Probate and Estate Administration

Following the death of a family member or friend it is a very stressful and emotional time. We offer a bespoke service and will provide you with as little or as much assistance and guidance as needed.

What is Probate?

This is the term given to the legal authorisation of a person to deal with the estate of a deceased person whether under the terms of a Will or as the closest relative under the Intestacy rules. The document received will be a Grant of Probate or a Grant of Letters of Administration.

Estate administration

The administration of the estate can be complex and time consuming, but we aim to take the burden from you and we will:

• Interpret the Will and identify who the Executors are
• Identify who will “administer” the estate in the absence of a Will
• Value the estate
• Prepare the account to HM Revenue & Customs
• Apply for the Grant of Probate or Grant of Letters of Administration
• Pay any Inheritance Tax due from the estate
• Administer the estate and distribute to the beneficiaries
• Prepare estate accounts
• Provide advice and full administration of an estate if no Will has been left
• Advise and administer insolvent estates
• Offer a fixed fee for obtaining the Grant only
• Offer a fixed fee estimate for the full administration of an estate at the outset of the matter

We can provide additional assistance to Executors/Administrators during the administration of the estate by:

• Providing advice on any post death changes to the Will or Intestacy
• The distribution only of the estate to the named beneficiaries
• A reseal of a foreign Grant (if appropriate)
• Liaising with a solicitor to deal with assets located abroad
• Reconstituting the title deeds of an unregistered property
• Dealing with sale or transfer of a property

We understand that this is a difficult time and we therefore offer a free initial meeting whether this be at our office or at your home to discuss your personal requirements and provide you specialist advice.

Search our services

Our personal services

Why Oakwood?

Here at Oakwood Solicitors, we’re not your average law firm – our team delivers a service which caters to you. From assessing your case through to completion, our staff have not only the knowledge and expertise, but also the compassion and understanding to put you at ease throughout the process.

Find out more

Search