Probate
Our experienced and expert Probate Solicitors have extensive knowledge of probate and all matters of estate administration. Our lawyers are by your side to ensure that you receive expert legal advice.
Our expert Probate Solicitors In Cheshire are specialists in the field, and can help you deal with the aftermath of the death of a loved one.
This period is already a difficult time. If you’re named the executor of the will, the added burden of administering the estate and the extensive legal duties associated with this responsibility can be overwhelming.
The term that relates to the process of dealing with a person’s legal and financial affairs after they’ve died is ‘probate.’ When you apply for probate, you’re essentially asking the courts to verify that a will is genuine and valid and that its terms can legally be carried out.
That’s where our expert Probate Solicitors In Cheshire come in. At Rowlinsons, we understand the complexities involved. You’ll get clear, comprehensive advice to keep you fully informed from beginning to end to make the probate process as easy as possible.
When someone dies any money, property, or possessions owned by the deceased form part of their estate. The personal representative, who is a named executor (or the next of kin of someone who has not left a will) is in charge of managing and distributing the estate to any beneficiaries.
Before this can be done, the courts have to verify that the will is valid and confirm who has the authority to administer the estate.
The executor of a will is legally responsible for carrying out the instructions set out in the will after the person has died.
There are various administrative tasks involved which can be quite complex, putting you under more stress at what will already be a distressing time.
Duties of an executor or personal representative include:
Our specialist probate solicitors can help to take care of the administrative tasks in a professional yet sensitive manner to make the process as straightforward as possible.
At Rowlinsons our expert Probate Solicitors In Cheshire have vast experience in dealing with matters relating to probate. Our team was highly commended in the Solicitor Firm of the Year (North) category at the 2018 British Wills and Probate Awards. Donna and Megan from the Estate Administration Solicitors team are full members of STEP and have both received a STEP Worldwide Excellence Award. You get peace of mind knowing that our fully qualified estate administration solicitors can provide the best possible service for you.
To make an appointment please call 01928 735 333 or click here for a call back.
Whether or not a grant of probate is necessary depends on the requirements of the financial institutions where the assets are held.
Most financial institutions require probate on assets valued over £5,000 but that can increase up to £50,000 for some institutions. A probate solicitor can help you find out when you need to obtain a Grant of Probate.
In the UK once the application is submitted to the court, if done correctly, you can expect the court to accept the Grant of Probate in 12- 16 weeks, however longer processing periods are not uncommon lately.
It can take longer if they need you to supply additional information, which is why it’s important to get the application right the first time.
If there are any delays your probate solicitor can keep you updated and informed with any issues.
Once you receive the Grant of Probate you will be able to start collecting the assets, pay liabilities and expenses of the administration and deal with the property. Eventually, you’ll be able to distribute the estate to the beneficiaries in accordance with the will.
There is no set time scale in administering an estate and the time it takes will depend on the value and complexity of the assets involved. The entire process may take up to 12 months and is often arduous and confusing. That’s why you may find sharing the responsibility with an expert probate legal team can make the process go smoother.
At Rowlinsons, we understand the complexities involved in probate and recognise how daunting these can be, particularly when you are grieving. While you may only have to deal with estate administration once in your life, we help personal representatives obtain Grants of Probate every day and are experts at dealing with the entire process.
In certain instances, we are able to offer a fixed-fee probate service, so you know how much to expect to pay from the outset. The fee will depend on the complexity of the case and the assets involved which is why we offer an initial no-obligation chat before quoting your fee. Get in touch to find out more.
When someone passes away without leaving a will it is said they died ‘intestate.’ This means the administering of their assets and belongings passes under the rules of intestacy.
The responsibility for administering the estate will fall to the next of kin or closest living family member. The process of dealing with the estate is slightly different and the closest living relative will have to apply for a Grant of Letters of Administration to take control of the deceased's assets.
To help you obtain probate and relieve the burden of extensive legal administration, the team at Rowlinsons can assist with a range of duties, including:
Our team can also assist with all aspects of the estate administration including closing Bank/Building Society accounts, transferring/selling land or residential property and distributing the assets to the beneficiaries of the estate.
We have considerable experience in dealing with the administration of estates of all sizes and complexity which means we can handle matters as quickly and efficiently as possible. Bereavement is hard enough without being inundated with legal duties. Let us take the pressure off. If you require any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us
Rowlinsons Solicitors are here to help. We are a specialist law firm based in Cheshire with expertise in Probate. We regularly help clients across Cheshire and the North West from our offices in Frodsham and Runcorn (Sutton Weaver), including individuals in Warrington, Widnes, St Helens, Chester, and Northwich.
Our team is approachable, friendly and professional. By choosing Rowlinsons, our aim is to achieve amicable resolutions swiftly, but if litigation is necessary, Our Personal Solicitors have the experience and know-how to deal with the courts effectively.
As a specialist firm of Solicitors in Cheshire, we offer expert legal advice to clients across England and Wales. Contact us today to find out more about our Estate Administration.
Call us today for an initial no obligation call or click here for a call back. We also have meeting facilities in North Wales for Family Law clients.
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