Probate Solicitors
Experienced probate solicitors guiding you through the legal and practical steps after someone dies.
Helping you manage the practical responsibilities of probate.
When someone dies, there are immediate practical matters that need attention.
You may have been named as an executor in a will. Or there may be no will at all, and you have suddenly found yourself responsible for dealing with a loved one’s estate. There may be property to secure, banks to notify, insurance policies to check and family members looking to you for answers.
At the same time, you are dealing with grief and the expectations of family members. It is completely normal to feel unsure about the process or worried about getting something wrong.
Our probate solicitors help executors and administrators understand what needs to happen and take the pressure off wherever possible. We guide you through the process step-by-step. We work with HMRC, financial institutions and the Probate Registry on your behalf. We ensure deadlines are met, tax is reported correctly and the estate is administered properly.
Whether you are acting as an executor under a will, or as an administrator where there is no will, our role is to protect you, manage the estate’s progress, and make a difficult time more manageable.
Call us on 0808 2562 917 or
What is probate and when is it required?
Probate is the legal process of administering a person’s estate after they have died.
In simple terms, it gives the executor or administrator the legal authority to collect assets, pay debts and distribute what remains to beneficiaries.
Probate is often required where the estate includes:
- Property held in the deceased’s sole name.
- Significant bank or building society accounts.
- Investments or shareholdings.
If there is a valid will, the named executors apply for a Grant of Probate.
If there is no will, a close relative can apply for Letters of Administration.
Not all estates need a Grant. Jointly owned assets usually pass to the survivor, and some financial institutions will release funds below certain thresholds without probate. Where probate is required, you will need to verify assets and debts and file inheritance tax forms.
Some estates are relatively straightforward. Others involve multiple properties, business holdings, international assets or more detailed tax reporting.
Our probate and estate administration services.
- Estate administration
Managing the estate from start to finish, including identifying and collecting assets, settling debts and liabilities, resolving any issues or disputes that arise, and overseeing the correct distribution of inheritance to beneficiaries.
- Grant of probate applications
Preparing and submitting the legal application for the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration so that you have the formal authority to deal with the estate and carry out your responsibilities.
- Estate taxes
Advising on inheritance tax and other taxes that may arise after a death. This includes assessing the estate’s tax position, preparing the required reports to HMRC and ensuring any tax due is calculated and paid correctly.
- Executor duties
Explaining your legal responsibilities as an executor or administrator and guiding you through each stage of the process, helping you manage the estate properly and reduce the risk of personal liability.
- International probate
Advising where an estate includes overseas property or assets, helping coordinate the English probate process and working with trusted advisers in other jurisdictions where necessary.
- Deeds of variation
Advising on whether a deed of variation may be appropriate to change how an estate is distributed after death, including situations where tax planning or family arrangements may need to be considered.
- Probate disputes
Advising where disputes arise over wills and estates, including challenges to the validity of a will, executor disputes and inheritance claims.
Why experience matters in probate.
Acting as an executor or administrator carries personal legal responsibility. Mistakes in tax reporting, asset distribution or debt settlement can expose you to financial risk.
Experienced probate solicitors help you:
- Ensure inheritance tax and other liabilities are reported accurately and on time.
- Avoid unnecessary delays or procedural errors.
- Manage property sales and complex assets properly.
- Navigate sensitive beneficiary or family issues carefully.
- Protect yourself from personal financial exposure.
Our probate solicitors advise on both straightforward estates and more complex matters. We explain legal and tax issues in plain English and ensure you understand the costs involved from the outset.
Where disagreements arise or concerns are raised about a will, we can advise you promptly and, if necessary, involve our contentious probate team to protect your position.
Call us on 0808 2562 917 or
Supporting you through probate and estate administration.
Probate involves more than completing forms. It requires careful administration, accurate tax reporting and a clear understanding of your legal responsibilities.
Depending on your needs, we can assist with:
- Applying for the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration.
- Preparing and submitting inheritance tax returns.
- Corresponding with HMRC on your behalf.
- Identifying, valuing and collecting estate assets.
- Settling debts and liabilities.
- Preparing estate accounts.
- Distributing assets to beneficiaries correctly.
Some clients ask us to manage the entire estate administration from start to finish. Others prefer a fixed fee service for the Grant application while retaining day-to-day control themselves.
At Thomas Mansfield Solicitors, we provide structured private client advice on probate and estate administration across London and the South East. We are Lexcel-accredited, reflecting our commitment to high standards of client care and practice management.
Meet our team
Talk to our probate solicitors.
If you are responsible for dealing with a loved one’s estate, our probate solicitors can help you understand the process and what comes next.
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Frequently asked questions
Can an executor be personally liable?
Yes - an executor can be personally liable if debts or inheritance tax aren’t settled before assets are distributed or the estate is not administered correctly. Get specialist probate advice to avoid personal exposure.
Do I need a solicitor for probate?
You are not legally required to instruct probate solicitors. However, executors and administrators carry personal responsibility for administering the estate correctly. Misreporting taxes, prematurely distributing assets, or overlooking liabilities can leave you personally liable. Many people seek professional help for peace of mind with property, tax or complex family issues.
How long does probate take?
The timescale depends on the complexity of the estate, whether inheritance tax is payable and how quickly information can be gathered. Straightforward estates may progress more quickly, but property sales, complex assets or HMRC queries can extend the process. Probate Registry times also vary. Our probate solicitors provide realistic guidance at the outset and keep you updated so you understand what to expect at each stage.
How soon after a death should probate be started?
There is no strict deadline to apply for probate, but inheritance tax reporting has specific time limits and interest may accrue if payments are delayed. It is usually sensible to seek advice once the initial financial information is available.
What are Letters of Administration?
Letters of Administration are issued when someone dies without a valid will, or where no executor is able to act. They give a person legal authority to deal with the estate - collecting assets, paying debts and distributing to beneficiaries. The person appointed is called an administrator rather than an executor. In practical terms, Letters of Administration serve the same purpose as probate, but apply in different circumstances.
What happens if there is no will?
If someone dies without a valid will, they die intestate. The estate passes under intestacy rules, which set out who inherits and in what order. A close relative will usually apply for Letters of Administration instead of Grant of Probate – this can leave unmarried partners with nothing. Our probate solicitors will explain which laws affect your estate, whether inheritance tax applies and will apply for Letters of Administration on your behalf.
What happens to jointly owned property?
Where property is owned as joint tenants, it will pass automatically to the surviving owner and may not form part of the probate estate. However, if property is owned as tenants in common, the deceased’s share will pass under their will or the rules of intestacy and probate may be required.
How much does probate cost?
The cost of probate depends on the complexity of the estate and the work involved. Some estates are straightforward and require limited legal input, while others involve multiple assets, property, tax reporting or complex family circumstances. Our fees are based on the work required rather than a percentage of the estate value. This means costs remain proportionate and transparent.You can view typical fee ranges and examples on our probate pricing information page. Once we understand the circumstances of the estate, our probate solicitors will provide a clear estimate of the likely costs.
Contact us
Getting in touch couldn’t be easier. Use our form or call us to speak to an experienced solicitor in confidence.
Please note we cannot offer legal aid.