Probate Information

We aim to help you deal with the administration of the estate of someone who has passed away quickly, efficiently and with the least expense.

The early stages:

Immediately after someone has passed away the Personal Representative is entitled to register the death, make the funeral arrangements and ensure that the deceased’s property (house, bank cards etc) are secure and insurances are maintained. The Personal Representative is the Executor(s) appointed in the Will or, if there is no Will, the closest relative(s).

Obtaining the Grant:

We have a comprehensive Questionnaire, which, when completed, gives us nearly all the information we require to complete the application for the Grant of Representation (Probate). It is the Grant which authorises the Personal Representative to deal with the deceased’s assets and liabilities.

Administering the Estate:

Once the Grant has been obtained we can assist you in realising the assets and paying the liabilities. This usually means selling the assets or transferring them to a beneficiary after paying for any liabilites. We can help you deal with all the legal aspects involved in those matters.

Winding Up:

We produce comprehensive Estate Accounts so that you can see exactly what has happened. It also gives the value of all the assets at the date of death and the values realised on a sale or when they were cashed in (e.g. bank accounts). It will detail tax paid and shows the ultimate distribution between the beneficiaries.

Taking the strain:

Administering the estate of someone who has died is not something to be taken on lightly. You have significant responsibilities, not only to the beneficiaries of the estate but also to the Tax Authorities and other creditors of the estate. On your behalf we can ensure that all your responsibilities are properly discharged and beneficiaries receive their proper entitlement.

Problems:

Bereavement is often a difficult time and emotions can run high. We will bring clarity and empathy to the situation and help you restore the status quo. If a Will or the Intestacy Rules need to be varied we can advise you.

We also act occasionally for beneficiaries if they have concerns about the administration of the estate by Personal Representatives.

Costs:

Our fees are paid for by the estate unless it is very small or comprises property of which the beneficiaries wish to transfer rather than sell.

Our service pledge:

We don't want you to feel as though you have been left alone at any stage of the administration Our kind and friendly support team will help you when your lawyer is unavailable. We aim to return morning telephone calls the same day and afternoon telephone calls the following day, and to respond to letters within three days. If we need more time to consider or research a matter, we will tell you.

Each member of our team has experienced some form of bereavement. We understand how you will be feeling. Our highly trained team are used to the problems and finding the best solutions. We can make hard times easier, always with a focus on practical and cost effective solutions.

More information

Please call Esther Marchant on 01908-662277 or send Esther Marchant an email if you need help through the legal complexities of these issues..