Probate

Probate gives people the legal right to handle the Estate (eg. money, investments, possessions and property) of a deceased person. It’s sometimes called ‘administering the Estate’.

Who administers the Estate?

• The deceased left a Will

A Will should name one or more Executors who are responsible for collecting in all the money of the Estate, paying any debts including Inheritance Tax, and distributing any legacies left to individuals or organisations. The Executor applies for a ‘Grant of Probate’ from a section of the court known as the Probate Registry. The Grant is a legal document which confirms that the Executor has the authority to deal with the deceased person’s assets.

• The deceased left no Will

If there is no Will, intestacy rules apply, and once it is established who is entitled to administer the Estate, an application is made to the Probate Registry, and in this case apply for a ‘Grant of Letters of Administration’.

What is the process?

Administering the Estate can be broken down into five main parts:

• Valuing the Estate
• Completing the relevant Inland Revenue forms
• Interview at local Probate Registry
• Obtaining the Grant of Probate
• Distributing the Estate

How we can help?

Being a family business, we understand what you go through following the loss of a loved one, and are here to help you through this difficult time. We work alongside Executors providing peace of mind that legal procedures are complied with, and that the Estate is distributed in accordance with the wishes of the Will, or where appropriate, under the rules of Intestacy.

Expertise

As qualified Chartered Accountants and Tax Advisers, we will ensure that all relevant legislation is complied with, and most importantly ensure that only the correct amount of Inheritance Tax is payable.

Why we are different

Unlike banks and most legal firms, we do not base the calculation of our fees as a percentage of the Estate value.  This method of calculation can give rise to substantial fees which bear no relation to the amount of work done, and reduce the amount distributable to beneficiaries.  We charge fees for the amount of time we spend, and agree this prior to commencement of our work.  We work quickly and efficiently ensuring that legislation is complied with so that the Estate is distributed without delay.

What to do next

Contact us to arrange a free initial consultation, where we can guide you through, and answer any questions that you may have, about the Probate process.  Call 01824 70 45 35.

‘The family was very impressed by the kindness, sensitivity, and professionalism shown to us all during a difficult period after the death of my husband.  We were pleasantly surprised at the very speed by which Probate was applied for and granted.  The fees charged by Probate by Return were very reasonable and a fraction of those requested by our family solicitors’.

Mrs Glenys Jones,  Ruthin.