Do I need a grant to deal with the estate?
This will depend on the value of the estate, how the assets are held and who they are held with. If you notify the asset holders of a person’s death, they will usually be able to tell you if a grant is needed for that specific asset.
When can we sell the property in a person’s estate?
Contracts for sale cannot be exchanged until a grant has been issued, but you can market the property before this. However, the time it will take to obtain a grant can vary significantly depending on the type of application that is needed, so it is recommended that you seek advice before marketing the property. Also, there are some occasions where a grant may not be needed; we can advise you if this is the case.
Will I have to sell my property to pay for my care?
Under the current charging for care guidelines, if a person receives care in their own home – or if they move into a care home and their spouse continues to reside in the property - the value of their home is disregarded. However, if their spouse dies, the share of the property owned by the person receiving care will usually be brought into account for care fees. The rules around paying for care are complex so tailored legal advice is strongly recommended.