Grant of Representation

A grant of representation is the formal court document that proves a person may lawfully deal with a deceased estate. It covers both a Grant of Probate (where there is a Will and a named executor) and Letters of Administration (where there is not). Asset holders rely on the grant so they can release funds to the right person without risk of paying twice.

Whether a grant is needed depends on the size and type of assets — a small bank balance may be released without one, but real estate almost always requires it. Example: "Once the executor held the grant of representation, the share registry transferred the BHP holding into the estate's name within a fortnight." A grant from one state can often be recognised in another by way of a reseal of probate.