If you need probate and are seeking help – what are your options ?
The term probate is simply, the legal process that is followed after a person has died. It involves an application to the probate court ( known as the probate registry )
who then issue a legal document known as a grant of probate to the executor when there is a will, or a grant of letters of administration when there is no will. Sometimes probate is not always required, for example, the deceased person may have had few assets, or held the majority jointly in which there simply isn’t any need to obtain probate. Typically, as a guide if the deceased had assets over £15,000 then probate will be needed by banks etc to close accounts.
Once you know the need probate, and want some help, the next step is deciding who to seek advice from ?
There are essentially three types of providers, solicitors, will writers or banks – but what are the costs involved and are there are things you need to know ?
Our advice is always to get a fixed fee quote. This is fairer, easier and more straightforward to understand whilst you always know exactly what the costs will be at the end of the case. Unfortunately, in our experience most banks charge ridiculous percentages of estates ( sometimes 2-4%) which can result in excessive fees being charged. By contrast try to avoid hourly rates as this doesn’t provide value for money or efficiency.
If seeking help, speak to the provider first, get them to confirm precisely what they will do and what their fees will be, – as a specialist probate service provider we always operate on a fixed fee basis and have put together a video dealing with the costs of probate. You can view this by click here.
If you would like a probate quote – call us on 0845 568 4000 or e-mail tim.murden@tmsolicitors.co.uk
