Losing someone you love is hard enough without the weight of legal paperwork on your shoulders. Our solicitors will guide you through every stage with clarity, care, and the practical support you need at this difficult time.
Acting as an executor or personal representative can feel like a lot of pressure, especially when you’re grieving. We take that burden from you, handling the legal complexities so you can focus on being present for your family. Our dedicated probate team have the focus and expertise to make the process smoother and more efficient for you.
Here is how we can help:
- Worried about where to start? Our team provides clear, reassuring guidance through every stage of the probate process.
- Concerned about delays? We obtain the Grant of Probate efficiently and accurately on your behalf.
- Unsure about Inheritance Tax? We calculate, report, and advise on every relief available to you, so you never pay more than necessary.
- Facing a complex estate? From settling tax duties to distributing assets, we manage every detail with care.
- Dealing with a dispute? Should you need to challenge a Will or navigate contentious probate, our team is here to help.
How we guide you through probate
Our process is broken down into clear, manageable stages so you’re always informed. Your journey with us begins with a free, no-obligation conversation where you can talk through your circumstances in confidence with our team.
From there, we assess the estate, identifying executors, beneficiaries, and assets to determine what’s required. We take care of all the legal work on your behalf, from completing HMRC forms to applying for the Grant of Probate.
Finally, we administer and distribute the estate. This includes settling liabilities, collecting assets, and ensuring everything is allocated in accordance with the Will or the rules of intestacy.
If you’d prefer to administer and distribute the estate yourself, we offer a Grant Only service. Our dedicated probate team will carry out all the necessary legal steps to obtain the Grant of Probate, giving you the authority to deal with the estate yourself.
You don’t have to face this alone
Our private client team regularly deal with some of the most complex and high-value estates, from multiple properties and business interests to overseas assets and contentious disputes. So, whatever your circumstances, you’re in experienced hands. Get in touch today for a conversation with one of our probate solicitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is probate?
Probate is the legal right to deal with someone’s property, money, and possessions (their estate) when they die. It isn’t required in every case, but you can check by contacting the financial organisations the person who died used.
What is an administrator of an estate?
An administrator is the person responsible for managing an estate when there is no valid Will, or where the named executors are unable to act. They apply for Letters of Administration, which give them the legal authority to collect assets, settle debts, and distribute the estate according to the Intestacy Rules.
What does an executor of the Will do in probate?
An executor is the person named in the Will who is responsible for carrying out the deceased’s wishes and managing the legal administration of the estate. Their duties include registering the death, valuing all assets and liabilities, applying for the Grant of Probate, submitting Inheritance Tax returns to HMRC, settling debts, and distributing the estate to beneficiaries, all while keeping clear records throughout.
It’s a role that carries real responsibility, and executors can be held personally liable if the estate is administered incorrectly. At Buckles, our Probate team can manage everything on your behalf or support you through specific stages where you need assistance.
How long does probate take?
The length of the probate process depends on the complexity of the estate. A straightforward estate can typically be resolved within six to nine months, while more complex estates involving property, business interests, overseas assets, or Inheritance Tax liabilities often take nine to twelve months or longer. HMRC processing times can also have an impact, as any tax owed must be paid before the Grant of Probate is issued.
We will give you a realistic timeframe at the outset based on your specific circumstances, and keep you updated throughout so you’re never left wondering where things stand. You can read our guide on how to avoid probate delays for more information.
Can I do probate myself?
Yes, in England and Wales, you are entitled to apply for the Grant of Probate without using a solicitor. However, executors are personally liable for any errors made during administration, and mistakes in tax reporting or distributing assets prematurely can have serious consequences that are difficult to unpick.
Many people choose to instruct a solicitor like Buckles, not because the process is impossible to navigate alone, but because the peace of mind and protection from personal liability is worth it. Especially because it is already difficult time.
What happens if someone dies without a Will?
When someone dies without a valid Will, they are said to have died ‘intestate’. In these cases, the Intestacy Rules determine who inherits and who can administer the estate. Rather than a Grant of Probate, the closest relatives apply for Letters of Administration. Our team can guide you through these rules to ensure the estate is distributed correctly and fairly.
