Wills and Estate Administration Basics
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Questions and Answers

If a minor is the sole personal representative, how is a grant of probate typically obtained?

  • The minor's guardian is appointed as the representative.
  • A grant is made to the minor immediately, but the minor must obtain a court order to administrate the estate.
  • The minor's parent cannot be appointed as the representative, and a grant de bonis non must be sought.
  • A grant is made to the minor's parents until the minor reaches the age of 18. (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a valid method for obtaining funds to pay inheritance tax before a grant of probate is obtained?

  • Requesting the deceased's bank to release funds directly to HMRC.
  • Applying for a grant de bonis non to access funds. (correct)
  • Selling assets of the estate.
  • Requesting a loan from a beneficiary of the estate.

In what instance might a 'grant de bonis non' be necessary?

  • When a beneficiary is deceased.
  • When an executor dies before administering the estate. (correct)
  • When a minor is the sole personal representative.
  • When inheritance tax has not been paid.

What is the primary document required for initiating a grant of probate application?

<p>The deceased's will. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is TRUE regarding an application for a grant of letters of administration?

<p>It is similar to an application for a grant of probate. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the threshold for a UK domiciliary estate to be considered a small estate exempt from IHT?

<p>£325,000 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios regarding non-UK domiciled estates qualifies for an exception from IHT?

<p>An estate solely of cash equaling £150,000 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key responsibility of Personal Representatives (PRs) concerning the deceased's estate?

<p>To preserve and realize the estate's investments (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What could result from a Personal Representative's breach of duty?

<p>Liability for losses incurred to the estate (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which administrative power is NOT granted to Personal Representatives (PRs)?

<p>To distribute the estate without beneficiary consent (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios requires an affidavit of due execution?

<p>A will with unexecuted alterations, interlineations, or obliterations. (C), A will with no attestation clause but was witnessed by two individuals. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A potential beneficiary objects, believing the deceased lacked mental capacity at the time of the will's execution. What action would they take?

<p>Lodge a caveat against the will. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a citation issued by the Probate Registry?

<p>To compel a person with a prior claim to accept or decline a grant. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When valuing a deceased's estate, which scenario would result in a discounted land value?

<p>The deceased owned the land jointly with their sibling. (A), The deceased owned the land jointly with a business partner. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding the Inheritance Account filed with HMRC?

<p>The account is filed before the grant of probate is issued. (E)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Caveat

A legal document stating that a will doesn't meet legal requirements (e.g., lack of mental capacity of the deceased).

Inheritance Account

A legal document filed with HMRC that shows the value of the deceased's assets and the taxes due.

Inheritance Account Filing

A legal requirement for PRs to file an Inheritance Account with HMRC within 12 months of the deceased's death.

Personal Representatives (PRs)

Individuals responsible for managing the deceased's estate.

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Judicial Review

The process of requesting a judge's decision on the validity of a will or an inheritance account.

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Non-UK Domiciled Estate (Exception)

An estate where the deceased was not domiciled in the UK and their UK assets are solely cash and/or quoted shares totaling no more than £150,000.

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Small Estate Exemption

An estate that does not exceed the Inheritance Tax (IHT) nil rate band, currently £325,000, is termed a 'small estate' and is exempt from IHT, not requiring a formal account.

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Best Interests of Beneficiaries

PRs must act in the best interests of the beneficiaries when making decisions about the estate.

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Estate Transactions (PR Power)

PRs have the right to sell, mortgage, or lease property owned by the estate.

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Grant of Probate

A court order that authorizes a personal representative (PR) to administer an estate, making them responsible for paying off debts and distributing assets to beneficiaries.

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Grant of Letters of Administration

A court order that authorizes a person(s) to administer an estate in the absence of a valid will.

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Inheritance Tax (IHT)

A tax paid on the value of a deceased's estate above a certain threshold.

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Grant to Minor's Parents

A situation where a minor is the sole personal representative (PR) of an estate and the grant is made to their parents until the minor turns 18.

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Chain of Representation

A process where a new personal representative (PR) is appointed to administer an estate if the original PR dies or is unable to continue.

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Study Notes

Wills and the Administration of Estates

  • If the application is for letters with will annexed, the will, of course, must be included with the application.
  • If there is no will, then a will and the will doesn't include an attestation clause, an affidavit of due execution is needed to prove due execution.
  • If the application includes unexecuted obliterations, interlineations, or other alterations, an affidavit is needed to confirm whether each alteration existed at the date of execution (otherwise, they will be presumed to have been made after execution and will be ineffective).
  • If a beneficiary believes that the will may be invalid (for example, due to a lack of mental capacity on the part of the testator), they should lodge a caveat.
  • If the matter cannot be resolved, it may end up with a judge determining the issue.
  • An interested party may ask the Probate Registry to issue a citation to accept or refuse a grant to a person with a prior right to a grant who has not applied, and shows no intention of applying, for a grant.
  • PRS must file an inheritance account with HMRC within 12 months of the decedent's death unless the estate is excepted.
  • A PR will usually file the account sooner because interest starts accruing on taxes owed after 6 months and they can't obtain a grant of probate or letters until the tax has been paid.
  • If the deceased was a co-owner of land at their death, in valuing the deceased's estate, the value of the land will be discounted to reflect the difficulty in selling co-owned land. However, no discount is given if the land is co-owned by a spouse..

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Description

This quiz covers key concepts related to wills and the administration of estates. Participants will explore topics such as the application for letters of administration, requirements for will execution, and challenges to the validity of wills. Test your knowledge on these important legal processes and procedures.

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