Grants of Representation

The key document to be obtained is the grant of representation. This is the document issued by the Probate Registry (on behalf of the State) which confirms the legal authority of the executors (or administrators) to take the deceased's assets, to dispose of them as required, and to distribute the residue of the estate in accordance with the will.

We advise on all issues arising from grants of probate (the form of authority given to the executors named in the will) and letters of administration (the equivalent document given to the next of kin who are entitled to act when someone dies without a will).

Sometimes the application for a grant of representation can be complicated. There may be doubts about whether a will is valid and effective. A will may not be executed properly. It may be unclear who is entitled to act as executor or administrator. Executors may have died or may refuse to act.

We have significant experience of dealing directly with the Probate Registry on the difficult practical problems that can arise on applying for a grant of representation.

In some cases - e.g. where the sale of an important asset like a house is imminent - it is possible to get the Probate Registry to issue a grant of representation very quickly. We can advise on the procedure for obtaining expedited grants.