For over 120 years, Longlands Solicitors have been handling probate matters for the people of Warrington and beyond. We have the experience and the expertise to deal with a full range of probate services from handling a small estate to large and complicated estates, on behalf of Executors and Administrators.
We are able to draft the full range of documents required when acting in an estate from preparing the Oath to completing the IHT205 or IHT400 form’s and we pride ourselves in offering our clients a “hand held service” in what are normally very difficult and stressful times following the passing on of a loved one.
We pride ourselves on our sensitivity and focus on endeavouring to deal with the matter in hand with a practical yet sensible approach.
What is probate?
When a client passes away, if a Will has been prepared, the executors appointed in the Will need to deal with the deceased’s assets. This can include a property, bank accounts, stocks and shares and any other assets that the deceased held.
To deal with the administration of the estate, it is necessary to apply for a Grant of Probate form the local Probate Registry. If the deceased has not left a Will, then administrators have to deal with the deceased’s affairs, usually with the help of a solicitor.
This is called a Grant of Letters of Administration. Whether one deals with a deceased’s estate under a Will, or otherwise, you are essentially gathering all assets in, paying all debts, selling and disposing of property and dealing with the tax affairs of the deceased, whether income tax, capital gains tax or inheritance tax.
We are able to deal and assist in all these matters to the client's satisfaction, given the enormous experience that we have in this area of law.
Can I apply for probate myself?
More people are choosing to try and navigate themselves through the minefield of administration of an estate. However, a large number of people who choose to “go it alone” often come to us to assist, when they encounter a problem or difficulty in the probate process. Whether it be the complication of an IHT document or dealing with a particularly difficult asset company, it is often the case that legal assistance and advice is needed at some point. Indeed, we often hear from clients that we help in this way that they wish they had come to us to in the first place.
Is a Grant of Probate (or Grant of Letters of Administration) always required when someone dies?
Not necessarily. If the person held all joint assets with another and everything passed automatically by survivorship, you may not need a Grant. It is still a good idea to seek legal advise in any event following the death of someone, especially if there is a property involved, as deeds may need changing over into a sole name.
