Glossary · UK
What is Grant of Representation?
An official court document authorising someone to deal with a deceased person's estate, covering both grants of probate and letters of administration.
Full Definition
A grant of representation is the umbrella term for the official document issued by the Probate Registry that gives a named person the legal authority to administer a deceased person's estate - collecting in assets, paying debts and any Inheritance Tax, and distributing what remains. It takes two main forms: a grant of probate, issued to the executors named in a valid will, and letters of administration, issued where there is no will or no able executor, typically to the next of kin under the intestacy rules. Banks, registrars and the Land Registry usually require sight of the grant before releasing or transferring substantial assets. Applying often requires first reporting the estate's value to HMRC and settling any Inheritance Tax due, since the grant will not normally be released until that liability is dealt with. The grant matters because, without it, an estate's main assets generally cannot be lawfully accessed or transferred. See gov.uk for the current application process and fees.