Professional probate services

Losing a loved one is always a stressful time, and if there are financial assets to sort out you may need to apply for probate.

Probate

If you have lost a loved one, and you’re now having to sort out their financial affairs, you may be required to apply for probate.  There are many factors involved in working out whether you need to apply for probate, which could add to the stress in what is already a difficult time.  We can help relieve some of this pressure with our probate services.  We will establish whether a probate application is needed, and manage this through on your behalf.

Key Stages

The first stage in the administration of an estate is to collate all the date of death values of assets and liabilities in the estate.  Once we have accurate figures for the value of the estate, the second stage will be to apply for a Grant of Probate (if there is a Will) or a Grant of Letters of Administration (if there is no Will). We apply for the Grant by completing a form for HM Revenue and Customs confirming the value of the estate and completing an application to the Probate Registry.  The Grant is the legal document which will then allow the Personal Representative to move to the third stage of collecting all money into the estate and dealing with any property.

Certainty Will Search

As part of our probate process, we conduct a Certainty Will Search with The National Will Register.

Why do we conduct a Certainty Will Search?

It is an unfortunate reality that when a loved one passes on you may find yourself in one of the following situations:
• not being able to find their Will
• unsure if they wrote a Will or
• uncertain that you have the most up to date Will

The National Will Register and we can help you by conducting a Certainty Will Search. This is a quick process that accesses millions of Will records. Not only does it search for Wills that are registered but it also searches nationally in geographically targeted areas for Wills that have not been registered.

The National Will Register and its Certainty Will Search service are designed to help protect executors, administrators and beneficiaries against the risks associated with the distribution of an estate on an assumed intestacy basis, or using a Will that may have been superseded by a later unknown version.

Two in every ten Certainty Will Searches results in a Will being found where one was thought never to have been written or the Will being used to distribute the estate had been superseded by the newer found Will.

Contact us to conduct a Certainty Will Search on your behalf with The National Will Register.
Link – About The National Will Register

Our No-nonsense Commitment to You

As specialist lawyers, with over 20 years of experience, we are here to help you with your family law needs. If you need help with legal issues relating to children, advice around divorce, help with making a will or dealing with a loved one's estate through probate, we are here to help.

You're in safe hands

We understand that you may be going through a difficult time. We’ll give you one point of contact, an experienced lawyer that you can trust and build a relationship with.

We'll keep you informed

We know it can be stressful waiting for information. We won’t keep you waiting unnecessarily, we will always let you know about progress on your case as soon as we do.

We'll help you to understand

Legal matters can be complex, especially if it's the first time you've had to deal with them. We'll explain everything to you in simple terms and guide you through the process so that you know what's happening.

You are our priority

We don't overload our lawyers with too many clients, we keep our workload manageable so that we make sure we are available to you if you need us. If we are busy when you call, we'll always get back to you as soon as we can.

FREE Initial Consultation

Get in touch

When it comes to legal processes, we know how daunting things can be, that's why we offer a FREE Initial consultation, so you can talk to an expert Family Lawyer and take the right steps from the start.

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What is probate?

Probate covers the legal and financial processes involved in dealing with the assets of a person who has died.  This usually covers property, money and possessions.  If property or land is involved you will almost certainly need to apply for probate.

How do I apply for probate?

There are a number of steps involved in applying for probate.  It should be done by the next of kin or, if a will was in place, the executor of the will.  In very simple terms probate involves gathering together assets, paying any bills, distributing whats left in accordance with the will.

Can I appoint someone to do it for me?

We can deal with the whole estate on your behalf. We will provide you with a dedicated lawyer who is an expert in the probate process.  We will manage the whole process on your behalf, keeping you involved along the way.

What our clients say about us

I cannot thank you enough for your care and support
Angela Lally - Vivienne – December 2022

Excellent service!
Claire Trueman – Paul and Ann November 2023

Angela has been a pleasure to deal with, through what could have been an extremely difficult time.
She has been professional and very helpful with any questions. Explaining things simply to avoid any
confusion or stress on my part. Many thanks!
Angela Lally – David June 2023

I would definitely recommend Rucklidge Law. Their service has been to a high standard. Thank you
Angela.
Angela Lally – Eklas October 2022

The level of service I received was beyond exceptional. Alison made sure I understood at every point
pf the process and made sure I received all information necessary to make my decision. I never felt
that I was less important than any other client or case, her time management and customer service
is second to none. I would recommend the company to anyone who wants a fair and understanding
solicitor.
Alison Gaddes - Sarah January 2023

Professional and understanding from start to finish, would recommend to anybody.
Jill Rucklidge – Lee August 2023

Very pleasant and understanding, did what we wished to do. Thank you!
Claire Trueman - Susan October 2022

Very satisfied with the service and outcome.
Claire Trueman - Russell and Kristel October 2022

This story started back in 2016 when I first spoke to Jill Rucklidge about my divorce. It finally finished
April this year after 3 court appearances. Jill and her team stuck by me through thick,thin and tears .
Jill was always there to listen to me and gave me amazing advice. I can’t thank the team enough . I
would recommend Jill and the team to anyone looking for their specialist advice.
Jill Rucklidge – Dave November 2023

I found Claire to be very helpful. A lovely lady. A credit to your company!
Claire Trueman - Miriam November 2023