Guiding You Through Probate: Expert Support from Everys Solicitors

Probate is the official proving of a will in court in order to receive a Grant of Probate.  This allows executors to administer a deceased person’s estate and must be obtained where property is involved.

If the deceased dies intestate, then the person who will be administering the estate (usually next of kin) must apply to the court for a grant known as “Letters of Administration”.

The duties of the executors or administrators can be complicated and time-consuming and include the payment of Inheritance Tax (IHT) before the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration can be applied for.  Other duties involve paying debts incurred by the deceased person, selling assets to pay debts, identifying all assets including hidden assets, liaising with various organisations such as HMRC and banks, keeping meticulous accounts of the estate plus other duties.  This can be a mammoth task which may incur a risk of personal liability should any mistakes occur.

Administering an estate is not a quick process and can take from several months to up to a year; longer where disputes are involved.  At Everys, our wills and probate lawyers can guide you through every step of the process.  We can help you apply for the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration, recover assets, identify any liabilities, and pay debts and taxes on your behalf.  How involved we are depends on the level of service you require.

Should you need help with any stage of the probate process, call one of our lawyers now and they will help take the stress out of administering an estate.