Probate is part of the legal process for dealing with a person's estate after death. Where there is a valid will and an executor able to act, a grant of probate confirms the executor's authority through the probate process. Where there is no will, or other circumstances apply, a different grant may be needed.
The grant is an important step, but it is not the whole administration. Collecting information, paying liabilities, resolving queries and transferring assets can continue after it has issued.
Does every estate need a grant?
Not necessarily. The answer depends on the assets and the requirements of the organisations holding them. Some assets may pass outside the estate, while a bank may have its own procedure for a small balance. Property and larger or more complex holdings commonly require more formal steps.
Do not rely on another family's experience as a universal rule. Two estates of similar value can have different requirements because the ownership and assets differ.
What information is needed?
The person applying will need to establish the estate's assets and liabilities and obtain the relevant values. The original will, death certificate and required Revenue and Courts Service documentation form part of the process, depending on the circumstances.
The Courts Service explains the application routes and current forms. A personal application may be possible in suitable cases, while disputes, missing documents, foreign connections or other complications can make legal assistance necessary.
What happens afterwards?
The executor or administrator must deal with the estate responsibly, including debts and taxes, before distributing the remaining assets to the people entitled. Beneficiaries may also have their own inheritance-tax obligations.
A grant does not remove every possible issue. The will may need interpretation, an asset may be difficult to sell or a claim may require attention. Completion dates should therefore be treated with care rather than promised simply because an application has been lodged.
If you are planning your own estate, you can make the future work easier by keeping a clear asset record, choosing a suitable executor and storing the signed original will safely.
Making a will does not necessarily avoid probate. Its value is that it records your chosen arrangements and gives the people administering the estate a clearer starting point.
Sources and further reading
General information, not advice on your individual circumstances. Laws and tax rules can change; check the linked official guidance and obtain professional advice where needed.