Wills and Probate:
A guide to Bereavement

When someone passes on there are many arrangements and decisions to be made at this most distressing time.

The aim of this guide is to help you with the administrative and financial issues you may have to consider when someone dies. The following information is in the order you will need it after a death, so you can understand and deal with these necessary actions in the relevant order.

In the first few days:

• Register the Death.
• Arrange the funeral.

In the first few weeks:

• Deal with the will.
• Sort out what happens to the estate if there isn’t a will.

In the next twelve months:

• Obtain a Grant of Representation if one is required.
• Consider the family’s financial situation as a whole – would it be appropriate to make a Deed of Variation?
• Administer the Estate according to the terms of the will, intestacy or Deed of Variation.
• Make or review your own will.

We are happy to assist or guide you at any stage through the complex and complicated area of administering the estate and reduce the pressure and worries of being personal representatives or indeed with making or reviewing your own will.

Please contact Marsha McClean-Anderson on 020 7354 3000 or email marsha.mcleananderson for advice and help.