Probate

Probate Solicitors

M & M Solicitors offer specialist advice on all aspects of Probate. Losing a loved one is distressing for anyone and the legal process can leave you feeling overwhelmed, especially if you need to take on the role of being the executor of their estate.

The probate process can be complex and in some cases, may cause family disputes. There are many questions to be answered and arrangements that need to be made at what is a difficult time for everyone involved.

The deceased may or may not have made a Will and there will be decisions to be made around funeral arrangements, Inheritance Tax implications and managing what happens to both property and money.

Our experienced probate team are experts in supporting clients through the process of estate administration and can help as much or as little as required.

Free Initial Discussion

We understand that you will want to discuss your matter with an expert solicitor, which is why we offer a no-obligation, free discussion to see how we can assist you. Please call us on 0292 048 2444 or email us at [email protected].

What is Probate?

Probate refers to the process, carried out by the Executor of the Will in managing the property, money and other possessions of someone who has passed away.

A Grant of Probate is issued by the Probate Registry following an application by the personal representatives and is needed to manage and distribute the estate.

In a situation where there is no Will, then Letters of Administration can be issued by the Probate Registry to the next of kin which permits them to deal with the estate.

You will need probate to be able to:

• Close a bank account with a balance of over £15,000
• Receive or transfer any shares
• Make a claim by the estate eg. care home fees
• Sell a property
• To make a claim under a life policy or a pension death benefit

How Long Does Probate Take?

The probate process has four key stages:

• Assessing the assets
• Application to the probate court
• Collecting in the various assets
• Paying liabilities and distributing the estate

The timescales can vary widely and are dependant on the circumstances and the nature of the deceased person’s assets.

In straightforward cases, probate can usually be acquired in around 3-6 weeks.

Larger and more complex matters with multiple properties will take much longer as evaluating business interests and selling numerous properties can take longer.

It is always best that you speak with a specialist probate solicitor who can advise you on the best course of action.

Our Probate Service

Our team are here to ease some of the worry and pressure of administering an estate by providing the following expertise and services:

• Advise on any Inheritance Tax liability
• Checking the validity of the Will or apply the Rules of Intestacy if there is no Will
• Complete the Inheritance Tax forms (whether tax is due or not)
• Complete the Probate application form
• Prepare the Statement of Truth required to be signed by the Executors and Administrators
• Provide a Grant of Probate application (only) service

We are able to offer peace of mind knowing that everything has been completed, submitted and distributed accurately.

Our Fees

For small estates, we offer fixed and highly competitive probate fees wherever possible or we will provide you with an estimate of the likely costs involved.

Please call us to discuss your matter and specific requirements with our friendly team.

Contact Us Today

For a free discussion about your individual circumstances, please contact us below.

To speak to our defence team, please call us on 029 2048 2444 or email us at [email protected].

We can assist wherever you are based and have offices in Cardiff.