Understanding probate and how a solicitor can help
Managing a loved one’s affairs when they die is never easy. During what is an already difficult and emotional time, probate – the process of administering a deceased person’s estate – is one of the many things bereaved families must deal with.
The probate process varies from case to case because every person’s will and assets are different. However, it generally involves organising the deceased’s money, assets and possessions and, after paying any taxes and debts, distributing it as inheritance.
As this can be a stressful and long-winded process, and because navigating the legal intricacies surrounding estate administration can be a daunting task, especially during times of grief, it is often easier to use the services of a skilled probate solicitor.
The benefit of instructing an experienced probate solicitor is that they can help families handle matters as quickly and efficiently as possible by freeing them from the administrative burden while ensuring compliance with all the necessary legal requirements.
Additionally, a probate solicitor with expert knowledge and insight will be capable of not only avoiding potential pitfalls that could arise from misinterpretation or non-compliance but will also be able to use their mediation experience to safeguard family relationships by preventing any conflict that may arise from escalating.
At Wilkinson Woodward, we offer two types of probate services depending on your needs.
- Full Estate Administration
Our Full Estate Administration service deals with every aspect of probate and includes registering the death with the asset holders, requesting date of death valuations, preparing the legal paperwork, including Inland Revenue forms and executor’s/administrator’s oath, obtaining the probate grant and registering the same with asset holders, collecting in all assets and closing down accounts, paying all liabilities, finalising the tax position, paying any legacies, and distributing the monies in accordance with the will or rules of intestacy.
- Grant Only
Our Grant Only probate service means the client supplies us with the required information, such as what assets belonged to the deceased and what debts they owed. We then prepare the legal paperwork, including Inland Revenue forms and executor’s/administrator’s oath, for you. Once obtained and completed, the probate grant is then handed over to the client. At this point, the client can register with banks, close down accounts, pay off all liabilities, settle all taxes and distribute the monies in accordance with the Will or rules of intestacy.
As with most legal matters, there are various aspects to consider, such as the value and complexity of the estate. Equally, the length of the probate process and the costs involved will differ from case to case.
Our team – Hayley Meskimmon, Roy Dunn, Lauren Allette, Heather Nuttall, Linda Heaton, Katie Swift, Nicola Webb and James Hodgson, as well as the recently appointed Judith Dunn – can assist you with all aspects of the estate administration and probate process and will respectfully and professionally offer advice tailored to your personal circumstances.
You can read more about our probate services here: https://www.wilkinsonwoodward.co.uk/site/services-for-individuals/wills-probate-estate-solicitors/probate_servicesq/
For expert advice on all aspects of the estate administration and probate process, call our specialist Probate Solicitors in Halifax (01422 339600), Huddersfield (01484 483800) or Brighouse (01484 510571).