Ash Hill Solicitors
Dealing with the death of a loved one is a difficult and draining time. Having to manage probate and the other legalities that follow can be overwhelming to do alone. That is where the experienced team at Ash Hill Solicitors can be of help.
Our probate and
wills solicitors have been working with families just like yours for years to guide them through the probate process. We always work with integrity and the best interests of your family in mind.
What Is Probate?
Probate sounds confusing, but all it really means is the legal process of dividing up the estate (properties or assets) of someone who has died. This should always be done according to their wishes in their will. Sometimes, there is no will. The deceased's estate will then be distributed according to intestacy laws.
There are a few steps to be carried out during the probate process that include:
1.) Validating the person's will
2.) Settling any debts or taxes
3.) Distributing the remaining assets to their beneficiaries
Working with one of our Ash Hill Solicitors for probate can help make probate easier. This is especially true if your loved one's estate is complex. Our job is to give you clear guidance and support throughout the probate process and to manage any disputes that may arise.
Our Probate Services
The goal of your Ash Hill probate solicitor is to make the probate process as straightforward as possible for you. We take care of everything legal for you and help to ease the burden so you can focus on celebrating the life of your loved one and being with your family.
Grant of Probate Applications
One of the first steps to take is to apply for a Grant of Probate. An Ash Hill probate solicitor will work with executors to prepare and submit all of the documentation to the Probate Registry. We work to make sure that everything is compliant and submitted on time.
Estate Administration
Managing and distributing your loved one's estate can be a complex and emotional thing to try to do alone. Our solicitors for probate are experienced in managing everything from debt settlements to asset valuation and distribution. We always make sure that your loved one's estate is managed in accordance with their wishes.
Inheritance Tax Planning
Inheritance Tax is something that you will need to think about, and tax burdens can quite notably impact the value of your estate. Your Ash Hill probate solicitor has years of experience giving advice on what those tax liabilities may be for your beneficiaries. We can help explore strategies to reduce the tax burden whilst still complying with the law.
The Probate Process – Step by Step
Our team of probate solicitors are here to guide you and help provide clarity at each stage of the probate process. Here is what you can expect:
Valuing the Estate
Valuing the estate is an important step in the probate process. Careful valuation of the deceased's assets helps to make sure that the correct amount of tax is paid and that assets are distributed fairly. Our solicitors for probate can help you identify all assets, including any property or investments, as well as personal belongings.
Applying for Probate
The next step after estate valuation is to apply for probate. Our probate solicitors handle everything for you, including preparing and submitting the application to the Probate Registry. We guarantee that all legal requirements are met so that the application is approved as quickly as possible.
Distributing Assets
Once the Grant of Probate has been received, assets can be distributed to any beneficiaries. An Ash Hill probate solicitor will work to oversee the distribution process. Their job is to ensure that the distribution of assets is carried out according to your loved one's wishes or intestacy laws and that any legal obligations are met.
Why Choose Our
Probate Solicitors?
Our team of probate solicitors at Ash Hill Solicitors have been working alongside families to provide multilingual legal support for years and offer all our services in English, Urdu, Punjabi, and basic Arabic. When you choose Ash Hill Solicitors, you will receive the best legal help possible in the language that you speak.
When you choose a solicitor to manage your loved one's estate after they die, you want to know you are choosing one with your family's best interests at heart. All Ash Hill Solicitors work with integrity to respect your loved one's wishes and to deliver the best legal help they can.
FAQs
Do I need a solicitor for probate?
We always recommend working with a professional, even though you do not have to. Unexpected disputes can arise, and your loved one's estate may be more complex than you had realised. Working with solicitors for probate helps you mitigate any surprises and guarantee that everything is handled properly.
How long does probate take?
Your Ash Hills probate solicitor will always work hard to speed up the probate process. Usually, you can expect probate to take between 6 months and a year.
What happens if there is no will?
Dying without a will is called dying intestate. In this case, a probate solicitor can help you get Letters of Administration. This then allows the estate to be divided according to intestacy laws. In the UK, the intestacy laws prioritise spouses, children, and other close relatives.
What is the difference between a Grant of Probate and Letters of Administration?
1.) A Grant of Probate is what is given when a person dies with a valid will that names executors who will handle their estate.
2.) Letters of Administration are issued when there is no will or no executor is named (or willing and able to act.)
Both documents give the legal authority to manage and distribute someone's estate upon their death.
