What Happens After the Grant of Probate Is Issued?

What the grant actually unlocks

The grant is the legal document that proves you have authority to act for the estate. That authority is what banks, insurers and property professionals often want to see before they’ll proceed.

If you want the basics first, see what probate is.

Closing accounts and collecting funds

After the grant, you usually contact organisations holding assets (banks, investment providers, insurers, pension providers) and provide what they ask for. This is often the grant plus their own forms.

Selling or transferring property

If the estate includes property, you may be selling it, transferring it to beneficiaries, or changing records for joint ownership. A conveyancer can guide the paperwork, but you will normally need the grant if the property is part of the estate.

• Keep the property insured and secure while you decide what to do.
• Coordinate decisions with beneficiaries early (sale vs transfer).
• Keep records of valuations, offers, and sale costs.

Helpful guides: property after death and estate valuation.

Paying debts and tax

The executor/administrator is responsible for settling debts and any taxes due from the estate before distributing to beneficiaries.

Keeping estate accounts

Estate accounts are a record of what came into the estate, what was paid out (debts, tax, fees), and what was distributed. Even a simple spreadsheet can be enough for many estates.

• Record every incoming payment and outgoing payment.
• Keep receipts for fees and property costs.
• Keep notes explaining unusual decisions (for example forced sale costs).

Distributing to beneficiaries (carefully)

Distributions are usually the final stage. Some executors distribute in stages, especially where property is still being sold or tax position is not fully settled.

Frequently asked questions