When someone dies, the executor under their Will must administer their estate. This involves collecting in all details of the person’s money, investments, property, and possessions, which they owned at the time of their death. Sometimes it is necessary for the executor to apply for a Grant of Probate.

The Grant of Probate allows the executor to deal with all of the assets of the Estate and to distribute it to the beneficiaries under the Will.

Probate Solicitors in Stockport

The administration of a person’s estate can be complex, time consuming and difficult at a time when you’re already under a lot of emotional distress. Our probate solicitors in Stockport will work with you to manage the load and take the strain, helping to make the process as straight-forward as possible.

The probate process ends once the estate has been fully identified, all taxes and debts have been paid and any inheritance has been distributed. However, probate isn’t always necessary. Following a bereavement, our solicitors will help you establish whether probate is required and then offer support and advice on the appropriate next steps for you.

Our specialist team of probate solicitors provide a sensitive yet professional approach to probate matters. We understand that the death of a close friend or loved one is an extremely difficult time and that dealing with the administration of an estate can be daunting and demanding. We will handle the process for you, with the aim of alleviating the additional stress and worry at this time.

Our Specialist Probate Services include:

Assistance in determining the size of an estate for probate and inheritance tax purposes
Completing forms and preparing the application for the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration
Paying debts, liabilities, and expenses (including accounting for all taxes and benefits)
Distributing assets in accordance with the Will or Intestacy
Preparing accounts showing all transactions and finalising all tax affairs

Dealing with the death of a loved one is a difficult time. Our dedicated team of probate solicitors will guide you through the process with care.

If you are looking for a friendly, reputable Probate Solicitor in Stockport, we’ll be happy to help you.

Get in touch with our team today

Intestacy and Contentious Probate

When someone dies with a valid Will, the named Executor(s) have the right to administer the estate from the date of death. If necessary, they will apply for Probate by making a Court application and completing the necessary Inheritance Tax papers.

However, when someone dies without a Will, they die Intestate. No-one has the authority to administer the estate until they have applied to Court for Letters of Administration, which also involves the completion of the necessary Inheritance Tax papers. In the absence of a Will, the law determines who is entitled to apply to Court and who shall inherit from the estate.

Whether you are a claimant, trustee, beneficiary, or personal representative, please speak to our probate solicitors today. We will be able to assist with the legal expertise and experience to appropriately guide you through the process.

learn more about your options

Inheritance Tax

When someone dies, the value of their estate must be assessed to establish how much Inheritance Tax, if any, is payable. Tax law can be complicated and there are many factors that could affect the tax equation, particularly gifts made during lifetime.

The responsibility for calculating Inheritance Tax correctly rests with the Executors or Administrators (on Intestacy). Miscalculations could have unfortunate, personal consequences so it pays to have expert help in such a complex area.

For specialist legal advice on inheritance tax after a person has passed away, please contact us today.

Speak to a member of our team

Probate FAQs

Probate is the legal right to manage the estate of a person when they die. The executor must apply for a Grant of Probate, which is a legal document giving them the authority to deal with the deceased’s estate.
The process ends when the estate has been fully identified, all taxes and debts have been paid and all inheritance has been distributed.
On average, the probate process takes around six months a year from the date of a person’s death to their estate being distributed. Timings can vary depending on the complexity of the estate.
When someone believes the Will is not valid, or that Probate hasn’t been executed properly, they can contest it. To do this, they must lodge a caveat with the Probate Registry, which stops probate being issued until the dispute is resolved.
The caveat expires after six months but can be renewed.

We are committed to assisting our clients in managing their general affairs at each stage of life, so we offer a no-fee and no-obligation initial consultation.

If you would like to know more about how we can help you, please call us on 0161 480 2629 to speak to one of our experienced estate management & probate solicitors.