grant of representation

England, Wales

A document obtained from the court to prove the legal authority of the person entrusted to deal with a deceased person's estate (called the personal representative).

A grant of representation is required to enable the personal representative to deal with the deceased person's estate, for example to transfer or sell property or to close bank accounts.

If there is a will appointing a personal representative, he or she is called the executor (sometimes a woman is called the executrix). He or she will obtain a grant of representation called the grant of probate.

If there is no will (or if the will is invalid), the personal representative is called the administrator. He or she will obtain a grant of representation called the letters of administration.

If there is a will, but it does not appoint an executor (or if the executor is unable or unwilling to act), the personal representative is also called the administrator. He or she will obtain a grant of representation called the letters of administration with will annexed.