Our probate solicitors, Chester, offer a truly comprehensive probate service. We understand that many of the clients seeking our advice have recently suffered a bereavement, and we couple our legal expertise with a human touch, guiding and supporting them through the probate process with empathy, care, and sensitivity.
To speak to our experts please call us free of charge on 0800 988 3674 or Make A Free Online Enquiry.
What Do Our Probate Solicitors, Chester, Do?
Our probate solicitors, Chester, assist clients with the administration of a loved one’s estate. Estate administration involves collating and valuing the deceased person’s assets, such as property, money, and personal possessions, settling any debts and liabilities, and then dividing the remainder among the beneficiaries.
As part of the probate process, our probate solicitors, Chester, carry out a wide range of tasks, including the following:
• Advising Clients On The Probate Process And Their Legal Duties
Our probate solicitors, Chester, will ensure you understand how the probate process works and what you can expect.
Those tasked with administering an estate, known as executors or administrators, depending on the circumstances, are subject to a number of fairly onerous legal duties. Breach of those duties can result in you being removed from office and render you personally liable for any losses your conduct caused the estate to incur. Our probate solicitors, Chester, will clearly explain the nature and extent of your duties and ensure that you comply with them from start to finish.
We never confuse our clients with complicated legal jargon. While probate can be a complex process, we will explain everything in plain English, focusing our advice on your needs.
• Applying For Probate
In the vast majority of cases, the executors or administrators will need to apply for probate before they can deal with the deceased’s assets. If the estate with which you are concerned can be distributed without probate, for example, because it is particularly small, we will advise you of that fact and explain how you can access your loved one’s assets.
Most estates require probate. Applying for probate can appear straightforward, but getting it right is essential to avoid your application being delayed or rejected. There is also a considerable amount of work that must be undertaken before you can apply for probate, such as valuing the estate for inheritance tax purposes.
Our probate solicitors, Chester, will apply for probate on your behalf should you wish us to. Many clients choose to take legal advice when making a probate application to ensure everything proceeds smoothly.
• Identifying Beneficiaries And Assets
Ascertaining the value of the deceased person’s estate and identifying who is eligible to inherit is a crucial aspect of estate administration. Our probate solicitors, Chester, will undertake this task on your behalf, ensuring you comply with your legal duties.
If your loved one left a will, they will have named those people or causes they wish to inherit their assets. The executors of the will must distribute the estate according to the terms of that will. Our probate solicitors, Chester, will review the will and interpret its terms before advising you on its effects.
If your loved one died without a will, they are said to have died ‘intestate’. In these cases, the law steps in to dictate which family members should inherit the estate and in which order. Our probate solicitors, Chester, will advise you on who is entitled to inherit your loved one’s assets according to the applicable law.
• Gathering And Distributing The Estate
Once you have obtained probate, you can begin the administration process. This might involve tasks such as closing the deceased person’s bank and building society accounts, selling their property, and ensuring any debts and liabilities are cleared. You can then distribute the remainder of the estate between the beneficiaries before preparing the final estate accounts detailing all the financial transactions that occurred in connection with the administration.
How Do Our Probate Solicitors, Chester, Charge?
At Bartlett’s, we offer a truly personal service tailored to each client’s individual needs. We charge for most probate administration matters on an hourly basis, so you only pay us for the work we carry out. Our hourly rates are incredibly competitive, and we always obtain your approval of our proposed charges before beginning work. Our overall fees will depend on a number of factors unique to your matter, including the size and nature of the estate and its complexity.
When you choose our probate solicitors, Chester, to assist you in the administration of your loved one’s estate, you can be sure that you will receive an exceptional service coupled with excellent value for money.
To speak to our experts please call us free of charge on 0800 988 3674 or Make A Free Online Enquiry.
