A Grant of Representation, otherwise known as a Grant of Probate, is a court-issued document that confirms the names of the executors who are entitled access to a deceased person’s estate. If you contact a bank hoping to gain access to your deceased mother’s account, then the bank will expect you to have a Grant of Probate as proof of your executor identity. Before issuing a Grant of Probate, the Registry will often deal with any disputes or claims associated with your mother’s will. If your mother has passed away and not left behind a suitable will, then you can instead apply for a document called a Grant of Letters of Administration. This document can also be used when your mother has written a will but not named an executor for it. Some estates may not require a Grant of Probate at all, especially if the assets of the estate are small or were jointly owned by another person. When wanting to access a large number of funds, the bank or society holding your mother’s money will expect you to have a Grant of Probate to confirm that you are the only person with the entitlement to open the account.