How much does it cost to probate a will in Trinidad and Tobago?

Probate Fees Certain fees are payable to the State, such as; Application Fee – Maximum of $24.00. Registration Fee – Maximum of $500.00.

How do you make a will in Trinidad and Tobago?

• The will must be signed by two witnesses. After the testator signs the will in the presence of the witnesses, the witnesses must then sign in the presence of the testator. The witnesses can only sign after the testator and they must sign in the presence of the testator and each other.

What is the difference between wills and probate?

Having a Will and Probate are two entirely separate things. Yes, they both relate to events that happen after death. The difference is that a Will allows the Testator (the person writing the Will) to record their wishes, whereas Probate enables the Personal Representatives to action the Testator’s wishes.

Do you need to go through probate if there is a will?

If you are named in someone’s will as an executor, you may have to apply for probate. This is a legal document which gives you the authority to share out the estate of the person who has died according to the instructions in the will. You do not always need probate to be able to deal with the estate.

How long does it take to probate a will in Trinidad and Tobago?

It usually takes three (3) weeks for the Probate Registry to process the application and after it has been processed the Probate Registry advertises the application in one of the local newspapers on two occasions one week apart (for two weeks).

What is the cost to probate a will?

These proceedings take time and money, and your heirs are the ones who will have to pay. Since probate proceedings can take up to a year or two, the assets are typically “frozen” until the courts decide on the distribution of the property. Probate can easily cost from 3% to 7% or more of the total estate value.

Does a will have to be registered in Trinidad and Tobago?

Under the probate laws in Trinidad & Tobago it is not mandatory for a will to be registered, but it can be voluntarily lodged at the Probate Registry for safekeeping.

Is a will enough to avoid probate?

Simply having a last will does not avoid probate; in fact, a will must go through probate. To probate a will, the document is filed with the court, and a personal representative is appointed to gather the decedent’s assets and take care of any outstanding debts or taxes.

How to apply for probate in Trinidad and Tobago?

In Trinidad and Tobago the application for probate MUST be made through an Attorney-at-Law where an estate is valued at over $4,800.00.

Who is named in a will in Trinidad and Tobago?

When a person dies, someone has to deal with the affairs of the deceased. This person (s) is either named in the Will or is usually the next of kin if there is no valid Will.

Who is responsible for the distribution of an estate in Trinidad and Tobago?

If the deceased has left a valid Will, it is the responsibility of the “Executor” to distribute the estate in accordance with the terms of the Will, after all the administrative requirements have been fulfilled.

What was the Wills and Probate Act 1939?

CHAPTER 9:03. WILLS AND PROBATE ACT An Act relating to the execution of Wills and the granting of Probate and Letters of Administration. [1 ST SEPTEMBER 1939] 1. This Act may be cited as the Wills and Probate Act.