Before you can wade in and start dividing up someone's estate, you need to get permission from a court. This applies to both Executors and Administrators. You need to apply to a court for a grant of probate. When granted this gives the executor the authority to manage the deceased's estate. Generally to obtain a probate you will need to produce:

• A death certificate or some other proof of death.
• Details of the assets and liabilities.
• The will.

Click here for Probate Information from HM Courts.

If you're in Northern Ireland Click here to download a Probate guide book.