Losing a loved one is difficult enough without the added stress of legal complexities. Our dedicated Private Client solicitors are here to guide you through estate administration and probate with clear, tailored support, so you can focus on what truly matters.
Every family situation is unique. Getting to know you and understanding your priorities are crucial for protecting your interests. We provide expert, step-by-step assistance to ensure you secure the correct legal authority to manage your loved one’s estate.
Comprehensive estate management you can trust
Dealing with the practical matters of an estate requires more than just legal expertise; it requires a meticulous and supportive approach. Our team takes the administrative burden off your shoulders by managing every detail with the utmost care.
Grant of Probate
If your loved one left a valid Will, we can help you apply for a Grant of Probate. This essential legal document grants the named executors the authority to handle the deceased’s assets, ensuring their exact wishes are honoured and respected.
Letters of administration
When a person passes away without leaving a Will, the process changes. We assist the closest relatives in applying for letters of administration, giving you the legal right to manage and distribute the estate appropriately.
Rules of intestacy
Navigating an estate without a Will can feel overwhelming. We provide precise, straightforward advice on the rules of intestacy, guiding you through how the law determines the distribution of assets and helping you identify the rightful beneficiaries.
Asset valuation and liability discharge
We carefully investigate and accurately value all estate assets, from property and personal belongings to complex investments. Furthermore, we ensure all creditors are identified and estate liabilities are properly discharged before any funds are distributed.
Inheritance tax management
Tax obligations can be one of the most stressful aspects of estate administration. Our specialists manage the entire process, preparing comprehensive HM Revenue and Customs inheritance tax returns, ensuring all appropriate reliefs are claimed and advising on the most efficient ways to settle any tax due.
Transparent communication and costs
You should never be left in the dark during this process. From our very first meeting, we provide clear indications of the steps involved.
Access to dedicated legal specialists
Gain peace of mind knowing your family’s affairs are in the hands of a dedicated team. Our solicitors have extensive experience in Private Client matters, offering the reassurance and authoritative guidance you need to resolve even the most complex estate issues.
Take the next step with Buckles
Should the need arise, our wider Private Client team is also equipped to handle more complex situations, such as disputes between executors or contentious probate matters where a Will needs to be contested, as well as matters concerning foreign assets in Spain, Germany and France.
Whatever your circumstances, we are here to provide the specialist guidance you require. Let us support you through this challenging time with the expertise and care you deserve. Get in touch now.
Frequently asked questions
What is probate of a Will?
Probate is the legal process of administering the estate of a deceased person. It involves proving the validity of their Will and granting the executor the legal authority to organise their assets, pay off any outstanding debts, and distribute the remaining estate to the beneficiaries.
What does a solicitor do for probate?
A solicitor removes the administrative and legal burden from you. We can handle as much or as little of the process as you need, from applying for the Grant of Representation and valuing assets, to completing complex tax returns, paying creditors, and safely distributing funds according to the law.
What to do if someone dies without a Will?
If someone passes away without a Will, they are said to have died ‘intestate’. This means the law, through a set of rules known as the ‘rules of intestacy’, dictates how their estate is distributed. Instead of a Grant of Probate, you will need to apply for letters of administration. Our solicitors can guide you through these strict rules to ensure the estate is legally and fairly distributed to the correct relatives.
How long does it take to administer an estate?
The timeline depends entirely on the complexity of the estate. While straightforward estates might take a few months to administer, more complex situations involving property sales, foreign assets, or complicated tax liabilities can take over a year. We will review your specific situation and provide an estimate of timelines from the outset as well as updates throughout the process.
