What is Grant of Probate?
If you are named as executor in someone’s will, you have the responsibility of carrying out the terms of their will when they die. This means that you have to look after their property (commonly known as their ‘estate’).
To carry out the terms of the will, you may have to apply for probate, which is the court’s official recognition that:
• The will is legally valid; and
• You are authorised to deal with the estate.
Obtaining a grant of probate means that you are protected as an executor should a person claim that the will is not the last will and testament of the deceased.