Applying for Probate for an Adopted Person

Beanynut2

Probably the first of many questions! 

I’m just about to apply for probate for my recently deceased, adopted son. 

I understand I need to obtain at least 6 copies of his birth certificate - but these are in his birth surname not adopted surname - do I need to order 6 copies of his adoption certificate too?

thank you in advance

Flugelhorn

I am sorry to hear of the loss of your son.

I really don't think you need birth certs? usually need one copy of the death cert for probate and perhaps some more to show / send to other instiutions.

Keep_pedalling

Why do you think you need birth certificates? I don’t think you need one let alone 6. 

Keep_pedalling

Do you actually need probate? In your precious thread you indicated that he had little in the way of assets.

user1977

Who is asking for birth certificates? Not sure why you'd need one.

Beanynut2

 Thanks everyone - I’ve got the info from the government probate pages. I think I need to apply for probate because I’m not his spouse or joint owner of his assets and the government page suggests using www.moneyhelper.org.uk - which says to get 6 copies of his birth certificate.

And yes I suspect he will have more debt than assets.

I’m a complete newbie to this, so welcome any advice and guidance.

poppystar

It’s quite worrying that they suggest you need six copies of any certificate. I have never had to provide birth certificate or marriage certificate as they also suggest. I can’t  even remember being asked for a physical death certificate just the number on the certificate. If you are going to go ahead and administer the estate eventhough you think debts will be larger than assets then I suggest you contact the bereavement lines if wherever he had accounts and ask what they will require. You do not have to administer the estate and if you think it will be debt heavy then, although it may feel strange, walk away from it. 

Flugelhorn

Beanynut2 said:

 Thanks everyone - I’ve got the info from the government probate pages. I think I need to apply for probate because I’m not his spouse or joint owner of his assets and the government page suggests using www.moneyhelper.org.uk - which says to get 6 copies of his birth certificate.

And yes I suspect he will have more debt than assets.

I’m a complete newbie to this, so welcome any advice and guidance.

If there are more debts than assets then you probably don't need to get letters of admin (if he left no will) or probate (if he left a will) best not to get involved in the financials .  Have just looked at moneyhelper - can't see any mention of needing multiple birth certs 

Savvy_Sue

I think I was asked to take various certificates when I registered my parents' deaths (separately), but I didn't HAVE to have them. 

You do not have to administer his estate, and if it is insolvent it would be wise not to do so. 

Keep_pedalling

The only reason you would need probate is if your son had assets in a financial institution that would not release them without it or he owned property.

Banks will pay out quite large sum without it providing you can show your relationship with the deceased. In this case however it looks like his estate is insolvent and if that is the case you should not try to administer it.

If any of his creditors contact you you should simply inform them that the estate is insolvent and no one is managing it. 

poppystar

Flugelhorn said:

Beanynut2 said:

 Thanks everyone - I’ve got the info from the government probate pages. I think I need to apply for probate because I’m not his spouse or joint owner of his assets and the government page suggests using www.moneyhelper.org.uk - which says to get 6 copies of his birth certificate.

And yes I suspect he will have more debt than assets.

I’m a complete newbie to this, so welcome any advice and guidance.

If there are more debts than assets then you probably don't need to get letters of admin (if he left no will) or probate (if he left a will) best not to get involved in the financials .  Have just looked at moneyhelper - can't see any mention of needing multiple birth certs 

https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/family-and-care/death-and-bereavement/sorting-out-the-estate-when-there-isnt-a-will