Probate Services
Losing a loved one is always an extremely difficult time, made all the more stressful if you are left with the responsibility of administering the estate and dealing with probate.
Woods Legal is able to offer both legal advice and practical support during this time, providing as much or as little help as you need.
Contact us now for a free no obligation discussion regarding your affairs.
What Services Woods Legal can provide
Our range of services includes:
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Full administration of the deceased’s estate
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Completion of the HMRC forms
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Obtaining a grant of probate or letters of administration
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Post-death tax planning
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Deeds of variation
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Trustee services
We work on the basis that we can assist you as much or as little as you require, based on each individual case
What is Probate?
Probate is the process of applying for the right to administer the estate (eg property, assets and money) of a person who has passed away and the procedure that follows from this.
The person who administers the estate is the 'personal representative'. Who this is depends on whether the deceased left a Will or died intestate.
What is a Grant of Representation?
This is the legal document issued by the Probate Registry granting the right to administer the estate. The document Will either be a 'Grant of Probate', where a Will was left, or a 'Grant of Letters of Administration', where no Will was left or where it is found to be invalid. If no executor has been named in a Will or the executor gives up their rights to Probate, the document is named a 'Grant of letters of administration with Will Annexed'.
If no valid Will has been left, an 'administrator' who will be the deceased's next-of-kin, decided by a set order of priority (starting with the married/civil partner of the deceased) will be appointed by the court to deal with the estate. The deceased's next-of-kin can apply for a grant of letters of administration to be issued by the court which will give them authority to administer the estate.
See our Blog on Probate matters for the latest updates and current news.
Our Probate fees explained
Woods Legal offer a full and inclusive service for the fixed fees listed. From our first meeting, dealing with all the financial institutions, drafting the inheritance forms and Oath up to and including the final distribution of the Estate to the beneficiaries.
Woods Legal do not charge an hourly rate nor are there any additional costs for written correspondence or telephone calls during the administration.
Any disbursments that will be required to be paid, for example the fee for making an application to the Probate Registry, will be discussed and agreed before any payment is made.
Value of the Estate
Under £325,000 1.75% of the value of the Estate
Between £325,000 and £500,000 1.5% of the value of the Estate
Over £500,000 1% of the value of the Estate
Alternatively if you would like to deal with the administration of the Estate your self we are able to assist you with the inheritance tax return and application for Grant of Probate on the following fixed fee basis
Taxable Estate £1,000
Non-taxable Estate £800
Deeds of Variation £250