Why Use a Solicitor for Probate?
We’ll take care of the details while you’re coping with your loss
When a loved one dies, emotions can run high, even when the death was expected. But when you start thinking about all the practical things you need to do, it can become even more stressful and overwhelming, especially if you’re the Executor of the deceased’s estate. As the Executor you are legally responsible for ensuring that the estate administration is carried out correctly, including making sure the estate is valued properly, the right inheritance tax is paid and all of the gifts from the estate are distributed according to the will. We have more practical information about what to do when someone dies in our recent blog.
But the stress of a major loss can quickly deplete your energy and emotional reserves. While some probates are relatively easy to deal with, even with straightforward estates there are plenty of challenging issues that can arise and things that can go wrong. If you make a mistake, you can be held responsible for it.
Having an expert assist you with probate is, therefore, the simplest and most effective way to take some of the burden of responsibility off your shoulders and give you peace of mind that you are correctly carrying out your duty to the deceased and their beneficiaries.
How a probate solicitor can help
As probate solicitors we are completely independent and have no emotional ties, plus we handle probate cases every day. This means we’ll be able to deal with the legalities with a clear mind, sound judgement and years of relevant legal experience. We can make the process easier for you, making sure that the right information is gathered, completing all the appropriate documentation and submitting it correctly so as to avoid any penalties.
Applying for probate is time consuming and can be frustrating. As expert probate solicitors we can guide you through all the stages of applying for probate. For example, we can:
- Tell you whether you need to apply for probate (not all estates will qualify)
- Value the estate
- Submit Inheritance Tax forms to HMRC
- Apply for a grant of representation on your behalf
- Collect the assets of the estate
- Make sure the estate is distributed accurately to the beneficiaries in accordance with the deceased’s wishes
Dealing with digital assets
Not many people realise that a deceased’s digital assets also form part of their estate. We’re continually being persuaded to transfer our financial dealings online, and as an Executor you’ll need access to all of the deceased’s digital accounts so that we can make sure everything is counted in our valuation of their estate. This may include their social media accounts, if they have a financial value.
We will help you manage your way through the process, and we encourage everyone to keep a list of their online profiles with passwords (preferably locked away with your will) so that your Executors can deal with them appropriately and swiftly. This useful article from Solicitors for the Elderly explains more about what constitutes a “digital asset” and how to go about gathering the information.
Why use Ash Hill’s probate services?
There are also a number of other specific benefits from using Ash Hill’s probate solicitors:
- We are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) which means we abide by strict codes of professional conduct
- We have the experience and expertise to effectively deal with all of the procedural requirements involved in probate with view to keeping delays to a minimum. For example, we’ll make sure the right tax is paid, any problems are identified and resolved, and all accounts are handled with full legal compliance
- If necessary, we can mediate between family members or deal with third parties in the event of a dispute. This helps keep you as the Executor out of the ‘firing line’ and can make it easier to quickly resolve conflicts
- We can ensure that claims from disappointed parties not benefitting under a will are monitored. This includes adherence to time limits for prospective claims, including those from creditors
- We can ensure that the identity of any beneficiaries is properly established and that there are no impediments against handing over funds (e.g. if a beneficiary is bankrupt)
- Should issues arise relating to matters outside of the estate, we have a wide range of experts on hand that we can engage at the most appropriate time to resolve these issues
- We keep you informed every step of the way, and we are here should you have any questions at any stage of the process
Grief can make you feel many different things and can involve some strong emotions, including worrying about practical issues like probate. You can rely on our service, our expertise, our sensitivity to your situation, and absolute discretion in all matters relating to your loved-one’s estate.
If you would like to discuss how we can assist you, please call us on 0208 515 2790, or complete our online enquiry form, and a member of our Wills and Probate team will contact you to discuss your requirements.
We have the in-house expertise in a wide range of legal services, and our advice is tailored to your particular circumstances. From Divorce, Civil and Commercial Mediation and Elderly Client Care, to setting up Trusts and Nuptial & Cohabitation Agreements.
No matter what your legal problem is, we can help you.


