What is the difference between a grant of probate and a certified copy

louiseb

What is the difference between a grant of probate and a certified copy, we have sold my late parents house and have been waiting for probate which we now have and a copy has been sent to buyers solicitor they are now asking for a certified copy - what is that and why is the grant of probate not sufficient?  Can anyone advise thanks

getmore4less

A certified copy is one that has been verified to be a copy of an original.

Regular copies are not acceptable in all circumstances.

when you apply for the grant  It is recommended that you get extra originals(in effect certified copies) so you can send them off to those places that need them at the same time rather than waiting for one to come back have a spare in case the others get lost.

We had one come back cut in two by a letter opening machine.

74jax

Think of it similar to sending a photocopy of a Will somewhere. 

It is more likely going to have to be you either show the original, or the person you show the original to, takes a copy and signs to say it is a copy of the original. 

JGB1955

They are wanting to see the piece of paper with the hologram on it - not a photocopy.  If it is a photocopy, they want it to be appropriately certified.

SevenOfNine

Who obtained probate? They have been sent the Grant, may have sensibly asked the probate office for several 'copies' (there's a small charge for extras) & they'll all look the same, ALL will have a round SILVER hologram in the bottom right corner, that is the 'certified' bit.

You can buy extra ones now, but they cost more than buying at the same time as probate is applied for, or you can take one with the silver hologram to a soliciter & ask for a certified copy.

They'll photocopy it, certify it as being a true copy of the original & you can send that.

Marcon

Alternatively the buyer's solicitors could stump up £1.50 and download a copy from https://www.gov.uk/search-will-probate

SevenOfNine

Marcon said:

Alternatively the buyer's solicitors could stump up £1.50 and download a copy from https://www.gov.uk/search-will-probate

Now there's an easy plan if it's classed as (or is) a certified copy. 

louiseb

getmore4less said:

A certified copy is one that has been verified to be a copy of an original.

Regular copies are not acceptable in all circumstances.

when you apply for the grant  It is recommended that you get extra originals(in effect certified copies) so you can send them off to those places that need them at the same time rather than waiting for one to come back have a spare in case the others get lost.

We had one come back cut in two by a letter opening machine.

I did send the original to them with the hologram on it and yes I ordered several copies so I could deal with other items in the mean time so it is the same document I have already will go back to them now thanks

louiseb

SevenOfNine said:

Who obtained probate? They have been sent the Grant, may have sensibly asked the probate office for several 'copies' (there's a small charge for extras) & they'll all look the same, ALL will have a round SILVER hologram in the bottom right corner, that is the 'certified' bit.

You can buy extra ones now, but they cost more than buying at the same time as probate is applied for, or you can take one with the silver hologram to a soliciter & ask for a certified copy.

They'll photocopy it, certify it as being a true copy of the original & you can send that.

Thanks I obtain the Grant and yes I did get copies and paid extra so I have all I need and this was sent to buyers solicitor so not sure what his problem is now I know I will give him a ring -thanks