Probate
Calm, clear help with probate and estate administration.
Losing someone is hard enough without wrestling with paperwork. We help families across England and Wales apply for probate and settle an estate, with fixed fees agreed upfront.
How we help
What we handle, so you don't have to.
Applying for the grant
We prepare and submit the application for a grant of probate, or letters of administration if there is no Will, on your behalf.
Valuing the estate
We help identify and value assets, debts and any Inheritance Tax due before the grant can be issued.
Collecting and distributing assets
Once the grant is issued, we can help collect in assets, settle debts, and distribute the estate to beneficiaries.
Supporting the family
We keep communication clear and calm throughout, so the family understands what is happening and why.
Timeline
What to expect, and when.
Weeks 1 to 4
Gathering estate information, valuing assets and debts, and preparing any Inheritance Tax paperwork required.
Weeks 4 to 12
Applying for the grant of probate or letters of administration through the Probate Registry.
Months 3 to 9
Collecting in assets, paying debts and expenses, and preparing estate accounts.
Final stage
Distributing the remaining estate to beneficiaries in line with the Will or the rules of intestacy.
Every estate is different, and these are typical timescales rather than a guarantee. We will give you a realistic estimate once we understand the estate.
Our options
Choose the level of support you need.
Grant-only application
Fixed fee
We prepare and submit the probate application. You handle collecting and distributing the estate yourself.
Full estate administration
Fixed fee or percentage, agreed upfront
We manage the whole process from application to final distribution, so the family does not have to.
FAQs
Common questions about probate.
What is a grant of probate?
A grant of probate is a legal document that gives executors the authority to deal with a deceased person's estate. If there is no Will, the equivalent document is called letters of administration.
How long does probate take?
Timescales vary with each estate, but a typical straightforward estate can take anywhere from six months to a year from application to final distribution.
Do I always need probate?
Not always. Some smaller estates or those held jointly may not require a grant, depending on the assets involved. We can help you work out what is needed for your situation.
What if there is no Will?
If someone dies without a Will, their estate is distributed under the rules of intestacy, and the person applying for letters of administration is usually the closest relative in a set legal order.
What does administering an estate involve?
It typically involves valuing assets and debts, paying Inheritance Tax if due, applying for the grant, collecting in assets, settling liabilities, and distributing what remains to beneficiaries.
Let us take probate off your hands.
Speak to us about the estate you are dealing with, and we'll explain your options and give you a fixed fee.