Probate Solicitors Swindon

Probate Solicitors Witney

probate solicitors

The legalities of a person’s death can be complex and may feel overwhelming. We can deal with all of your probate matters in Swindon or Witney using our team of probate solicitors. It can be a very difficult process so let our probate solicitors advise, guide and help ease the load.

Contested Probate

We have two solicitor-advocates on hand and if matters were to enter the Court arena, they will deal with your matter from start to finish.

Subject to the strength of your case, we can deal with these matters on a no win no fee basis.

This guide below should help answer some of your questions and our probate solicitors are only a phone call away should you need anything else.

Probate is the legal right to deal with someone's property, money and possessions (their 'Estate') when they die. You should not make any financial plans or put property on the market until you've got Probate or unless you have taken steps to make an application for the Grant of Probate as there are delays in the Court process.
Grant of Representation: If there isn’t a will this is a legal document that gives someone the power to deal with the assets and liabilities of the Estate.
Grant of Probate: If there is a will, the executor must apply for a Grant of Probate, a legal document that gives them the authority to deal with the deceased’s property.
The executor is the person who will deal with all Estate matters and they have a duty to ensure the wishes set out in your Will are carried out after your death. This could be a family member, a close friend or your probate solicitor.
Having a solicitor act as your executor can be advantageous. They will have extensive knowledge and experience and can remain dispassionate which is especially helpful should there be any disputes between beneficiaries.
It is a good idea to appoint more than one executor in case one becomes unable to act and/or they can support one another during the Probate process.
A beneficiary is someone who receives an inheritance from an Estate.
Yes, this happens in many cases. However a beneficiary cannot have witnessed the will.
On average it takes about a year in most cases, however, it really does depend on the Estate and any complexities in relation to that. A probate solicitor can advise on this.
The cost really depends on the complexity of the Estate and whether any Estate planning is needed.
At francis george solicitor-advocate we will give you an estimate at the start and we will revise this estimate if at any point any unforeseen issues arise.
Our hourly rates are from £120 Plus VAT to £360 plus VAT.
A simple case could cost up to £2000 plus VAT (at 20%)
More complex cases could cost upwards of £5000 plus VAT, but it really depends on the value and complexity of the Estate and whether there are any Inheritance Tax issues.
A one-off fee for the grant of Probate is £273 and is payable to the Court on all Estates with a value greater than £5000.
Every Estate and every Will is different. The exact Probate process can vary depending on the instructions left in the Will and the assets, creditors, and beneficiaries the Estate has.
The basic process for an executor is:
1. Gather the full details of the Estate’s assets and debts.
2. Apply for Grant of Probate.
3. Complete an inheritance tax return and pay any tax due.
4. You receive a Grant of Probate.
5. Collect in the deceased’s assets, close any accounts of the deceased’s and sell any properties that the deceased may have owned.
6. Repay any of the deceased’s outstanding debts.
7. Keep a good record of all assets and liabilities of the Estate including any information relating to income and overpayments of the Estate.
8. Distribute the Estate according to the instructions left in the deceased’s Will.

Find reassurance with our probate solicitors at francis george solicitor-advocate. We're here to address your concerns and guide you through the probate process with expertise and care.