If you have been named as executor, or are handling an estate where there is no will, there is a defined process to follow, and it needs to be done in the right order.
Hine Solicitors helps executors and administrators in Swindon, Royal Wootton Bassett, Wroughton and the surrounding area through the probate process. We take on the administration on your behalf so families can focus on what matters.
Probate is the legal authority to distribute someone’s estate. The process runs in a set sequence: obtaining the grant of probate, or letters of administration where there is no will, preparing income tax and Inheritance Tax returns, gathering the assets of the estate, then distributing them according to the will or the intestacy rules. Missing a step, or completing them out of order, is often what turns a manageable estate into a complicated one. We make sure each stage is handled correctly.
Not all estates require a formal grant of probate. Smaller estates or assets held entirely in joint names sometimes do not. We can look at the position quickly and tell you whether probate applies and what will be involved.
If you have been named as executor and are not sure where to start, we can take on as much or as little of the process as you need, from initial guidance through to managing the full administration. It is worth speaking to us early, before you are certain what the estate involves.
Where beneficiaries disagree, where a will is challenged or where the estate is more complex than expected, our specialist probate solicitors can guide you through. We aim to resolve complications without unnecessary delay or conflict.
Our Swindon wills and probate team also advises on writing and registering wills, lasting powers of attorney and trusts. If you are handling a relative’s estate and want to put your own affairs in order at the same time, we can help with both.
Getting your affairs in order means facing some important decisions, and you need to feel confident you are making the right ones. Our solicitors offer a fixed fee approach where it’s appropriate, and our accurate cost estimates put you in control from the start.
If you are unable to visit our offices, we can arrange to visit you in your home so that you can discuss any of these issues directly with our trained specialists.
You can read more about our probate service and our wider wills and probate team, or find out more about our Swindon office.
If you need probate advice in Swindon and want to understand the process before committing to anything, we are happy to help. We will explain what is involved and what it is likely to cost before any work starts.
Call 01793 698027 or use our contact form.
Is probate always required?
Not always. Small estates or those where assets are held jointly often do not need a formal grant of probate. We can tell you whether it applies in your case and what the next steps are.
Who is responsible for carrying out probate?
The executor named in the will is responsible. If there is no will, an administrator is appointed, usually the closest living relative. We can act on behalf of the executor or administrator throughout.
How much does it cost?
Costs depend on the complexity of the estate. We offer a fixed fee approach where that is appropriate and provide clear estimates before starting work.
What if there is a dispute about the estate?
Disputes between beneficiaries, or challenges to the validity of a will, can complicate the probate process significantly. We advise on the options available and can guide you through the steps to resolve it.