Is it always necessary to obtain a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration?
No. It is often the case that husbands and wives hold their assets jointly and in such cases the survivor of them may take over any jointly-owned assets upon production of the Death Certificate. However, even in such cases, it may be helpful to consult us for general advice first or to deal with any minor assets which are not in joint names. Similarly, it may still be necessary to settle the Income Tax of the person who has died. In many cases it is not necessary to obtain a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration where the estate does not exceed £5,000.00, but even so if there are a number of small assets totalling less than £5,000.00, it may still be swifter and more convenient to obtain a Grant.
