Probate &
Estate Admin

Providing legal clarity in difficult times.

Dealing with the death of a family member can be overwhelming, and grasping the legalities at the same time can be daunting.

Our compassionate and experienced solicitors can ease the burden of probate during this difficult time. As independent legal experts, we can navigate the often complex and lengthy legal process with clarity, providing sound judgement and advice in situations where the family disagrees and whether or not a will has been written.

We can advise on the inheritance implications and make sure that the most effective claims are made to HMRC to ensure you only pay the correct amount of inheritance tax. We see too many examples of executors not knowing the rules and making incorrect claims and hence costly mistakes.

Get in touch

Our services for probate & estate admin include

Grant of Probate Application

Contentious Probate (disputes)

Administration of a Deceased Estate

Beneficiary Rights

Inheritance Tax Returns

Preparing Estate Accounts

Post Death Tax Planning

Preparation of Deeds of Verification

Preparation of Deeds of Appointment

Why Choose SE-Solicitors

Understanding

With our belief that relationships really do matter, we’re focused on understanding you and your world more deeply.

Expertise

By harnessing our collective skills, knowledge, and depth of expertise, we support you to manage the unique complexity of your personal and commercial interests in a smarter way.

Insight

Naturally strategic, we’re able to see the bigger picture, solve problems and realise opportunities more effectively.

Agility

Always responsive, with a solutions orientated mindset, we get to the heart of the matter fast, enabling you to reach positive outcomes more quickly.

Our client testimonials

“Tom McInerney has excellent knowledge of contentious probate and adminstration disputes.”

Client, The Legal 500 2024

“I would have no hesitation in recommending the firm to anyone encountering problems with contentious probate or administration disputes.”

Client, The Legal 500 2024

“The firms offers clients a reliable, efficient and very competent service in relation to contentious probate disputes.”

Client, The Legal 500 2024

Meet our Team for Probate & Estate Admin

Read profile

Lucy Gordon

Director

01295 204000

Read profile

Liliana Tomasulo

Senior Associate

01295 204144

Read profile

Tom McInerney

Senior Associate

01295 204092

Read profile

Julia Routen

Solicitor

01295 204012

Read profile

David Endicott

Consultant

01295 204023

Read profile

Kristina Dunne

Senior Associate

01869 222304

Read profile

Aimee Bowles

Probate Executive

01295 204029

Get in touch

Let us know your legal needs, complete the form to tell us your requirement and we shall respond to you with how we can help.

FAQs

Your questions answered. Take a look at some our frequently asked questions for more Information.

What is Probate and why is it necessary?

How long does the probate process typically take?

The duration varies depending on the estate’s complexity, but it generally takes several months to a year to complete from the starting date.

What happens if there is no will?

If for any reason a person has not written a will during their life, the estate will be distributed according to the rules of intestacy rather than their wishes. These rules dictate who is entitled to inherit and in what proportion.

Can probate be contested?

Yes, probate can be contested. Someone can contest a will if there are disputes over the will’s validity, concerns of undue influence, for example if there is a new spouse and the original will has been drastically changed, or if dependents were not adequately provided for in line with their needs.

What are the responsibilities of an executor?

An executor is responsible for administering the estate. The first step is ensuring that the death is registered and the death certificate is received. An executor will need to then collect assets, pay debts, VAT and other taxes, and distribute assets to beneficiaries.

Is there a way to avoid probate?

Yes, certain assets like a jointly owned house or another property, a trust, or an account with designated beneficiaries can bypass probate. Proper estate planning can help in minimising the assets that go through probate.