Probate and Estate Administration
Losing someone close to you is never easy. Alongside the emotional impact of bereavement, there are often legal, financial and practical responsibilities, which can feel daunting at an already difficult time.
Whether you have been appointed as an executor under a will or are responsible for administering the estate of someone who died without a valid will, our experienced probate solicitors are here to guide you through the process with empathy, clarity and practical advice throughout the process.
At Laurus, our Legacy team advises individuals, families and professional advisers on all aspects of succession planning. Our expertise extends from wills, trusts and Inheritance Tax planning during your lifetime through to probate and estate administration following a death. Where issues or disagreements arise, we also advise on contentious probate and disputes concerning an estate.
From straightforward estates to those involving international assets, family businesses, trusts or Inheritance Tax, we provide tailored advice that reflects your circumstances and helps you move forward with confidence.
Speak to our Probate team
Whether you have recently lost a loved one, have been appointed as an executor or simply need advice on the next steps, our experienced probate solicitors are here to help.
What is probate?
Probate is the legal process of obtaining the authority needed to deal with a person’s estate after they have died. It forms part of the wider process of estate administration, which includes identifying and valuing assets, dealing with debts and taxes, and distributing the estate to the appropriate beneficiaries.
Where someone has left a valid will, the executors named in the will may need to apply for a Grant of Probate. This gives them the legal authority to deal with assets held in the deceased’s sole name.
Where someone dies without a valid will, the estate is generally administered by an appropriate relative or other person who may need to apply for Letters of Administration.
Not every estate requires a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration. Whether a Grant is needed will depend on factors such as the nature and value of the assets, how they are owned and the requirements of the organisations holding them.
Our experienced probate solicitors can advise you from the outset, explain whether a Grant is required and guide you through the process of administering the estate.
What does estate administration involve?
Many people assume obtaining the Grant of Probate is the whole process. In reality, it is often only the beginning.
Administering an estate can involve:
- Registering the death and locating the original will.
Identifying and valuing assets and liabilities.
- Preparing Inheritance Tax returns where required.
- Applying for the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration.
- Collecting assets from banks, investment managers and other financial institutions.
- Selling or transferring property.
- Paying debts, taxes and administration expenses.
- Preparing estate accounts.
- Distributing the estate to beneficiaries.
Every estate is different. Whilst some can be administered relatively quickly, others require careful coordination between legal, financial and tax advisers.
Speak to our Probate team
Whether you have recently lost a loved one, have been appointed as an executor or simply need advice on the next steps, our experienced probate solicitors are here to help.
From straightforward estates to complex international and high value matters, we provide clear, practical advice delivered with sensitivity and care. We will guide you through every stage of probate and estate administration, working alongside your existing professional advisers where appropriate to ensure the process is as smooth and efficient as possible.
Experience with complex and high value estates
Whilst we are equally experienced in assisting with straightforward estates, our Legacy team is regularly instructed on matters involving more complex family and financial arrangements.
We advise on estates involving:
- High net worth and ultra high net worth individuals.
International assets, including overseas property, investments and bank accounts.
- Agricultural property, landed estates and rural businesses.
- Family investment companies and privately owned businesses.
- Complex trust structures.
- Cross border succession issues.
- Family offices and multi generational wealth.
- Significant investment portfolios.
- Inheritance Tax planning and reliefs.
- Blended families and multiple beneficiaries.
Where specialist tax, valuation or financial advice is required, we work closely with wealth managers, accountants, family offices and other trusted advisers to ensure every aspect of the estate is managed efficiently and in accordance with the deceased's wishes.
When should you seek legal advice?
Dealing with an estate can involve a range of legal and administrative responsibilities. Taking professional legal advice can help ensure the estate is administered correctly, minimise delays and avoid costly mistakes. Legal advice may be particularly valuable where:
- The estate includes property, businesses or overseas assets.
- Inheritance tax is payable.
- Trusts are involved.
- The will is unclear or there are concerns about its validity.
- Beneficiaries disagree.
- There are missing beneficiaries or unknown assets.
- The deceased died without a valid will.
- The estate includes agricultural or business property.
- There are international succession issues.
Even where an estate appears straightforward, having experienced solicitors guide you through the probate and estate administration process can provide reassurance and help ensure that all legal and administrative requirements are dealt with properly.
Working alongside your professional advisers
Administering an estate is rarely just a legal process.
