Do not 'ignore the probate process'

A person who specialises in wills and probate matters has said that people who have a loved one who has recently passed away should make sure that they do not ignore the probate process.

"Many people, especially on the first death of a couple, do not think that anything needs to be done," Helen Hill, general manager at the Society of Will Writers (SWW) Trust Corporation, said.

She added that this can indeed be the case in some circumstances, but said that if people do not act they can find themselves dealing with adverse tax consequences and complications in the future.

In addition, Ms Hill said that professional advice will be required for the executors of an estate if a will contain trusts.

She said that professional help should also be sought when there is a tax liability or a person's estate is complicated, and that people should shop around when seeking this service.

Furthermore, may experts have advised people to use professional services rather than using a DIY will writing kit, as such a product could create problems further down the line that experts in the field will need to rectify.

Published by Hannah Carr