Although widely misconceived, purchasers do not have to obtain a building survey when they...
- Basildon 01268244144
- Chelmsford 01245453800
- Colchester 01206217300
- London 020 4586 1280
Search site
Call our office
Make an enquiry
Our people
Search our people
When a loved one passes away it is incredibly difficult; the process is emotionally draining and is not helped by the practical concerns that arise following someone’s death. Our probate solicitors can help lighten that load and make the process easier.
At Birkett Long, our team understand the difficulties that can arise when dealing with someone’s estate. They are able to provide personal and clear advice as to the relevant probate process, the forms to complete, the tax to pay and any other steps that need to be carried out to ensure that your loved one’s estate is dealt with properly
When someone passes away, they leave behind everything they owned at the time of their death such as money, property and sentimental items. These are called assets; these assets need to be dealt with in respect of the deceased person’s last wishes set out in their will. This is referred to as the administration of an estate.
When a person dies with or without a will, the deceased’s estate must go through probate (also known as a “grant of representation”). Probate refers to the process where the deceased’s assets are valued, debts are settled and the remainder is distributed to family. Our probate solicitors can help you and your family from start to finish and answer all the questions you may have.
Probate in England and Wales is a legal process that first requires the will to be proven as a genuine and valid piece of documentation by the Probate Registry Office. This provides permission to the executors and trustees to commence with their duties.
Probate also involves the administration of the deceased’s estate. Executors and trustees are the appointed person/s who has the responsibility of administrating the estate in accordance with legal requirements. However, the appointed executors are not required to act if they are unwilling.
If you were appointed the executor of an estate in the deceased’s will, our probate solicitors can help you in administering the estate efficiently and accurately according to your loved one’s wishes. We can manage the distribution of assets to beneficiaries, the selling of assets and any other aspects defined in the will.
At a time of grieving, the last thing you need is the task of administering the estate of the deceased. Fortunately, you don’t have to. Birkett Long is here to help with the often complex issues surrounding the administering of an estate, avoiding issues with things such as:
In many cases, you must prove that you can act for the person who has died and to do this you will need to apply for something known as a Grant of Letters of Administration. Banks and other institutions will need to see this document. This will also be needed before contracts can be exchanged in relation to a property sale.
Probate can be lengthy and time-consuming. A good lawyer will not only do the practical things, such as prepare the papers required for Probate and make an application to the court on your behalf, but will also explain the process clearly and guide you through the many pitfalls. We can assist with paying Inheritance Tax and explaining the deadlines involved. We can advise if:
We take full responsibility for getting the Grant of Probate and dealing with the legal, tax (excluding VAT), property and estate administration affairs when you instruct us.
We can also help with:
We also offer home visits to the elderly, infirm and disabled and can provide large print leaflets on request.
If you need any advice following a bereavement, contact our probate solicitors on 0330 818 2957 or via our enquiry form. At Birkett Long, we can arrange a free, no obligation 15 minute chat on the phone.
With one of the largest teams in Essex, the team holds members of STEP (the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners), members of Solicitors for the Elderly and the Agricultural Law Association.
We also offer home visits to the elderly, infirm and disabled.
bkl_bareavement_testimonials