Date: Tue, 9 Dec 2003 19:15:45 GMT
Newsgroups: uk.finance
From: J L Williams 
Subject: Re: How do we realise the value of these?

The message <9q%Ab.128$iB.3261556@news-text.cableinet.net>
from Ronald Raygun  contains these words:

> No.  The will is just the first step.  If your friend is named in
> the will as executor (and not just as an heir), then fine, otherwise
> (s)he will first need to go to court to be appointed executor.
> Also in the absence of a will this would need to be done, and it
> would normally be one of the main heirs that gets appointed.

> An inventory of assets needs to be compiled and submitted to the
> Inland Revenue, though I suppose this can be dispensed with for
> small estates on which no Inheritance Tax is due.  Once any tax
> has been paid, the IR will give their seal of approval, with which
> you can then go to court to obtain probate.  This is magic authority
> which entitles the executor to approach holders of any funds and
> require them to be released, and similarly it is authority to sell
> or transfer share certificates etc on behalf of the estate.

Thanks for the info, much appreciated.
Jim