Our probate solicitors understand that administering an estate can be a complex and emotionally challenging task. Whether you are a lay executor facing unfamiliar duties or require a professional executor to handle the process on your behalf, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Our experienced team will work with you from initial instruction through to final distribution of the estate, ensuring all responsibilities are carried out lawfully and efficiently.
We regularly act both as professional Executors and advise lay Executors on their legal obligations and best practice. From advising on tax liabilities to liaising with beneficiaries, our service is designed to ease the burden of the process — providing clarity and support at every stage.
We provide clear cost estimates at the outset and are able to advise on Inheritance Tax, Capital Gains Tax, and Income Tax issues as they arise during the administration.
We acted for the family of an elderly couple who passed away in quick succession, under circumstances that raised uncertainty around which spouse had died first — a critical factor in determining how the estates would devolve.
We advised on the inquest process and the legal implications of the simultaneous deaths. After confirming that the husband had left a valid will and that his wife had died intestate, we managed both estates accordingly. This included tracing beneficiaries under the will and the intestacy, and ensuring all estate assets were appropriately distributed.
The Probate Administration process includes:
In straightforward cases, administration typically takes 6–9 months, excluding the sale of any property. General timescales:
These timeframes may vary depending on the complexity of the estate, third-party delays (e.g. Probate Registry), and the accuracy of the information provided.
If you are managing an estate or need advice as an Executor, our Private Client Team is ready to help.
📞 Contact us today on 01285 650000 to speak with a member of the team.
Our probate solicitors have extensive experience helping families navigate the legal and administrative aspects of dealing with an estate. We offer a sensitive, professional service that takes the burden off families at what is often a very difficult time. We provide clear fee estimates from the outset and keep you informed throughout the process.
Before an estate can be distributed, it is usually necessary to obtain a Grant of Probate (if there is a will) or Letters of Administration (if there is no will). Our probate solicitors will prepare and submit the necessary application to the Probate Registry on your behalf. The GOV.UK guidance on probate explains the general process, and our team can advise on your specific circumstances.
Dealing with an estate often raises wider questions about your own planning. We can also help you with wills and estate planning, Lasting Powers of Attorney, and tax and estate planning advice to help protect your family's future.
Probate is the legal process of administering a deceased person's estate. It involves applying for a Grant of Probate, settling any debts and tax liabilities, and distributing the remaining assets to beneficiaries.
Straightforward estates can be completed in 6 to 12 months. More complex estates involving property, multiple assets, or disputes can take longer. HMRC processing times also affect the overall timeline. Contact us to consider your specific circumstances.
Not always. Small estates or assets held jointly may not require a Grant of Probate. A solicitor can confirm whether probate is needed based on the specific estate.
Solicitor fees for probate are usually charged as a fixed fee or a percentage of the estate value. The court application fee is currently £300 for estates over £5,000. Contact us and we will give you a clear cost estimate based on your circumstances.
Tel: 01285 650 000
Fax: 01285 649 898
DX: 39400 Cirencester
Email: info@sml-law.co.uk
