Probate Solicitors

What Is Probate?

Probate is the legal process for managing someone’s estate after they die. If the person left a Will, their appointed executors are responsible for dealing with their assets, debts, and legacies. If there is no Will, a close relative or beneficiary may need to act as an administrator under the rules of intestacy.

In most cases, the personal representative, whether an executor or administrator, must apply for a legal document called a Grant of Representation to access and manage the estate. This could be a Grant of Probate (if there’s a Will) or Letters of Administration (if there isn’t).

Once the Grant has been issued by the Probate Registry, the personal representative can begin the formal work of collecting in the assets, settling liabilities and tax, and distributing funds in line with the Will or intestacy laws.

How Our Probate Solicitors Can Help

Our probate solicitors offer a comprehensive service that’s tailored to your circumstances. We can take on as much or as little as you need, from securing the Grant of Probate to full estate administration on your behalf.

We advise and assist with:

• Applying for a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration
• Investigating, identifying and valuing estate assets
• Liaising with banks, pension providers, HMRC and other institutions
• Dealing with income tax and inheritance tax, including reliefs and exemptions
• Settling outstanding debts, funeral expenses and liabilities
• Managing the sale or transfer of property and shares
• Distributing the estate to beneficiaries in accordance with the Will or intestacy laws
• Administering any Trusts created in the Will
• Preparing full estate accounts and providing regular updates

Our contentious probate solicitors focus on resolving disputes with sensitivity and efficiency. Wherever possible, we aim to settle matters without going to court, helping you minimise legal costs and avoid additional stress during an already difficult time.

We also work closely with our corporate and property teams to ensure the process is handled efficiently and with minimal stress to you or your family.

Grant-Only Services

If you’re comfortable managing most of the estate but need legal assistance with the paperwork, we offer a Grant-only service. This includes preparing the probate application, calculating any inheritance tax due, and submitting everything to HMRC and the Probate Registry. Once the Grant is issued, you take over the rest of the administration.

No Will? Our Probate Solicitors Can Still Help

When someone dies without a valid Will, the process can become more complicated. We can advise you on your legal rights, help you apply for Letters of Administration, and guide you through your responsibilities under the intestacy rules.

Why Choose Slater Heelis?

Our dedicated probate solicitors have years of experience helping families and individuals through the probate process with compassion, clarity and professionalism. We understand that every estate is different, and we tailor our support to meet your unique circumstances, always keeping you informed and in control.

If emotions are running high, you can count on us to provide calm, expert guidance, ensuring the estate is handled efficiently, fairly, and in line with the wishes of your loved one.

Whether you’ve just started the probate process or need help managing a complex estate, we’re here to help. Contact our probate solicitors today for clear, compassionate advice and practical support you can rely on.