Wills and probate advice issued by expert

An individual whose friend's will has gone to probate has asked how long it will take before they receive their share of their loved one's assets, as outlined in the document.

The individual also wrote to Thisismoney.co.uk asking why some wills have to pass through probate.

Solicitor Karen Tapp wrote for the news source that the role of the executor named in the will cannot be carried out until a grant of probate has been given.

When this has been done, then they can administer an estate and give the will's beneficiaries the assets that they are entitled to.

However, Ms Tapp pointed out that executors must first find and value liabilities and assets in an estate before they apply for probate.

The executor of an estate will also be required to pay any inheritance tax that is due after they have completed declarations for this. Ms Tapp said that they must pay this tax within six months of a person's passing.

In addition, Country Life said that those with landed estates can reduce how much inheritance tax they pay by coming up with a succession plan as soon as they can and working out how much each loved one will get and how much will have to be paid in tax.

Published by Hannah Carr