Applying for probate can be a daunting process.
Not least because you’re dealing with the death of a loved one, which is an emotional and challenging time.
But having to factor in dealing with their financial affairs and their will as well can be an incredibly difficult undertaking.
We know that, and it’s why we set up Probate Solicitors Near Me – to simplify the process so you don’t have to spend hours worrying about what you need to do next…
To be connected to a specialist solicitor near to where you live, please either call us now on 0845 1391399 or complete a Free Online Enquiry.
Apply For Probate Online
A grant of probate simply confirms that the executor of the will has the authority to administer the estate of someone who has died.
That process may be simple or might be a little bit more complicated, but generally, it’ll mean distributing assets to beneficiaries as laid out in their will and tidying up any affairs.
However, before you can get to that stage, you need to gain the legal authority to act for the deceased.
In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, this is known as a grant of probate, and once granted, it’ll mean you can access their assets such as bank accounts, investments, pensions, and anything they owned.
There are exceptions to the rule, and if the estate is worth less than £10,000, or if the deceased owned everything jointly with another person who is alive, then you don’t need to worry about a grant of probate.
If someone dies without a will, then the process is a bit more complicated, and it would be prudent to seek legal advice from a solicitor as soon as possible to work out how to proceed.
Apply For Probate
Applying for probate can be broken down into several stages, the first of which is registering the death.
This must be done within five days of the death in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and you’ll then be given a death certificate as confirmation.
After that, the rest of the process will work as follows:
- Step one is to gain a valuation on the estate
- You’ll then file inheritance tax (IHT) forms
- After this, probate applications will be filed
- Then probate fees will be paid
- And finally, IHT will be paid
Getting a valuation on the deceased’s estate will involve establishing all of their assets and liabilities, as well as locating all accounts in their name.
This may be straightforward, but quite often can become complicated if there are multiple pensions, investments, properties, or assets in their name.
You’ll need to contact:
- Banks
- HMRC concerning any outstanding tax
- Pension providers
- Lenders
- Local authorities regarding outstanding council tax
- The Department for Work and Pensions
- Fund managers and investment brokers
This isn’t an exhaustive list but it gives you an idea of the number of people and organisations you’ll need to contact to be able to value the estate.
Any properties that are included in the estate will need to be valued…
This can be done by looking at comparable house sales, but if IHT is a potential issue then a written valuation will need to be obtained – this should be completed by an estate agent or a surveyor to ensure it’s accurate and to avoid any issues further down the line.
As a reminder, the current nil-rate band for IHT is £325,000. Inheritance tax is currently taxed at 40% of anything above the £325,000 threshold – so, if you’re estate is worth £400,000, then you’ll pay £30,000 in inheritance tax since that’s 40% of £75,000.
Probate Solicitors Near Me
The good news is that Probate Solicitors Near Me are here to guide you through the entire probate process… no matter how stressful it may seem.
We understand that when it comes to something as personal as probate, you often want and need to be able to see the probate solicitor that you are working with.
Probate solicitors near me ensure that this can happen.
Not only that, but as all of our solicitors are hand-selected to be the best at what they do, you can be assured of a high quality, personal service, near to where you live.
All you need to do is provide us with a few contact details and the type of help with probate that you are looking for and we connect you with a probate solicitor near you.
To find a probate solicitor near you, simply click the button below, enter a few details and we will soon connect you with a probate solicitor for FREE.
Call us now on 0845 1391399 or complete a Free Online Enquiry.