Money Box Live: Probate

BBC Radio 4's Money Box Live

Wednesday, 30 June 2010 at 1502 BST on Radio 4 and Online

When a loved one dies many people may find themselves cast in an unfamiliar role - as an executor of the will.

While solicitors and other professionals will undertake the work it will not prevent the executor from having to deal with the paper gathering and preparatory activity.

The role of the executor usually involves doing four key things - establishing the value of the deceased's estate, obtaining authority from the Probate Registry to administer the estate, paying any inheritance tax due and, finally, distribute the balance of the estate to those who are entitled (the beneficiaries).

Obtaining probate can be straight forward but it can equally prove to be a time consuming, expensive and daunting experience during an already stressful time.

Have you been made executor of a will?

Are you encountering problems obtaining probate?

Is it proving to be an expensive process?

What happens when a will wasn't left?

Have you been involved in a dispute over a will?

Whatever your question the panel were ready to help.

Paul Lewis was joined by:

• Alan Barr, Partner, Brodies and Director of Legal Practice at University of Edinburgh

• Nicola Plant, Partner, Thomas Eggar

• Christine Green, Partner, Veale Wasborough Vizards

Presenter: Paul Lewis
Producer: Ben Carter