312, or fill in our free online enquiry form and one of our friendly team members will be in touch.