What is a grant of probate?

A grant of probate only applies to estates where there are executors appointed in a will.

If there is a will but it does not appoint executors, the grant required is a "grant of letters of administration with will annexed".

It is important to understand the difference between an estate with a will and an estate with no will as they are, in some ways, dealt with differently.

When is a grant of probate required?

See our guide "Is a grant of representation required?"

Use of the phrase "grant of probate"

Grant of probate is often used as a catch-all term for all grants. The correct catch-all term is, in fact, grant of representation. The confusion is understandable as we talk about “the probate process”.

If you have been using the wrong term, no harm done! But you might like to be aware of the correct terms when dealing with the probate registry, solicitors and so on.