Probate legal advice and help
If someone in the family has died, we are here to help and this page offers some free advice to guide you in the actions you now need to take.
Firstly call your local funeral director to make the funeral arrangements, check the Yellow Pages for a firm close to your home. Don't forget to check with them how much it is all going to cost before you agree.
Contact your local Registrar of Birth Deaths and Marriages to register the death. They are very helpful and knowledgeable, they will assist you on all aspects of this. When they ask you how many copies of the death certificate you need, ask for at least half a dozen because they will be needed later when you register the death with banks, building societies and the like. Only an original certified death certificate will be acceptable to them.
Check whether there is an original Will or if there is not an original Will any letters or indeed any other document that was left indicating what was supposed to happen to the assets. Obviously an original Will is best but if you can only find a copy that will do until you take further advice. You may find that no Will was left and so this will be an intestacy where the assets are divided according to law.
When you are looking for the Will don't forget that it is most often lodged with the family solicitor who should be contacted straightaway.
You need to find out who the Executors are, if there is an original Will. If there is no Will, whoever is going to deal with all the formalities because that person will be "the Administrator" of the Intestacy and will carry out all the actions and responsibilities of the Executor.
When you find the Will and if you see that you and perhaps someone else are the Executors you are in charge and you may wish to instruct solicitors to advise you on your responsibilities and carry out all the necessary work. If you would like us to act for you then we would pleased to do so. May we suggest that you call Martin Cray or Joe Pullen on 01273 673226. Emails are checked at weekends so during the weekend we suggest that you email mcray@martincray.co.uk.
