wills

[adam3132]

Until probate has been granted, who is responsible for the payment of bills including funeral expenses?

[NORMANTHEDOG]

the person in charge of the estate

[Peter Pedant]

so it probate has to be granted, then there is a will and it will be the executors

those dying intestate I think it is the people applying fora grnt of adminninstration

[Barmaid]

If a will has been left appointing executors who are able to act, the will speaks from death and executors can therefore act (if they are in funds to do so) before the Grant of Representation (ie probate) has issued. In all other circumstances, (ie no will, or where there are no proving executors), the administrators should wait until the Grant of Representation has issued before they can formally act since their authority derives from the Grant rather than the will.

[bundleone]

I am almost sure that funeral directors will wait for payment up to a year or until probate is settled.

[dzug]

Strictly speaking, bills cannot be paid until probate is granted.

In reality most banks will release money to pay certain types of bill - eg funeral, IHT. But they don't have to.

[adam3132]

Thanks evey one!

[Sprowston]

You do not mention the size of the estate!

For estates up to �10,000 gross, where there is freehold land or stacks/shares, a grant of probate is not required and executors can act immediately!