Choosing who will help you administer an estate is an important decision, and knowing what to ask makes that decision much easier. If you are wondering what questions to ask a probate attorney, this guide sets out the ones that matter most, and explains how we work here at Bartletts, so that you can understand exactly what to expect from us. It is worth mentioning that “attorney” is an American term. In England and Wales, the professional you are looking for is a solicitor.
To speak to our experts, please call us free of charge on 0800 988 3674 or Make A Free Online Enquiry.
Who Will Be Handling My Case?
It is natural to want to know who will actually be looking after your matter. At Bartletts, your estate is handled by our experienced wills and probate team, who deal with this work every day and understand both the legal detail and the personal side of it. You will have a clear point of contact who knows your case, so that you are not passed from one person to another or left wondering who to call.
Our team also has the depth to deal with estates that are out of the ordinary. We regularly advise on estates involving property, trusts, inheritance tax, agricultural land, and business interests, and we have specialists in related areas, including Court of Protection work, where they are needed.
How Do We Charge, And What Is Included?
For probate, we charge by reference to the time actually spent on your matter, at a rate that will not exceed £250 per hour plus VAT. Because the number of hours can be hard to predict at the outset, we also cap our fee at 2% of the gross value of the estate. That percentage is an upper limit rather than a flat charge, and it exists so that your fee stays fair and proportionate to the size and difficulty of the estate.
Just as importantly, we will send you our proposed fee for your approval before we start work, so that there is never an unexpected bill at the end. We will also explain any separate costs, such as the court fee and any disbursements, in advance. If you are making a will at the same time, our standard wills are offered at a fixed price, so you also know that figure before you begin.
How Long Will Probate Take?
Timescales matter, particularly when beneficiaries are waiting or a property needs to be sold, so it is a fair question to ask. As a general guide, a Grant of Probate usually comes through within four to eight weeks, and the overall administration of the estate then depends on its size and complexity.
We will give you a realistic estimate based on your particular circumstances, and we will be honest about anything likely to affect it, such as inheritance tax, the sale of a property or tracing a beneficiary. Our aim is always to keep matters moving and to deal with the estate efficiently, so that it is settled as promptly as the circumstances allow.
What Will You Need From Me To Get Started?
Knowing what to gather in advance helps everything run smoothly, and we will tell you clearly what we need. Typically, that includes the original will, the death certificate, and details of the deceased’s assets and debts, along with recent statements, property information, and details of any significant gifts made before death.
You do not need to have everything ready or perfectly organised before you contact us. Part of our role is to guide you through this, and where information is difficult to track down, we can often help, which is frequently one of the main causes of delay when families try to manage an estate alone.
What Happens If The Estate Is Complex Or Contested?
Not every estate is straightforward, so it is sensible to ask how a firm handles complications. At Bartletts, we are well placed to deal with the more involved matters, such as estates with inheritance tax to consider, estates where there is no valid will and the rules of intestacy apply, and assets that are difficult to value or located abroad.
Disputes are another area where experience counts. If someone questions the validity of a will or feels they have not been adequately provided for, matters can quickly become contentious. With Bartletts acting from the outset, you have a team that can advise you, protect your position as an executor, and draw on colleagues in related fields where necessary. Having that support in place early often prevents small difficulties from becoming larger ones.
How Will You Keep Me Informed?
Good communication makes the whole probate process less stressful, and it is something we take seriously. Client care is at the heart of how we work, which means keeping you up to date at every stage and explaining things in plain language rather than legal jargon. You will know what is happening with the estate and what comes next at every stage, and you can reach your point of contact whenever you need to.
We will agree at the outset how often you would like to hear from us, whether you prefer regular updates or contact at key milestones, and we will ensure we work in a way you feel comfortable with. The number of clients who return to us and recommend us to family and friends is something we are proud of, and it reflects the way we look after people throughout.
Talk To Us
We would be very happy to explain how we would handle your estate, what it is likely to cost, and how long it should take, before you decide to instruct us. An initial conversation will give you a clear picture of how we can help, and there is no obligation to proceed.
To speak to our experts please call us free of charge on 0800 988 3674 or Make A Free Online Enquiry.
