Probate and Estate Administration
Bright Solicitors offers expert guidance to ensure the process runs smoothly and in accordance with the law. Our experienced team provides the support you need during a challenging time.
What is Probate and Estate Administration?
Probate is the legal process by which a person’s will is validated. It involves applying for a Grant of Probate, which gives the executor legal authority to manage the estate. Estate administration includes identifying and collecting assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining estate to beneficiaries.
If there is no will, the Estate Administration process is still required, and the court will appoint an administrator to handle the estate according to the laws of intestacy.
Please read our article on Why Probate Is Important.
Why Choose Us?
At Bright Solicitors, we understand the complexities of probate and estate administration. Our team provides clear, step-by-step support to help executors and administrators navigate the entire process. Whether you need help with applying for probate, managing estate debts, or distributing assets, our probate lawyers ensure everything is handled efficiently and legally.
We tailor our services to your specific needs, offering compassionate and professional advice during what can be a difficult time.
The prestigious Legal 500 has awarded Bright Solicitors with an outstanding client service award, showcasing our commitment to excellent service across all areas of our firm.
Probate Lawyers | Our Expertise
Our probate and estate administration services include:
- Probate Application: We help you apply for the Grant of Probate and ensure that all necessary documents are submitted.
- Estate Valuation: We assist in valuing the estate and identifying all assets, including property, bank accounts, and investments.
- Distribution of Assets: We help ensure assets are distributed according to the will or the law, when there is no will.
- Advice for Executors: We provide ongoing support to executors throughout the estate administration process.
Get in Touch
For expert legal advice with Probate and Estate Administration, contact Bright Solicitors. Our experienced team of Probate Lawyers will guide you through the process and help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Call us at 01752 388883 or Email us at PrivateClient@brightllp.co.uk to arrange a consultation.
Useful Information on Probate
he first issue a PR must consider is whether they need to obtain a Grant of Representation. If there is a Will, the main Grant is called Probate. If there is no Will, the Grant is called "Letters of Administration." A Grant of Representation often proves the PR's authority to administer the estate. Until the Grant issues, the assets in the estate remain frozen. However, a Grant of Representation is not always necessary to administer the estate:
- When the estate consists of assets held in joint names, or
- When assets held solely in the deceased's name have a relatively low value.
When is a Grant of Representation Needed?
You will need a Grant of Representation if the deceased person’s assets are in their sole name and are valuable.
Deciding Who Will Obtain the Grant
The PRs must decide whether to obtain the Grant themselves or instruct a Solicitor to do so on their behalf.
The Process of Obtaining a Grant
The first step is gathering information about the deceased’s assets and liabilities. This is needed to complete a form for the Inland Revenue.
When the Process Becomes Complex
Completing the form may be straightforward, but it can become complicated if the estate is taxable or has foreign elements, business interests, or agricultural property.
After the Grant is Issued
Once the Grant is issued, the deceased’s assets can be collected, debts settled, and legacies paid.
Additional Considerations in the Process
In practice, issues like selling property or settling Income Tax and Inheritance Tax matters must be handled. If the deceased died intestate, it may take longer to establish the rightful heirs.
Our Role in the Grant Process
If a Grant of Representation is required, we will discuss how involved you would like us to be.
Most assets held in joint names pass by survivorship. You only need to provide a copy of the Death Certificate to the relevant institution. The institution will automatically transfer the asset into the survivor’s name.
If the assets have a relatively low value (the limit varies by institution), most institutions will not require a Grant of Representation. In these cases, the institution will ask you to complete a form confirming your authority to administer the estate.
What are the fees involved?
A list of our fees can be found in the downloadable PDF’s below:
