my sister, myself and mum own a third of my mothers property valued at �140,000. My mother has unfortunately passed away leaving a will stating that her third share should be left equally to my sister and myself. Do we have to go to probate?
Probate is the process of �proving� the will to be genuine and issuing permission for the executor(s) to distribute the estate.
All wills have to undergo such a process (although I believe - but have not checked - that those leaving under �5,000 are exempt).
The probate office ensures that any Inheritance Tax is duly paid before granting probate. Then it is up to the executor(s) to distribute the estate according to the will.