Probate
Probate solicitors in London
Looking for a specialist probate lawyer near you? Our industry-leading probate solicitors are located in the very heart of London, offering dedicated and tailored support to clients across the city and surrounding areas.
Meet our specialist probate solicitors in London
Our dedicated and trusted team of probate specialists in London are recognised as leaders in the field, and many are ranked in independent prestigious legal directories
One of the UK’s leading specialist law firms.
We are proud to have partnerships with national charities and be recognised in the latest legal directories.
Industry-leading support from specialist probate solicitors in London
At Slater and Gordon, our industry-leading wills and probate solicitors in London offer a wide range of services, from will writing and probate to setting up trusts and advising on tax matters.
We are incredibly proud to count some of the best solicitors in the UK among our team here in London. Our solicitors have a wealth of experience successfully supporting clients when they need us most and always approach each case with sensitivity and tailored legal guidance.
Find out how we can help you and your loved ones today. Get in touch on 0330 041 5869 or use our online contact form below to arrange a call back at a time that suits you.
What does probate involve?
Probate is the process by which an executor (or administrator where there is no will) manages and distributes the estate of a deceased loved one. This involves:
- Identifying and collecting the assets included in the deceased’s estate, including property, money and possessions
- Applying for a grant of probate (or Letters of Administration where there is no will) for the legal authority to administer the deceased’s estate
- Paying any taxes due on the estate and any outstanding debts and liabilities
- Distributing the remaining balance of the estate to the beneficiaries according to the instructions left in the will or the rules of intestacy
Why should I use a probate solicitor?
There are many reasons why an executor or administrator may choose to instruct a specialist probate solicitor to assist them through the process. Some of the most common include:
- The legal complexities of probate: this is particularly true for larger estates or more complex instructions in the will. Executors and administrators can be held financially liable if they make any mistakes that result in a loss for the beneficiaries, so if in doubt, it’s always best to seek specialist legal advice.
- The time requirements: probate can be a lengthy process, and this can be further exacerbated if there are any challenges to the will. If you don’t have the time or resources to commit to the process in its entirety, it can be helpful to instruct professional support.
- The emotional impact: the passing of a loved one is a difficult and challenging time, and it can often be incredibly demanding to deal with the legalities of probate while grieving your loss. Instructing a probate solicitor can relieve this burden and give you the peace of mind that your loved one’s estate and wishes are in safe hands.
Services our probate solicitors in London offer
While there is a basic roadmap to probate, the complexity of each estate can make the process very different for each person. For that reason, our expert probate solicitors offer a range of support services that can be tailored to your needs, including:
- Applying for a grant of probate or letters of administration
- Collecting in assets and discharging liabilities
- Considering and settling the tax liabilities of the estate (e.g. inheritance tax, income tax, and capital gains tax)
- Communicating with the beneficiaries and distributing the estate in accordance with the will
- If there is no will, distributing the estate according to the rules of intestacy
Understanding the tax implications can also be incredibly difficult, and getting things right is crucial. Our probate solicitors can talk you through any tax matters that need to be handled, including Income Tax, Capital Gains Tax and Inheritance Tax.
Leading probate expertise from Slater and Gordon London
At Slater and Gordon, our compassionate probate solicitors are with you each step of the way, offering support and expert legal advice no matter how complex the circumstances.
We’re incredibly proud to be members of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), showcasing our team’s dedication and commitment to providing the highest quality legal services in the field.
Our approach is routed in clear communication and transparency, which includes funding options for your legal needs. We’ll provide you with a comprehensive breakdown of costs upfront and throughout your matter, so you’ll always know where you stand.
With straightforward, practical advice and holistic, compassionate care, our probate solicitors are here to support you when you need us most.
How to find our London office
Our office is located on Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1HL.
It has fantastic transport links around the whole city, meaning we’re within easy reach of the Greater London area including (but not limited to):
- Brixton
- Greenwich
- Tottenham
- Stratford
- Notting Hill
The office can be reached easily via nearby underground stations, including Chancery Lane (4-minute walk) and Temple Station (13-minute walk).
