Probate & Estates Administration Solicitors
If you’re responsible for administering the will of a relative or loved one, legal advice on Probate & Estates Administration can help you ensure that you meet your legal and tax obligations. By working with an experienced specialist, you can be sure that the will has been administered correctly and problems won’t arise later on, after the estate has been settled.
Our specialist team advises clients in different languages on a wide range of legal matters. Call them on 0208 1111 911 or contact them through the website to discuss your circumstances with them.
What exactly is Probate?
Probate is typically used to refer to the process of proving that a will is valid and dealing with the assets of a person who has died. This can include their money, property, possessions and other financial assets such as shares. Dealing with those assets can have legal and tax implications. The assets may be sold or transferred to beneficiaries, as specified in the will. Any outstanding debts would be settled from the estate.
As part of the process, you will probably need to apply for a Grant of Probate (or a similar document called a Grant of Letters of Administration if there was no will). Either of these documents can be used to grant access to named representatives (such as the executors) to the deceased’s bank accounts and financial assets.
How long does Probate & Estates Administration take?
There is no simple answer to this and it can vary greatly depending on the size and complexity of the estate. A simple estate with no property might take as little as 3 months. If property is involved it could take 6-12 months, and it is not uncommon for large, complex estates to take years to administer.
Do I need a solicitor for Probate & Estates Administration?
Strictly speaking, you don’t need a solicitor and for very small estates consisting of a small amount of cash and no property, you may be able to handle the administration adequately yourself.
However, working with a solicitor gives you significant peace of mind that problems such as unexpected tax bills or contesting of the will are much less likely to arise after the estate has been administered. Our legal specialists have thorough working knowledge of the relevant legal processes and tax regimes to ensure that the deceased’s wishes will be carried out as required and within the relevant rules.
What other legal advice might I need?
Should any problems arise with any probate work you have had carried out elsewhere, we can also advise on Contesting a Will. If you’ve recently acted as an executor or inherited money yourself, you may also feel that you need to arrange to write a will for yourself.
How do I get legal advice on Probate & Estates Administration?
Call us on 0208 1111 911 or contact us through the website and we’ll arrange a time to discuss your circumstances thoroughly with you. Then we’ll explain the process and how we can help you. The initial call is free and we’ll advise you of our fees before you decide whether or not to instruct us.
