Compassionate, expert support when you need it most
Handling the financial and legal affairs of someone you’ve lost can feel difficult and confusing. Our experienced wills and probate solicitors are here to help you through the process, providing practical guidance and sensitive support every step of the way.
Whether you need help obtaining a Grant of Probate or full estate administration, our trusted probate services are designed to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Read our guide for executors
Why choose our probate solicitors?
At this difficult time, choosing the right people to support you really matters. Here’s why families trust our probate services.
- Compassionate advice: We listen, we understand and we guide you with care, empathy and respect.
- Clear communication: No legal jargon – just honest, straightforward guidance.
- Specialist expertise: We have the experience to handle complex estates, from those with foreign assets and family businesses to heritage property of national importance.
- Tax insight: If Inheritance Tax is due, we’ll identify any available reliefs and exemptions, helping to reduce the tax bill wherever possible.
- Trusted professionals: Many of our solicitors are members of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners and the Association of Lifetime Lawyers, reflecting our commitment to quality.
- Dispute resolution: Should any disagreements arise, our expert contentious probate team are here to help.
- Fully regulated and transparent: As a regulated law firm, we’re committed to clear pricing, accountability and exceptional client care.
We know this can be an emotional and uncertain time. Let us help carry the weight.
Our probate services
We offer two levels of support depending on what you need. The fees below are intended as a guide only and based on certain assumptions so please get in touch for a personalised quote.
Grant only service (fixed fee)
If you’re comfortable managing the estate yourself but need help applying for probate, our probate solicitors will handle the legal paperwork to obtain the Grant of Probate on your behalf.
Fees:
- £1,760 (inc. VAT) – with a valid will.
- £2,200 (inc. VAT) – without a valid will.
- Both the above prices assume the estate qualifies as “excepted”. Claiming a transferable nil rate band is an additional £400.
- £3,300 (inc. VAT) – if a full Inheritance Tax account is required but there are no complicating factors such as gifts out of surplus income.
- £600 (inc. VAT) – per additional nil rate band claim.
Additional costs:
- Probate Registry fee: £300
- Copies of the Grant: £16 each
Full estate administration
If you’d prefer us to manage everything, from applying for probate to collecting and distributing assets, we’ll take care of the entire process for you.
Typical fees range from £4,000-£15,000 (inc. VAT), depending on the size and complexity of the estate. We’ll always provide a clear, upfront quote with no hidden costs.
FAQs
Probate is the legal process of managing someone’s estate after they pass away. It involves:
- Confirming the validity of any will
- Valuing the estate
- Applying for a Grant of Probate (or Letters of Administration, if there’s no will)
- Paying debts and taxes
- Distributing what remains to beneficiaries
If you’re named as an executor, or the next of kin where no will exists, you may be responsible for this process. You don’t have to do it alone – our probate solicitors are here to help.
Not always. It depends on:
- The type and value of the assets (e.g. property or shares usually require it)
- Whether assets were jointly owned
- Whether there’s a valid will
If you’re unsure, our probate team will help you understand what’s needed and guide you from there.
We aim to move things forward quickly and keep you informed throughout.
- Obtaining the Grant of Probate: Usually within 6-8 weeks of applying
- Full estate administration: Typically 12 months for the bulk of the work to be completed
To apply for probate, the executor will need detailed information about the deceased’s estate, including:
- A copy of the death certificate (we recommend 5-6 copies)
- The deceased’s date of birth, date of death and National Insurance number
- Details of surviving relatives
- Information on any large gifts made in the last seven years
- Foreign assets or income from trusts
- Non-state pensions
You’ll also need to list all assets and liabilities:
- Bank and savings accounts
- Shareholdings and investments
- Property and valuations
- Joint accounts and other shared assets
- Debts including funeral expenses, credit cards and utilities
Once this is gathered, the next steps include:
- Completing the Inheritance Tax return
- Paying any tax due
- Submitting the probate application and a statement of truth
We can handle all of this on your behalf if you prefer.
Not always. For simple estates, especially where the executor is also the sole beneficiary, you might be able to manage without legal support. However, many people still find that it can help take some of the weight off their shoulders.
Many estates involve complications such as multiple beneficiaries, foreign assets or Inheritance Tax. In these cases, working with a solicitor can save time, reduce stress and ensure nothing is missed. Our probate services give you peace of mind, knowing everything is being handled correctly and professionally.
