Q: Do I need Probate?
A: If the deceased left assets in their sole name with a total value of more than £5,000 then you will usually need to obtain a Grant of Probate or ‘Letters of Administration’ if the deceased died without leaving a Will.
Q: What is probate & why is it needed?
A: Before the assets of the deceased can be distributed to beneficiaries, the Executor must apply to the High Court for a ‘Grant of Probate’. This is a legal document that the Executor needs in order to deal with assets such as bank accounts, investment, property etc.
Q: What are letters of administration?
A: If someone dies without a Will (i.e. dies intestate) then letters of administration will need to be obtained by the next of kin before the assets of the estate can be distributed.
Q: Can I obtain a Grant of Probate myself?
A: Yes. Unless the estate is complicated it is perfectly possible to handle probate yourself without a solicitor.
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Q: When should I use a solicitor?
A: If there is foreign property involved, if there is a dispute, if the estate is insufficient to pay all of the debts or if the deceased owned a business.
Q: How much does probate cost through a solicitor?
A: Expect to pay at least £2,500 – £3,500 + VAT for an average sized straightforward estate. Solicitors will usually charge an hourly rate typically £150-£300 per hour plus a responsibility fee typically 0.5% to 1.5% of the value of the estate. Because they charge on an hourly basis solicitors have an incentive to make the work last as long as possible. Banks charge a percentage of the estate typically 4%.
Q: What help is available if I do not want to handle probate entirely on my own?
A: Start with our free Probate Guide, which explains the process and helps you understand what is involved.
If you would like expert help, you can arrange a free, no-obligation call to discuss our assisted probate service. We can help you prepare and submit the probate application correctly while you remain in control of the estate.
Q: How long does probate take?
A: Timescales vary according to the complexity of the estate, how quickly banks and other asset holders provide information, whether inheritance tax is involved, and the Probate Registry’s processing times.
Our assisted probate service is designed to help you prepare the application correctly and avoid preventable delays, but no provider can guarantee when the Probate Registry will issue the grant.
Download the free Probate Guide or call us on 0116 467 0060 to find out how we can help.