I've got the grant: what next?

With the grant of representation in hand, most of the hard work is over. You have valued the estate, paid inheritance tax (if any) and successfully applied for the grant.

Now comes the final stage of the probate process. It involves collecting funds, selling assets, paying debts and distributing the estate.

Collecting funds, paying debts, etc.

As a user of The Probate Wizard, your document "Collecting funds and distributing the estate" will guide you through the final stages.

As a brief overview if you have not yet downloaded your document, your next step depends on the type of asset.

Banks, the Land Registry and others will accept an official copy of the grant as proof that you are authorised to deal with the estate.

1. For bank, building society, pension, National Savings & Investment and most other accounts and policies, send a copy of the grant to the institution in question, along with their closure or transfer forms, completed and signed (if do you not already have these forms, you should be able to request them by letter, telephone or over the internet). See our guide “Collecting funds from banks and others”.
2. For quoted stocks and shares and investment portfolios, a broker or fund manager can manage the sale or transfer on your behalf, or you can complete stock transfer forms.
3. For houses and other property, see our guide “Selling or transferring a house”.
4. For debts, including mortgages, you can pay these as soon as you have sufficient funds (there is no need to send the grant).
5. Foreign assets and debts may have to be dealt with overseas, and you may need to obtain legal advice specific to that jurisdiction.