Marie Tisdale of Ansons Solicitors wills and probate team in Lichfield, Staffordshire, explains: “This is not true”.

Whether grant of probate is needed will depend upon the type and value of your assets.

Generally if the estate only has liquid assets with a value of less than £15,000 the financial institutions will accept a statutory declaration signed by the executors to release the monies due to the estate.

If the liquid assets exceed this, or if there is property or shares then the executors will need to obtain a grant of probate to gain the legal authority to deal with the estate.

For further, please contact Marie Tisdale in the wills and probate team, on 01543 267981 or email mtisdale@ansonsllp.com. Ansons Solicitors has offices in Cannock and Lichfield, Staffordshire.