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    Walking you through the probate process

    We offer a “Grant only” service which is on a fixed fee basis and limited to helping you apply for a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration.

    Alternatively, we can deal with the full estate administration on your behalf. Our fees are based on a percentage of the value of the gross estate, or on an hourly rate basis in some cases.

    Our Probate service and pricing

    For more information about what to expect from our Probate service and pricing, please click on the link button below.

    Wills & Inheritance Quality Scheme and The Association of Lifetime Lawyers (ALL)

    We are proud to be members of the Law Society’s Wills & Inheritance Quality Scheme (WIQS), a prestigious mark of high quality which requires us to provide enhanced standards of expertise, client care and service. Some individual members of our team also have additional specialist qualifications as members of respected professional bodies such as: the Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners (STEP), The Association of Lifetime Lawyers (ALL) and the Law Society’s Private Client Section.

    How much does probate cost and other questions

    • What does Probate involve?

      Collectively, our team has a wealth of experience and can provide expert advice and assistance in dealing with matters such as:

      •                Applying for a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration
      •                Communicating with banks, other financial institutions, and utility providers on your behalf
      •                Gather in the assets of the estate and settle any outstanding debts
      •                Communicating with beneficiaries
      •                Distributing the estate in accordance with the terms of the Will or according to the rules of intestacy
      •                Completing the Inheritance Tax Return and settling any Inheritance Tax with HMRC
      •                Consider the Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax position of the estate
      •                Dealing with the formalities required when a Will contains a Trust

       

      The above list is not exhaustive and is just a sample of the varied types of services we can offer as part of our comprehensive probate and estate administration service.

    • How much does probate cost?

      The cost varies depending on the size of the estate, and the nature of the of work required.  For example, there is more work involved in administering an estate which is liable to pay Inheritance Tax.  Once we have been able to assess all the circumstances of the estate, we will explain the costs involved and give you information about the funding options available to you.

      We offer a tailored approach to legal costs, ranging from fixed fees, percentage basis or hourly rates. We will always provide a detailed cost estimate in writing to you at the outset and notify you at the earliest opportunity if it is likely to change.

    • Are you a member of any professional organisations?

      We are proud to be members of the Law Society’s Wills & Inheritance Quality Scheme (WIQS), a prestigious mark of high quality which requires us to provide enhanced standards of expertise, client care and service.

      Most of our team also have additional specialist qualifications as members of respected professional bodies such as:

    • I can't get out and about easily. Can I arrange a home visit?

      The Solicitors and Legal Executives in our probate and estate administration team have a wealth of experience between them and are able to see clients at any of our offices across the North West of England, whichever is the most convenient.  Home visits are also available on request in certain circumstances.

    • Can you track a probate application in the UK?

      You can check whether or not a probate application has been granted using the government’s Find a Will service. If probate had been granted, it will show up on the database.

      But if probate hasn’t been granted, you can enter a ‘standing search’ into the Probate Registry. You’ll then be sent a copy of the Grant of Probate when it has been issued.

    • Do you have to go through probate if you have a Will?

      It doesn’t matter whether there is or isn’t a Will for an estate – probate depends on how assets were held and the value of the assets.

      Assets can be held in a sole name or jointly. If assets are held jointly, then this can be in two ways: tenants in common or joint tenants.

      Probate may not be necessary if your estate is worth less than £5,000, though banks have their own minimum threshold. However, we highly recommend asking a specialist solicitor. You can contact us at enquiries@birchallblackburn.co.uk.

    • What types of assets are subject to probate?

      Probate largely depends on the type of assets someone has.

      Not all assets require probate when it comes to dealing with a Will. This might include:

      • Jointly held assets
      • Low-value assets
      • Insurance policy or pension (if a named person/organisation is nominated to receive it)

       

      Assets that require probate might include:

      • Assets held in a sole name
      • Life insurance policies or pensions (if a nominee to receive it wasn’t named). 
      • Investment portfolios
      • Foreign assets
      • Business assets  
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    - Did you know?

    All probate records made after the year 1857 are available to view on the government website 14 days after probate has been issued.

    Hear it from our clients

    JT

    All explained really clearly, answered all my questions.

    HR

    Staff members polite and helpful at all times.

    JB

    Amy is a lovely person and a credit to your firm. Customer service is excellent.

    RR

    Clear advice given at all times.

    PA

    Amy was friendly and efficient.

    JE

    Happy with everything.

    DH

    I will definitely be using your services again.

    PB

    Easy to talk to.  All explained in layman’s terms and made you feel comfortable asking any questions

    Let's start the conversation

    Give us a call, drop us an email or request a call-back at a time that suits you. Our dedicated team are always happy to help you with your Probate needs. 

    0800 614 722
    enquiries@birchallblackburn.co.uk
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