We regularly work alongside wealth managers, independent financial advisers, accountants, tax advisers, family offices and other trusted professionals, helping to ensure the legal administration of an estate complements the wider succession planning already in place.
Our role is often to implement carefully considered plans, whether that involves administering trusts, coordinating the transfer of business interests, dealing with overseas assets, advising executors or navigating complex family dynamics.
By working collaboratively and maintaining clear communication throughout, we help ensure clients and their families receive joined up advice at every stage.
We are here to help
Why choose Laurus?
Dealing with an estate requires more than technical legal knowledge. It requires clear communication, practical guidance and sensitivity.
Clear advice – We explain every stage of the probate and estate administration process in straightforward language, helping you make informed decisions with confidence.
Collaborative support – Our Legacy team works closely with colleagues across our Family and Property teams, together with accountants, wealth managers and other professional advisers where appropriate, ensuring every aspect of an estate is considered.
Technical expertise – Alongside straightforward probate matters, we regularly advise on estates involving inheritance tax, trusts, business interests, international assets, agricultural property and complex succession arrangements.
A personal approach – Every family is different. We take time to understand your circumstances, provide realistic timescales and remain available throughout the administration of the estate.
Frequently Asked Questions
The time it takes to deal with probate and administer an estate will depend on the circumstances and complexity of the estate.
A straightforward estate may be dealt with within a few months. However, estates involving property, Inheritance Tax, trusts, overseas assets or disputes can take considerably longer. Delays can also arise where information or documentation is difficult to obtain, or where assets need to be sold or transferred.
We will explain the likely timescales at the outset and keep you updated as the administration progresses. Where unexpected issues arise, we will advise you on what they mean for the estate and the steps needed to resolve them.
No. Not every estate requires a Grant of Probate or, where there is no valid will, Letters of Administration.
Whether a Grant is needed will depend on factors such as the assets in the estate, how they are held and the requirements of the organisations holding them. In some circumstances, assets can be dealt with without a formal Grant.
We can review the circumstances of the estate and advise whether a Grant is required, what type of application is appropriate and what steps need to be taken to administer the estate.
Yes. There is no requirement to instruct a solicitor to administer an estate, and some estates can be dealt with without professional legal assistance.
However, acting as an executor involves important legal and financial responsibilities. You may need to identify and value the deceased’s assets and liabilities, deal with Inheritance Tax, apply for a Grant of Probate, settle debts and taxes, and distribute the estate in accordance with the will. Executors can also be personally liable if the estate is administered incorrectly.
The complexity of an estate is not always immediately apparent. Issues can arise involving tax, property, trusts, overseas assets, missing beneficiaries or claims against the estate.
Taking legal advice can help you understand your responsibilities, avoid unnecessary delays and give you confidence that the estate is being administered properly. We can advise on the aspects of the estate where you need support, whether you require assistance throughout the administration process or advice on a particular issue.
The cost of dealing with probate and administering an estate will depend on the circumstances of the estate and the level of legal support required.
Straightforward estates may require less work, while estates involving property, businesses, trusts, Inheritance Tax, overseas assets or disputes are likely to be more complex.
We will discuss the likely costs with you at the outset, explain what our fees cover and keep you informed if circumstances change. Our aim is to provide clear, transparent pricing so that you understand the costs involved before deciding how you would like us to assist.
Related Legacy Services
Inheritance Tax Planning
Inheritance tax considerations often arise during the administration of an estate, but effective planning usually begins much earlier.
Our Legacy team advises individuals, families and business owners on inheritance tax planning, helping preserve wealth for future generations through carefully considered wills, trusts and succession planning.
Explore our Inheritance Tax Planning services.
Wills and Estate Planning
Whether you are making your first will, updating an existing one or considering a Lasting Power of Attorney, we can help you put the right plans in place for the future.
Learn more about our Wills and Estate Planning services.
Trusts
Trusts often play an important role in protecting family wealth, supporting future generations and managing Inheritance Tax.
Our team advises on the creation, administration and ongoing management of trusts as part of wider estate and succession planning.
Find out more about our Trust services.
Contentious Probate and Estate Disputes
Not every estate proceeds smoothly.
Disputes can arise over the validity of a will, the interpretation of its terms, the actions of executors, the administration of trusts or the provision made for family members and dependants.
Our specialist Contentious Legacy team advises executors, trustees, beneficiaries and families on resolving disputes efficiently whilst protecting their interests.
