Does probate have to be granted on a will if there is only one beneficiary? I am a widow with one son and don’t have much to leave and I am trying to save all possible expense.
It’s not the number of beneficiaries which determines whether probate is necessary but the size of the estate and where the money is. Banks and building societies will release amounts under £5,000 (sometimes £15,000) without requiring production of a grant of probate, and cash, jewellery and the like can usually be dealt with without a grant. However if you own a property in your sole name your son will need a grant to transfer it into his own name or sell it.