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Probate Solicitors

Our probate team understand how difficult and emotional it is to deal with the paperwork after losing a loved one, that’s why our leading probate services are tailored to your needs.

Let our probate lawyers help you.

We appreciate that the law relating to probate can be confusing. That’s why we aim to make it easier for you to understand and take the pressure off you and ensure that the wishes of the deceased are carried out so that assets are passed to the intended beneficiaries as quickly as possible.

After we have determined the details of the Will, we will arrange for inheritance tax to be paid if necessary, and then apply to the Probate Registry to authorise the Executors to administer and distribute the estate according to the terms of the Will.

What is an Executor and Administrator?

The Executors are the people appointed in the Will to deal with the administration of the Estate. The Administrator is the person who must deal with the administration of an estate where there is no Will. Executors and Administrators are often together referred to as Personal Representatives and they have three specific roles:

  • Protect and preserve the estate
  • Apply for the Grant of Representation (often referred to as “probate”)
  • Distribute the estate according to the terms of the Will or Intestacy

This is only a brief outline of probate law and is not intended to be a substitute for specific advice tailored to your needs.

How long does probate take?

It is important to note that the likely timescales involved with the administration of an estate can vary greatly. Generally, it takes between 16 – 20 months for a standard full estate administration to be concluded in its entirety depending on the make-up and complexity of the estate itself. Generally, we can obtain a Grant of Representation (probate) within 20 weeks provided we have all the information necessary and there is no Inheritance Tax to pay.

We’ve put together a helpful Probate factsheet and glossary.

How much does probate cost?

We offer Executors the choice of a fixed fee arrangement or the more traditional solicitors’ charging method, we will discuss our fees fees in advance of you becoming our client. You can also get a free probate quote by using our probate calculator. You can also find examples of our pricing here.

There are likely to be disbursements in full administration to be aware off, we will always discuss these with you in advance. These could include, but are not limited to:

  • Statutory notices – approximately £200
  • Valuation fees, for property, contents and some investments – approximately £100-200 each
  • Bankruptcy search fees – £2 plus VAT per name searched

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Why choose Mayo Wynne Baxter's legal services

Our award winning legal advisors specialise in helping individuals and families manage their legal affairs.

  • Award winning department
  • Offering a personal touch to all our clients
  • Providing compassionate support and guidance, ensuring peace of mind for clients

Probate FAQs

If we hold a Document in storage that you need to request, please visit our document request page which gives you full details of the information we need and how to contact us.

    Contact us today

    Complete your details in the box below and we will aim to call you back within four hours. If you would like to speak to someone sooner, call us on 0800 84 94 101.

    By submitting your message, phone number and email address, you are permitting us to contact you by these means in response to your enquiry. You also acknowledge that the information you submit will be used as detailed in our privacy policy.

    What to expect when you contact us

    1. Once you have completed the contact form or called us, our client service team will call you back, to ask a few questions including your preferred method of contact. This information is then passed directly to the Legal Adviser who will be working for you. Once you are happy to proceed we will gather all the relevant information and your file will be opened almost immediately so we can start work.
    2. A member of the Client Service Team will keep in contact with you on a regular basis throughout your transaction, to make sure you and them are satisfied with the progress of your matter. There is no additional charge to you for their involvement.
    3. We are here to assist you and ensure everything proceeds as smoothly as possible. You will have direct contact details for the client service team, who you can contact at any point during your matter.

    Our aim is to make the process as easy and uncomplicated as possible for you.