Do you need a solicitor to help with Probate? Or perhaps you have been appointed executor of a Will and are unsure where to start? We can help.
The term “Probate” technically means the legal verification of a Will. In practice however, Probate is the process of getting legal permission (“Grant of Probate”) to administer someone’s estate after their death and the distribution of assets in accordance with the Will. If there is no Will, the process is similar but is called “Grant of Letters of Administration”.
Do you need a Solicitor for Probate?
We are often asked “What is a Probate solicitor?” and “what does a Probate solicitor do?”.
Put simply, a Probate solicitor has the expertise to navigate the complex legal and administrative aspects of processing the wishes in a Will and sorting out any Inheritance Tax which is due. While it is perfectly possible for a lay person to administer a very simple estate, it can very quickly become stressful and confusing if they do not have the legal knowledge or understanding that an expert does. They can also be personally liable for any mistakes they make in paying tax, settling liabilities and distributing assets.
A specialist Probate solicitor will ensure that all legal requirements and paperwork are completed correctly and the correct tax is paid. This can help to speed up what can be a long, drawn-out process and avoids costly mistakes that can place further pressure on the family during an already difficult time.
Where a Probate solicitor is appointed for a full estate administration, the family members won’t have to go through the emotionally difficult process of gathering together and distributing their loved one’s assets themselves. This impartiality can be particularly important where relationships in a family might already be difficult or strained.
At Backhouse Solicitors, our team of Probate specialists based in Chelmsford, Essex provide advice with understanding and sensitivity when winding up and administering estates. We will establish whether it is necessary to obtain a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration to allow assets to be collected and distributed in accordance with the wishes of the deceased. We will then take care of all the valuations, tax, paperwork, settling of debts and gathering and distribution of assets where we are requested to do so.
Probate Enquiry Form
To contact us with an enquiry, please fill out your details below and we will contact you shortly.
Probate Solicitor Fees
The cost of Probate varies, but to give you an indication, our probate solicitors can assist with all or any part of the process – from a fixed-fee service to obtain the Grant of Probate for £1,000+VAT up to a full Estate Administration.
Dependent on any complications that may arise, there may be additional charges called “disbursements” which can include:
- Probate Registry fees at the current rate (£300 at present for estates over the value of £5,000) – these will be payable in virtually all cases
- Court fees for sealed copies of the Grant of Probate (£1.50 per copy at present and we normally order at least 5 copies)
- Valuation fees for any antiques or unusual assets
- Advertising statutory notices
- Costs of valuing and selling the deceased’s residence if we are asked to do so
For more details and further information relating to fees, please visit our pricing page.
Probate Solicitors, Chelmsford
We help clients daily from Chelmsford, Essex and the surrounding areas and understand that this is an extremely difficult time for the relatives of the deceased. We will always do our utmost to make the process as straightforward and free of stress as possible for all the family.
To find out more about how our Probate specialists can help you, please fill out the contact form on this page, or get in touch to book a free initial consultation with one of our specialist Probate solicitors.
Tel: 01245 893400
Email: info@backhouse-solicitors.co.uk
Visit: 17 Duke Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1JU
Or send us a message through the Contact Us page on this website.