'Probate' is a term commonly used when talking about applying for the right to deal with a deceased person's affairs (called 'administering the estate'), this generally involves proving the existence of a valid will, or if there is no will, determining who will receive the deceased's property and what taxes might be owed on his or her estate.

Download our Estate Planning guide for more information. Please note that although a certain amount of planning can be undertaken by you, gaining the right technical advice from professional advisers is strongly advised.