Is a grant of representation required?

For low value estates, and estates where most or all of the assets are held as "joint tenants", a grant may not be required.

Low value estates

Typically, a grant of representation will not be required for an estate worth less than £5,000.

A grant may not be needed if the estate is worth more than £5,000, but no single asset is worth more than £5,000. 

For example, a grant may not be required for an estate worth £12,000, with four bank and savings accounts each worth £3,000.

Assets held as joint tenants

A grant is not required for jointly-owned assets held as "joint tenants", including houses and bank accounts. 

However, a grant may be required for jointly-owned assets held as "tenants in common", or assets in the sole name of the deceased. 

See our guide "Do joint tenants need a grant of representation?".

Discretion of the banks and others

In any event, banks and others have discretion as to whether they need to see a grant of representation.

If just one bank or other institution needs to see a grant, a grant must be obtained.

When contacting banks and others, you should ask whether they need to see a grant of representation. If no institution needs to see a grant, a grant is not required.

For this reason, you may not know whether or not a grant is required until you have made enquiries of banks and others and valued the estate.

When is a grant always required?

Amost always, a grant is required if the deceased owned:

1. A house or other land/buildings (unless owned as "joint tenants", see above);
2. Shares; or
3. Certain types of insurance policies. 

What do I do if a grant is needed?

If a grant is needed, the estate must be valued, inheritance tax paid (if any), and an application for grant submitted to the Probate Service. See our guide "How to apply for a grant of representation".

The Probate Wizard will guide you through this process.

Can I use The Probate Wizard if a grant is not required?

An estate must still be dealt with even if a grant of representation is not required. The Probate Wizard will guide you through this process.

It will help you work out whether or not a grant is required. If a grant is not required, you will have the chance to purchase a detailed report of the estate for the benefit of the personal representatives and beneficiaries.