A Step-by-Step Guide to Wills and Probate

A Step-by-Step Guide to Wills and Probate explains how to write a simple will, and how to deal with the affairs of someone who has died. This new edition is completely revised and updated, and is written in plain language by authors who have many years’ experience in the probate offices. It explains when you can do things yourself and when you need a solicitor. The subjects covered include:

• Making your will: why do it; how to do it; appointing executors, the different gifts that can be made; how to make sure the will is valid and will be put into effect; examples

• Who may apply for probate: how to work out who, of the relatives and friends left behind, is the one to sort out a deceased person’s affairs. Who inherits if there is no will?

• The estate: making sure that all the property and debts are found

• Inheritance Tax: working out if tax has to be paid, how much, and the arrangements for paying it

• Filling in the forms: essential paperwork, with examples. Will drafting/tax law/court forms and precedents updated to January 2011

• Going to court: the procedure for visiting the probate registry to finalise paperwork

• Administering the estate: collecting together the property; paying the debts, distributing the inheritances