Probate

[Braniac10]

Can someone please try to explain "in easy terms" what Probate is - under Irish Law. My father-in-law died 15 months ago and his Will is still unsettled. I have now been told my mother-in-law will have to fork out 10,000 to release "Probate". At 86 I dont know where she will find this money - they were not that well-off. If anyone out there in AB Land can explain I would be grateful.

[CheekyChops]

Who told her that?

I can't really explain what probate is but here is a link to a leaflet explaining how to apply for probate in Ireland. It doesn't mention anything about a fee...

[Rollo]

Presumably Irish probate law is similar to the UK law.

Here, if the estate of the deceased owes tax then you are not going to get a Grant of Probate until the tax has been paid.

[Braniac10]

Thanks for that guys. I am a little bit more the wiser now.

Happy Christmas to you both

[Peter Pedant]

and if Irish Law is similar to English law on this point, then transfers between spouses are tax free.

15 months is a long time
it sounds as though nothing has been done

PP