Why choose Slater and Gordon?
Expertise
We are an award winning law firm and have a dedicated team of solicitors to advise and guide you – no matter how complex your situation may be.
Affordability and advice
We're able to offer affordable expert legal advice and can provide guidance on all aspects of wills and trusts. We can provide you with practical, affordable advice on your situation at the outset giving you clear guidance and options on your next steps.
Tailored advice
We understand that all situations differ - it’s not always a one size fits all - so we are able to provide tailored advice and guidance to suit your individual needs.
Local access
We are a national law firm, with legal experts available locally across the UK. Meetings can be arranged via telephone or video call, to suit your requirements.
Probate Solicitors in London: FAQs
Do I need a solicitor to manage probate?
It isn’t a legal requirement to use a probate solicitor when executing a loved one’s will, however doing so on your own can be a very challenging experience and it can be difficult to know how to handle issues for the best when they arise.
Depending upon the value and complexity of your loved one’s estate and will, probate can be a length, time-consuming process, which many people can struggle with while they come to term with the loss of their loved one.
To learn more about how our probate solicitors can help you, speak to our team on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online.
How much does probate cost?
Depending upon the complexity of your loved one’s will and estate, probate can be a complex and lengthy process. This means that the cost of instructing a specialist probate solicitor can vary from case to case based on how much support you wish to receive.
We offer a range of probate services, and our probate solicitors in Manchester can advise you on which option could be most beneficial to you, providing you with transparent pricing and expert legal guidance from day one.
What is a grant of probate?
A grant of probate is the legal document that bestows an executor (or executors) the legal authority to administer and distribute the estate of the deceased according to the instructions left in the will.
Many institutions, such as banks, will require proof of the executor’s authority to manage the deceased’s assets, and so will request a copy of the grant of probate before allowing access.
How long does probate take?
There is no fixed time within which probate must be completed – in some cases, probate will complete within a few months, though others can take years.
It will depend upon the complexity of the deceased’s estate, the nature of the instructions left within their will, or if there are any disputes or challenges to the distribution of assets.
What information do I need to provide to my probate solicitor?
To start the process of probate, you will need to provide your probate solicitor with all the relevant information and documentation regarding the deceased and their estate.
For instance, your probate solicitor will need the original copy of the death certificate, the deceased’s will, details about estate (a list of assets, liabilities, and lifetime gifts), and proof of your identity as executor.
They may also require further information, such as the deceased’s marriage certificate (if applicable), the details of any pension pots and life insurance policies, the deeds to any property they owned, and login details for any digital assets.
This is not an exhaustive list, however, so it is always best to confirm with your probate solicitor what information is relevant in your circumstance.
Is probate always required?
No, probate is not always a requirement when someone passes away. It will often depend upon the value of their estate, though the exact threshold can differ between different banks and other financial institutions.
In most cases, probate is required when the deceased solely owned property or other high value assets totalling more than £5,000.
What happens if there is no will?
If the deceased did not leave a will, or if their will is ruled as invalid (due to unclear or inconsistent instructions, or outdated contents, for instance), they will be said to have died intestate.
This means that the rules of intestacy will apply to their estate. These are strict rules that determine who can apply for the legal authority to administer the deceased’s estate (known as Letters of Administration), and who can inherit from the estate.
Unfortunately, they are also quite outdated, which means certain groups cannot inherit as a matter of course (though they can claim against the estate for financial dependency in some situations). These include stepchildren who have not be legally adopted, and partners who were not married to or in a civil partnership with the deceased at the time of their death.
Can I make an appointment at your London office?
We’d be happy to arrange a face-to-face appointment with a member of our London team to discuss your circumstances and help you take the first steps to claiming the compensation you deserve. To do this, get in touch by calling us on 0330 041 5869 or contact us online, and we’ll be in touch to arrange a time that works for you.
Is there parking available at your London office?
There is no on-site parking available at our London office. However, there are a number of paid car parks nearby, including a multi-storey car park which is less than a 3-minute walk away on Holborn Gate.