Expert answers wills and probate question

An expert has answered one person's wills and probate question.

Tricia Williams, business writer for the Mirror, responded to one reader, who wrote to the news source and said that they were handling their recently deceased father's estate.

They said that they were unaware of what is probate but had been told that they should apply for it.

Ms Williams responded by saying that this legal term encompasses the official forms that administrators or executors of an estate receive so that they can handle the affairs of a deceased person.

It also refers to an application that a person makes to become the administrator or executor of an estate.

Ms Williams also urged those dealing with an estate of a deceased person to "seek help if they don't understand". They could find this assistance in the form of probate solicitors.

In addition, Ms Williams said that those who have lasting power of attorney over an elderly relative should still obtain probate after they pass away.

Published by Hannah Carr