What does probate show?

[thecraftyfox]

Hello.

I'm trying to check some possible financial shenanigans with the handling of a family members will. I know probate has been done and that I can order a copy of it. But what will it show? Does it says
X left all to Y except for her collection of pictures of monkeys in hats? Or does it show value of estate then the division
Eg £2500 in HSBC account and £40000 in Bank of Scotland plus 677 shares in BP then the division? I know I can get a copy but before I plonk down my £10s (copies needed for several people's wills) I just wondered what I can expect it to show.

Thansk for any help.

It shows the name and addressed of the deceased, and the date of death. It also shows the name and address of executors, and it shows the gross and net values of the estate.
HTH!

*perhaps I should have added at the end "nothing else, except for the date that probate was granted, and the signature of the probate officer. There's no breakdown, or mention of beneficiaries."

Ah, that's useful as is. I know who the main beneficiaries are, it's the value of the estate that I'm querying.

Are you a beneficiary?

Ah, OK. It'll definitely tell you that, both gross (whole estate) and net (whole estate minus the deductible expenses like the funeral, unpaid bills left by the deceased etc.)

When I ordered a Grant of Probate recently it was just name of Probate holder and deceased details. No estate figures. There was also a copy of the will attached. Again, no estate figures.

Hmmm, wonder why yours was different, MissBattleaxe. Of course you don't have to answer this if you don't want to, but did the estate fall into the inheritance tax bracket? Perhaps that's the difference? I have a recent Grant to hand as I write, so the values are definitely on there.

No. No inheritance tax.

Ah. Possibly depends on size of estate.

My brother died recently and paid the 1.50 for the document which will take a while to arrive as I guess someone has to ok it.

(it not like we're still in the 80's, 1880's, but hey you'd think if I've paid, I can have it like now please.

the wife said why do you want it, you busybody.

I said well I want to know how much his widow is worth. Am I being nosey?

If you are a residual beneficiary e.g. you were left part or all of the residue, you are entitled to a copy of the estate accounts. This is also known as the Inventory and Accounts, which will show the level of detail you are seeking.