You are not bound by the law to go seeking any legal input when handling the probate process. But it is important to do so when there are specialist probate lawyers how can handle all the hard bits for you.
A grant of probate is the legal authorization for an executor to do as the will has instructed. The executor needs it if they are to collect all that the deceased owned and divide it among the beneficiaries as they wished through their will. They may be one of the beneficiaries, which shall not stop them from doing their job. Where there are multiple beneficiaries, only four of them can apply for a grant. They will then approach the matter as a team.
There may be instances when there are not probate solicitors to handle it, leaving the solicitor to go for probate services to get the grant. If there was no written will at the time of death, then the application for letters of administration will take place. The same applies in cases where the named administrators are unwilling to undertake the task. It is expected that you will come with a copy of this letter when you go to the probate office for the grant application. Probate solicitors are normally left with the wills, which allows them to offer expert probate legal services.
Since there shall be an inheritance tax charged on the estate, some part of it will have to be paid before the grant can be given. The grant can be out before the tax authorities decide how much tax shall be charged on the estate. In case they come up with unfair figures according to you, you need to seek the counsel of a solicitor. A probate solicitor knows the intricacies of inheritance laws and tax matters. You need such a person to manage the complexities of our situation.
The executor may find out that there are many banks and other financial institutions to be approached in the carrying out of their duties. They will, therefore, have to have plenty of copies of the sealed grant. There is no one who will accept copies not sealed or photocopies. The executor will, therefore, need to know the number of copies needed when applying for the grant. The necessary rates shall be in the grant application.
When you think of all these duties, you shall see why it is best to turn to professionals. A probate solicitor shall handle the process much faster. They will also prove useful for those who intend to sell property in the estate of the deceased.
They shall most importantly help you get the inheritance tax amounts reduced.