Fathern died - estate under £5000 - does one need letters of administraton or probate?

Question

Fathern died - estate under £5000 - does one need letters of administraton or probate?

Answer 1

You get Letters of Administration if there was no will, a Grant of Probate if there was a will. As to whether you will need either, your first answer is good advice.

Answer 2

You may not need letters of administration.  Some banks and building societies will let you withdraw money and close accounts that have under £5000 in them with production of the death certificate.  

It is up to the individual institution so check with them directly.  Even if there is only £10 in the account they can insist on the letters of administration before letting you deal with the account - hopefully the institution you are using will be reasonable!

Answer 3

It would be best if you went to the Probate office to get the info you require. Was any property left, if so, then you will need probate administration.