The Abacus Wills & Trusts Probate Service
Once an individual dies their Will (which must have been ‘proved’ in a court of law), will go into probate. Applying for the Grant of Probate is the initial step in the process of administering the estate according to the deceased’s wishes. This will also involve settling any unresolved financial matters and such before distributing the assets.
We are proud to offer an Executor and Trustee service in your Wills and Trusts, if you do not have a suitable person in your own family and friends.
As we know that the process of probate can be long and sometimes stressful, we at Abacus Wills and Trusts Global can put you at ease and guide you through the process, as well as being able to help and advise you in appointing executors in your own Will. We will also ensure that we provide an affordable, low cost service, and competitive and we promise to beat any written quote from elsewhere, all whilst always maintaining our professional standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the very first thing I should do to start probate in the UK after someone dies?
The first step in starting probate is registering the death and obtaining the death certificate, then locating the will and valuing the estate’s assets and debts before applying for the grant of probate.
Can I apply for probate myself, or do I need to hire someone in the UK?
Yes, you can apply for probate yourself in the UK, but many people choose professional help for larger or more complex estates to avoid errors and reduce the administrative burden.
How long does probate typically take from start to finish in the UK?
Probate typically takes six to twelve months from start to finish in the UK, though straightforward estates can be quicker and complex ones involving property sales or disputes can take considerably longer.
What happens if there’s no will and I need to apply for probate in the UK?
If there’s no will, you’ll need to apply for letters of administration instead of probate, and the estate is distributed according to the intestacy rules rather than the deceased’s personal wishes.
How much does it cost to get professional help with probate in the UK?
Professional probate help in the UK typically costs between 1% and 5% of the estate’s value, or a fixed fee from around £500 to £3,000 or more depending on the estate’s complexity.
What’s the difference between probate and letters of administration in the UK?
Probate is the grant given to executors named in a valid will, while letters of administration is the equivalent grant issued when someone dies without a will or without naming valid executors.
Can probate be sorted out if the estate includes property that needs to be sold?
Yes, probate can be sorted out even when the estate includes property that needs to be sold, though the sale is usually managed after the grant of probate is issued so the executor has legal authority to sell.
What documents do I need to gather before starting probate in the UK?
Before starting probate, you’ll need the original will (if there is one), the death certificate, details of all assets and debts, and valuations of property, savings, investments and any other significant assets.
Is probate always necessary, or can some estates skip it in the UK?
Probate isn’t always necessary; small estates, those held entirely in joint names, or those consisting mainly of cash below a certain threshold can sometimes be dealt with without a formal grant.
Enquire Now About Probate Services
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