Do I need a grant of probate?

If someone has passed away and they had assets in their name alone (i.e., assets that were not jointly owned), then in most cases, a grant of probate will be needed in order to transfer ownership of those assets to the person(s) named in the will (the beneficiaries).

A grant of probate is a legal document that gives the executor(s) of the will the authority to administer the deceased person's estate. Without a grant of probate, it may be difficult for the beneficiaries to access the assets that the deceased person owned.

It is important to note that certain assets may be passed directly to the beneficiaries and in these cases, probate is not required, for example joint property, assets in trust and payable on death accounts.

It's a good idea to consult a lawyer or financial advisor to understand the specifics of your case.