Getting probate.

OK. Getting probate*.

1. Get/find the will - it's either with the solicitor or hidden in a cupboard/under the mattress. Then you should identify ALL sources of savings/income - current balances of bank accounts, savings and the like. You also get the house valued. This will give you a value to declare on the probate form. To get the valuation of accounts, you will need to prove who you are and that you are the exector stated in the will...
   
2. ...find an up-to-date utility bill of YOURS (you need this to prove who you are) and any other forms of identity as required.
   
3. Get the leaflet on this from a solicitor and ring the Law Society to get the necessary forms. If the estate isn't going to exceed the current level of inheritance tax then it's all straightforward.
   
4. Fill out the forms, send them off to your local Law Courts with the appropriate fee (about £90 in Dec 2005) and wait for the interview.
   
5. On the day of the interview, take your identity documents to the Court and swear on the New Testament (or other Good Book as required) that you will carry out the executor duties honestly. (Note: Don't go into the Law Courts with a Swiss Army Knife in your pockets like I did - they are not impressed).

When you apply for probate you should ask for about 6 copies. Reason for this is that you'll have to send them off to the Bank/Building Society/Pensions and so on. You will get them back eventually but it saves time if you have more than one.

*Probate is a legal mechanism whereby you take over the deceased affairs and thereby "own" the estate until you distribute it amongst the inheritees. You can inherit wholly/partially/not at all from the will as an exector - it depends what the will says.