Probate Solicitors

What is probate?

When a loved one passes away, and you have to deal with their estate (including their finances and property), this legal process is known as probate.

Our probate services

Our probate solicitors provide comprehensive support throughout the estate administration process:

• Estate Administration – We handle the complete management of the deceased’s estate from start to finish, including liaising with banks, building societies, pension providers, and other institutions to gather and distribute assets. This removes the administrative burden during an already difficult time.

• Obtaining Grants of Probate – We prepare and submit all necessary documentation to secure the legal authority to administer the estate, whether that’s a grant of probate (when there’s a Will) or letters of administration (when there isn’t). This legal document allows you to access and distribute the deceased’s assets.

• Inheritance Tax Advice and Returns – Our probate solicitors provide expert guidance on inheritance tax liabilities, identify available reliefs and exemptions, and prepare accurate returns for HMRC. We ensure you don’t pay more tax than necessary while meeting all compliance obligations.

• Property Sales and Transfers – We coordinate the sale or transfer of residential and commercial property within the estate, working with estate agents, buyers’ solicitors, and Land Registry to complete transactions efficiently and achieve the best outcomes for beneficiaries.

• Asset Distribution – We ensure all beneficiaries receive their rightful inheritance according to the Will or intestacy rules, providing full estate accounts and documentation. We handle the practical aspects of transferring money, property, and personal possessions with complete transparency.

• Contentious Probate Matters – When disputes arise, we provide robust representation in challenges to Wills, disputes over executor conduct, claims of undue influence or lack of capacity, and disagreements between beneficiaries. We aim to resolve matters efficiently while protecting your interests.

• Inheritance Act Claims – We represent clients pursuing or defending claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, where individuals believe they haven’t received adequate provision from an estate. This commonly affects spouses, children, and dependants who were financially reliant on the deceased.

• Executor Support and Guidance – Serving as an executor carries significant legal responsibilities. We provide practical assistance to executors throughout the process, explaining your duties, helping you avoid common pitfalls, and ensuring you fulfil your obligations correctly to protect you from personal liability.

• Trust Administration – We manage ongoing trusts created through Wills, ensuring trustees understand their obligations, assets are invested appropriately, and distributions are made correctly to beneficiaries over time. This includes advice on tax planning and compliance with trust law.

Throughout the process of helping you to deal with a loved one’s estate, you’ll be able to ask our probate solicitors any questions, and they’ll endeavour to answer in plain English, helping you understand.

How our probate process works

We understand that each case is different, and we’ll tailor our approach to suit your case. However, you can expect to follow a similar route as we guide you through the process. We’ve designed our probate service to be as straightforward as possible, as we know that this can be a difficult period.

1. Initial Consultation:We meet with you to understand the estate, review the Will (if there is one), and explain your options. We’ll provide a clear breakdown of costs and timescales.
2. Estate Valuation: We identify and value all assets and liabilities, liaising with banks, pension providers, and other institutions on your behalf.
3. Tax Assessment and Grant Application:We calculate any inheritance tax due, submit returns to HMRC, and apply for the grant of probate or letters of administration.
4. Estate Settlement:Once we receive the grant, we settle outstanding debts, sell or transfer property as required, and prepare estate accounts.
5. Distribution to Beneficiaries: We distribute the estate according to the Will (or intestacy rules), ensuring all beneficiaries receive their entitlement with full documentation.

Most straightforward estates are settled within nine to 12 months, though complex matters or disputes can extend this timeframe.

Why choose Fisher Jones Greenwood for your probate services

• Recognised Expertise: Our Wills, Life Planning and Probate team is ranked as a Leading Firm in the Legal 500. We’re members of the Association of Lifetime Lawyers (formerly Solicitors for the Elderly), Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).

• Fixed-Fee Transparency: We offer fixed costs on probate services wherever possible, so you know exactly what you’re paying from the outset. No hidden surprises to make a difficult time even more difficult.

• Compassionate Approach: We know you’re dealing with grief alongside legal responsibilities. Some of our team members are trained as Dementia Friends and experienced in handling sensitive family matters with care and discretion.

• Contentious Probate Specialists: When disputes arise, our litigation-trained probate solicitors provide robust representation. We’ve successfully resolved complex inheritance disputes, Will challenges, and executor misconduct cases.

National scale, proven expertise

Fisher Jones Greenwood is part of Lawfront, a national group of regional law firms. Together, our private client teams total almost 180 specialists and hold seven Legal 500 rankings nationally, including three Tier 1.