What is Probate?

It is an order of the High Court validating a person’s Will after he or she has died.

What are Letters of Administration?

It is like Probate, but issued by the Court when there is no Will. The law writes a Will for the deceased person, which varies according to family circumstances.

What do these orders do?

They entitle the executor(s) or administrators to cash savings, close accounts, sell land and houses, and deal with the late person’s property and money generally

Do I need Probate or Letters?

These are not always needed.  If the only assets or property are worth less than around £15,000 in all Banks and Building Societies, National Savings and others will often waive the need to see the order, and release money on a Declaration.  You must be sure that the Declaration is true, as it will be treated as sworn evidence, and could be perjury (a crime) to give it.

How can I get advice?

Unfortunately, a great many organisations will compete to get your attention at this stressful time.  They are generally offshoots of very large corporations operating from national centres, and they will assert that their service is professional and reasonably priced compared to a solicitor.  Often this is simply not true.  You are entitled to choose who helps you.  At least check with a solicitor before anyone sells you a service you don’t need at a price you shouldn’t pay.

Why a solicitor?

The big company offshoots have a minimum charge to help you, often over £1,500, whatever they do.  Bridge McFarland LLP lawyers will do as much as you need, no more, and we can often get Probate or Letters for under £850.00 or, if no Probate or Letters of Administration is needed, help you with advice for £200 or even less.  Bigger and more complicated estates will be charged according to the amount of work we do. You will be told beforehand about cost, timescale and what to expect. If you wish, we will advise you on how to wind matters up by yourself.

Why the difference?

Because we are local, professional, not answerable to shareholders or a holding company, and are bound by our professional rules, and, frankly, common sense to give a prompt, first-rate service tailored to the individual needs of our valued Clients

Contact one of our offices local to you or email your enquiry and we will be pleased to help.

Our private client department has good relationships with all the local funeral directors.  To see the website of one of the local firms please click here