PROBATE

Expert Probate Services to Help You Through Difficult Times

Losing a loved one is a challenging and emotional experience. During this difficult time, the last thing you want to worry about is managing the legal and financial aspects of their estate. At Stenfield Solicitors, our experienced solicitors are here to guide you through the probate process, ensuring that the estate is administered according to the law, with minimal stress and confusion.

Whether you are the executor of the will or a beneficiary, our probate services are designed to make the process as smooth as possible, providing you with the support and expertise needed to navigate the complexities of estate administration.

What is Probate?

Probate is the legal process by which a deceased person’s estate is administered. It involves proving the validity of their will (if there is one), managing their assets, paying any outstanding debts or taxes, and distributing the remaining estate to the beneficiaries.

In simple terms, the probate process helps to ensure that the deceased’s wishes are carried out and that their estate is settled in an orderly and legally compliant manner.

Why Do You Need Probate?

Probate is required when the deceased person’s estate includes assets that are not automatically transferred to the beneficiaries, such as property, bank accounts, and investments. It ensures that:

  • The Will is Valid: If there is a will, probate helps to confirm its authenticity and legality.

  • Debts and Taxes are Settled: The estate must pay off any outstanding debts, including funeral costs, taxes, and liabilities, before distributing assets to beneficiaries.

  • Assets are Distributed: Probate ensures the rightful distribution of assets according to the deceased’s wishes or, in the absence of a valid will, according to the law.

Even if there is no will, the probate process still applies, though the estate will be distributed according to intestacy rules rather than the deceased’s personal wishes.

Our Probate Services

At Stenfield Solicitors, we offer a full range of probate services to help you navigate the legal and administrative requirements with ease. Our services include:

1. Grant of Probate Applications

We will assist you in applying for the Grant of Probate, a legal document that confirms your authority to administer the deceased’s estate. This process can be complex, but our solicitors will handle the paperwork and ensure that all necessary steps are taken.

2. Intestate Estate Administration

If the deceased person did not leave a will, we will help administer their estate according to the laws of intestacy. Our team will guide you through the legal process, ensuring the estate is distributed fairly among the heirs.

3. Estate Administration and Distribution

Once probate is granted, we will help manage the estate by paying any outstanding debts, dealing with taxes, and distributing assets to the beneficiaries. Our team ensures that every step is taken correctly, from dealing with bank accounts to transferring property.

4. Inheritance Tax and Tax Advice

Inheritance tax can be a complicated aspect of the probate process, especially if the estate is large. Our solicitors will help calculate and manage any inheritance tax liabilities, ensuring compliance with all tax laws and making sure the estate is settled with minimal tax exposure.

5. Will Disputes and Challenges

In cases where there is a dispute over the validity of the will or disagreements between beneficiaries, our team can provide legal support to resolve any conflicts. We help settle issues related to contested wills, family disagreements, or claims against the estate.

6. Professional Executor Services

If you are unable or unwilling to act as an executor, we can step in to manage the probate process on your behalf. Our professional executor services ensure that the estate is administered efficiently, according to the will, and in line with legal requirements.

Why Choose Us?

  • Experienced and Compassionate Team: Our solicitors have years of experience in probate and estate administration. We understand the emotional strain that can accompany the loss of a loved one, and we are here to offer both legal expertise and compassionate support.

  • Comprehensive Support: From the initial application for probate to the final distribution of assets, we handle every aspect of the probate process, ensuring it is completed correctly and with minimal stress for you and your family.

  • Transparent Pricing: Our probate services come with clear, upfront pricing. We explain all costs at the outset, so you know exactly what to expect.

  • Personalised Service: We understand that every estate is unique. Our solicitors provide personalized advice to ensure the best outcome for you and the beneficiaries.

The Probate Process: Step by Step

  1. Gather Information
    The first step in probate is to gather all relevant information, including the will, the list of assets, and any liabilities of the estate. We will help you identify everything that needs to be dealt with.

  2. Apply for the Grant of Probate
    We will assist in applying for the Grant of Probate, which gives you the legal authority to manage the estate. If there is no will, we can help you apply for letters of administration.

  3. Identify and Value the Estate
    We will help identify the assets and liabilities of the estate and assess their value. This may include bank accounts, property, investments, and personal items.

  4. Pay Debts and Taxes
    Before distributing any assets, we will ensure that all debts, taxes (including inheritance tax), and funeral costs are settled.

  5. Distribute the Estate
    After paying debts and taxes, we will distribute the remaining estate according to the will or, if there is no will, according to the laws of intestacy.

  6. Final Report and Closure
    Once everything is settled, we will provide a final report to the beneficiaries and close the estate. We ensure everything is done in accordance with the law, bringing the probate process to a successful conclusion.

Get Started Today

Let us help you through this difficult time. Contact one of our offices today to schedule a consultation or fill out our online Enquiry Form and a member of our team will get in touch with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the probate process take?

The probate process can take several months, depending on the complexity of the estate. We’ll provide you with an estimate based on the specific details of your case.

What is the cost of probate services?
The cost varies depending on the complexity of the estate and the services required. We offer transparent pricing and will provide a detailed breakdown of fees before we proceed. Indicative pricing can be found here.

Do I need a solicitor for probate?
While it is not legally required, having a solicitor to assist with probate ensures that the process is handled efficiently and in accordance with the law.

What happens if there is no will?
If there is no will, we can help administer the estate according to the rules of intestacy, which dictate how assets are distributed among family members.

Let us help you navigate the complexities of probate with professionalism, care, and clear guidance. Contact us today to start the probate process with confidence.