| Probate service | Free First Advice | Grant Only Service | Grant & Administration Service |
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| What do you get? |
Discuss the issues that are concerning you about the estate and get some initial advice at no cost |
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| Is it right for me? | Discuss the issues that are concerning you about the estate and get some initial advice at no cost. | You want some expert help and advice on your duties and responsibilities and with completing all the paperwork but are confident about dealing with the rest yourself. | You want a lawyer to manage and complete the whole process to ensure that all legal formalities are completed and be assured that you have carried out your duties and responsibilities. |
| Get started | Get started | Get started |
When a death happens, someone has to take responsibility for the assets of the deceased and ensure that after payment of all debts and liabilities the assets pass to the right beneficiary or beneficiaries. This is made more simple where a well drafted and up-to-date will is in place. Where there is no will or what is drafted is ambiguous or not legally valid, this can be more complex.
If you are an Executor of a will, you'll need to apply for a "Grant of Probate" to the Probate Registry which will give you the legal authority to sort out the deceased's personal and financial affairs.
If someone has died without a valid will, the "intestacy rules" will apply and these rules decide who is entitled to sort out the estate and become the "Administrator". They will need to apply to the Probate Registry for "Letters of Administration". The rules also decide who the beneficiary or beneficiaries will be.
If the total value of the estate is small (generally less than £5000.00) -most banks and financial institutions will release assets without a Grant of Probate but for estates over this value or where there is no will, most assets will not be released unless there is a Grant or Letters of Administration.
Applications to the Probate Registry can be made personally without involving a lawyer but Executors and Administrators have a legal duty to carry out their obligations and responsibilities honestly and in good faith. Failure to do so can make them personally liable to creditors and beneficiaries for any losses. It's a serious undertaking and it is sensible to safeguard yourself by taking expert advice to ensure that the estate is properly administered according to the law and according to the various time limits that the law imposes.
Why choose QualitySolicitors?
At QualitySolicitors we know that when a loved one dies there are many decisions and arrangements that need to be made at a distressing time. That's why we have a probate service that is designed to provide sensitive but effective advice and support guiding Executors and Administrators through the legal and practical implications of bereavement without the worry of expensive legal costs.
How much will we charge?
Many lawyers charge for the time that it takes to complete all the legal work plus a percentage of the value of the estate on top but at QualitySolicitors we're different. We can provide a fixed fee service agreed right at the start based on the complexity of the estate not its value. That way, you'll know exactly what the legal costs are going to be and not have to worry about the final bill.
So to find out more call us now and ask for Andrea Belshaw on 01618 250 969.