Probate and Administration of the Estate
When a person has died in order to administer their estate in most circumstances the Will must be verified by the Court and a Grant of Probate or Administration is required in order to deal with the assets of the estate, especially where property is involved.
Specific documentation is required to be submitted to the Court with information regarding the assets and liabilities of the estate and the beneficiaries under the Will (or according to intestacy if no Will or an invalid Will was left). Certain notices should also be placed by the estate to limit liability of any executor or administrator.
Once the Will has been verified by the Court the assets of the estate can be called in, the liabilities paid then distribution to the beneficiaries. This can be a confusing and complex process with can take anywhere from 6 months to several years, depending on the assets of the estate and any other circumstances which arise such as disputes.