The chain of representation

Published by a ��Ƶ Private Client expert

Practice notes

The chain of representation

Published by a ��Ƶ Private Client expert

Practice notes

What is the chain of representation?

When an executor takes out a grant of probate in a testator’s estate, they become an executor not just of that testator’s Will but also of any Will of any other individual of which the testator was sole or sole surviving proving executor.

The chain of representation passes from proving executor to proving executor. Eg, Ahmed is the sole surviving executor of Bob’s estate and Ahmed dies before the completion of the administration of the estate leaving his own Will appointing Callie as executor of his estate. On proving Ahmed’s Will, Callie automatically becomes executor not only of Ahmed’s estate but also of Bob’s estate through the chain of representation. On Callie’s subsequent death, her executor Dionne automatically becomes executor of Ahmed’s and Bob’s estates (if the administration of those estates is incomplete) on proving Callie’s Will.

Where a sole or sole surviving executor dies

Executor predeceases the testator or dies before taking a grant

If a sole executor dies before the testator or after the testator but before a grant has been

Jurisdiction(s):

United Kingdom

Key definition:

Estate administration definition

What does Estate administration mean?

The process of administering a deceased individual’s estate, starting on the date of death and ending when all liabilities have been settled, the estate has been distributed and final estate accounts approved by the PRs. The estate administration period is often said to run until the residue is ascertained, albeit that there are final actions required to complete the estate administration.

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