Expert Probate Solicitors
Losing a loved one is a difficult time, and the legal process of probate can be complex and overwhelming. Our SRA-regulated solicitors are here to provide clear, compassionate guidance, handling the entire estate administration process to give you peace of mind.
What is Probate and When is it Required?
Probate is the legal and financial process of dealing with a deceased person's property, money, and possessions (their 'estate'). The first step is to apply for a Grant of Representation, but it isn't always needed.
A Grant of Representation (either a Grant of Probate if there is a Will, or Letters of Administration if there is no Will) is typically required when the deceased owned:
- Property or land in their sole name or as Tenants in Common.
- Significant savings or investments in their sole name (usually over a threshold set by the bank, e.g., £10,000 - £50,000).
- Shares in a company.
In some specific situations, a formal Grant of Representation may not be required. This is often the case when:
- All assets (e.g., property and bank accounts) were held in joint names and therefore pass automatically to the surviving owner.
- The estate is very small and consists of only a few thousand pounds in a bank account.
Even in these cases, it is wise to get legal confirmation. Contact us for advice.
Our Full Probate & Estate Administration Service
Our specialist probate solicitors can take the entire legal and financial burden off your shoulders. We can be appointed to handle the full process on behalf of the executors, from start to finish.
Valuing the Estate
We accurately identify and value all assets to prepare the necessary legal paperwork.
Applying for Probate
We complete all complex Inheritance Tax forms and submit the application to the Probate Registry.
Collecting the Assets
Once the Grant is issued, we contact all institutions to close accounts and gather the estate's assets.
Settling Liabilities
We pay all outstanding debts, taxes, and administration expenses from the estate funds.
Distributing the Inheritance
We prepare detailed estate accounts and ensure beneficiaries receive their inheritance correctly.
Full Legal Support
We can handle every related aspect, including property sales and resolving any disputes.
Real UK Case Study: The Executor's Duty of Care
Penfold v Penfold [2018]
The Situation: An executor of an estate took an exceptionally long time to administer and sell the properties. During this delay, the property market fell, and the main asset (a house) sold for significantly less than its original probate valuation.
The Outcome: The beneficiaries successfully sued the executor for the financial loss. The court ruled that the executor had breached their duty to act with "due diligence" and was personally liable for the difference in value caused by the delay.
What this means for you: Being an executor carries significant personal liability. Our professional probate service ensures the estate administration is handled efficiently, correctly, and in a timely manner, protecting both the executors and the value of the inheritance for beneficiaries.
"A Great Weight Off Our Minds During a Difficult Time"
Your Questions About Probate & Estate Administration
For a straightforward estate, obtaining the Grant of Probate can take 3-4 months. The full process of administering the estate can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months. For more complex estates, especially those involving property sales or inheritance tax, it can take longer. Our solicitors work diligently to complete the process as efficiently as possible.
We are transparent about our costs. Our fees are typically charged as a small percentage of the estate's value, or on a fixed-fee basis, which we will agree with you upfront. All legal fees are a 'testamentary expense', meaning they are paid from the estate funds, so there is nothing for the executors to pay from their own money.
No, you are not legally required to use the same solicitor who holds the Will. As an executor, you have the right to choose any solicitor to act on your behalf for the estate administration. We are happy to provide a no-obligation quote so you can compare our service.
Get Expert Guidance Through the Probate Process
Let our specialist probate solicitors remove the legal, financial, and administrative burden from your shoulders. Contact us for a confidential chat.
Request a Callback TodayGet in Touch
0330 333 8797
info@wildings-solicitors.co.uk
Visit us
862-864 Washwood Heath Rd, Ward End, Birmingham, B8 2NG
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday
9.00am - 5.00pm
