How likely is it that a probate record will exist?
An entry relating to the deceased’s estate will only exist if a Grant of Probate or Grant of Administration was required for the purpose of administering the estate. The main purpose for a grant being required is to give entitled persons (executors, next of kin etc.) the authority to deal with the assets and belongings of the deceased. It allows the money in banks, building societies etc. to be collected, property to be sold or transferred and debts to be paid. When an application for probate is made, any Will that the deceased person left must be submitted to the Probate Registry. The Will, if judged to be valid, is thereafter kept on file as a public record. As a general guide and before you request a search please read the following information: If the deceased owned residential property and/or held a bank account, owned shares or had business interests, then it is likely that a probate record will exist. This is because a grant would normally have been required for the purpose of l
