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Fixed Price Probate Solicitors

 

Dealing with the financial affairs of a family member or friend after their death can be extremely distressing. 

We understand how difficult it is to work your way through the necessary legal documentation, inform all relevant parties and see that any outstanding matters are settled, while trying to come to terms with your loss.

In many circumstances we are able to offer a Fixed Fee Probate service. We understand the need for clarity and stability at this time of significant change. We'll take the weight off your shoulders, and handle all the responsibilities for you.

For more information contact our Wills and Probate Solicitors today.

What is probate?

Probate is the process of settling financial affairs, dealing with any possessions and carrying out the wishes of the deceased.

If a Will has been made, the deceased is likely to have named executors, whose responsibility it will be to see that the specifics of the Will are carried out in accordance with their wishes.

If you are named as an executor of a Will, it’s your responsibility to obtain what is known as a Grant of Probate. Grant of Probate is what allows you to access the deceased’s assets.

What is a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration?

Before you can legally deal with the deceased’s estate you must obtain a Grant of Representation. This is a court issued document proving that you are entitled to oversee the process.  A Grant of Representation must be obtained before anything else can be done.

The type of Grant of Representation required will depend on the circumstances. If there is a valid Will, an application will be made for a Grant of Probate. If there is no Will, you will need to apply for a Letter of Administration. 

If the type and value of the assets owned by the deceased is below a value of £5,000 a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration would not usually be necessary.

Different financial organisations have different rules about how much an Estate, or the value of the funds they are holding in the name of the deceased, are worth before they need Probate.

Who can apply for a Grant of Probate?

If there is a Will, the people named in the Will as the ‘executors’ can apply for the Grant of Probate.

If the deceased did not leave a Will, you can usually apply for Letters of Administration (akin to a Grant of Probate if there is no Will) if you were:

  • their spouse or registered civil partner
  • their child (if over 18)
  • their parent or sibling

Depending on the specifics of the case, it may not be possible for only one of the above to obtain the Letters of Administration

How can I apply for a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration?

A Grant of Representation is issued by the Probate Registry.

The document confirms your legal right to administer the deceased’s estate. This includes cashing the estates assets and distributing them as outlined in the Will.

Your application will require the following:

  • The original will
  • The original death certificate
  • The completion of an Inheritance Tax Return or Account
  • The completion of Probate Registry application forms – where there is a Will most often now completed and submitted online
  • The Probate Registry application fee

Fixed Fee Probate Services

Probate can be a complicated process. There is no such thing as a standard estate, and there are a wide range of factors potentially involved in sorting out someone’s assets.

The price of our probate services is based on a number of factors which include:

  • the value and nature of the assets
  • whether or not there is a Will
  • the instructions laid out by the Will
  • whether or not there are any debts
  • the number of beneficiaries
  • other complicating issues relating to assets or family relationships

Once we have gained an understanding of the deceased person’s Estate, we will provide you with a tailor made pricing proposal. We believe that choice is fundamental so this proposal will include pricing options at least one of which will usually be a fixed fee.

Once we have agreed with you the pricing structure for the work we carry out for you, it will not change unless the information we were provided with turns out to be incorrect, or circumstances change during the process.

For more information about our probate services contact us today.

Our Probate Expertise

Our exceptional team of probate solicitors collectively has many decades of years of experience in this complex area of law.

We can offer a complete probate service where we handle every part of the process for you, or we can help with certain specific elements according to your needs, including:

  • Applying for the Grant of Representation
  • Valuing the assets in the estate
  • Preparing the accounts
  • Advising on inheritance tax issues
  • Liaising with HMRC.
  • Managing the sale of any property, land or assets
  • Handling the transfer of any property, land or assets

How can Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors help?

Our highly qualified team of lawyers at Lanyon Bowdler can guide you through what needs to be done and when - making at least some of the stresses experienced in bereavement just a little easier. 

A Grant of Probate makes it possible to access the assets of the deceased, and it is extremely difficult to discharge the duties required in settling the estate without it.

Dealing with these matters if you are not a legal professional can be a daunting task but we can talk you through the process and guide you through everything that needs to be done.

We will explain every step in a down-to-earth, friendly way, so you are always fully aware of what is going on and our team will be with you from the initial meeting until the whole matter is concluded.

For more about how we can help, contact the Lanyon Bowdler team by phone or use the online contact form and a member of the team will get in touch with you directly.

Lanyon Bowdler have offices with expert teams of solicitors in Hereford, Bromyard, Shropshire, Ludlow, Oswestry, Telford, and Conwy in North Wales.

We are one of the most recognised law firms in Shropshire, Herefordshire, Mid and North Wales, Birmingham and the Midlands. We are able to offer a wide range of pricing options including a fixed fee probate service and service level guarantees.

As a leading national law firm, we regularly assist clients all over the UK with obtaining the grant of probate. We can represent you wherever you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.

Testimonials

Always very helpful, friendly and very professional.

- Mr D & Mrs A Holloway, Worcester

I was impressed by the friendly atmosphere and the obvious expert knowledge of the subject.

- Mr & Mrs Thomas, Oswestry

I was impressed by the patience in explaining the technical jargon used by lawyers.

- Mr S Martin. Shrewsbury

Everyone I have dealt with have been kind, considerate, helpful and informative.

- Mrs F Thomas, Oswestry

Everything I asked for was carried out quickly, and any questions were answered in a manner I could understand.

- Mr J Williams, Wrexham

Very clear advice given. Felt able to email questions and always had a prompt and clear reply.

- Mrs H Thomason, Telford

Impressed with the way we were treated. Clear explanation of the meaning of LPA. Security of access to accounts.

- Mr & Mrs Bound, Oswestry

Accurate, customer centric and provided the service we requested.

- Mr & Mrs Fenner, Telford