Probate legal advie

Probate solicitors

If you are an Executor to a Will, you are taking on a significant responsibility and many of our clients come to us requesting help in fulfilling that duty. Probate is the legal term for the authority to deal with a person's assets after their death, and it is probate that grants that authority to the Executor.

About probate

In order to deal with a person's estate after their death, you need to obtain a Grant of Probate from the Court. The Grant formally validates the Will and authorises the person appointed (the Executor) to deal with the estate. We can help you to get your Grant from the Probate Court, with a simplified Probate application procedure.

Providing the value of the estate does not exceed £285,000 (the current inheritance tax starting point as of 6th April 2006), including the value of any joint assets or gifts made within seven years of death, we offer a fixed fee of £350 plus VAT for obtaining the Grant on your behalf. Probate Court fees are an additional £40, plus 25p per office copy obtained.

Advice for a Will executor

Often as executor you will have been close to the deceased and this will be an emotional time. We’ll deal with your matter quickly and calmly, ensuring a process as smooth as possible.

There are different rules that apply depending on whether a valid Will was in place at the time of death. Regardless of this, after someone dies it is important to assess the assets and debts held by them and ensure that the assets are all collected, the debts are paid and the remainder distributed to those entitled under the terms of the Will, or if there is no Will, according to Law. We help at this stage, in the sometimes complex task of assessing and managing the distribution of the estate.

When there is no Will

If there is no Will, and someone has died ‘intestate’ the Grant issued from the Court is known as Letters of Administration to the Estate, and according to the Laws which govern this area, this will usually authorise one or more members of the family to deal with the estate. Again, we are able to assist in what can be much more complex a case than if a Will had been made.

For more information call 0870 1500 100, or use the links above to drop us a line.