When a family member dies, dealing with their estate is rarely straightforward. Our Bromley probate solicitors take that weight off you — applying for the grant, sorting out tax, gathering assets, paying debts and distributing what remains.
"Probate" is the general term for the process of dealing with someone's estate after they die. If they left a valid will, an executor applies for a Grant of Probate. If they did not, an administrator applies for Letters of Administration. The grant gives legal authority to deal with the deceased's assets.
We can usually offer probate work on a fixed fee or a clear hourly rate cap. We do not charge a percentage of the estate value (which can be a poor deal for clients with valuable property).
Inheritance Tax thresholds, the residence nil-rate band, lifetime gifts, and the deceased's domicile all affect the IHT position. Errors at this stage can be expensive. We complete the appropriate HMRC forms and deal with any queries that arise.
Not always. For very small estates (typically under around £5,000) or estates held entirely as joint tenants passing by survivorship, a grant may not be needed. Otherwise banks, the Land Registry and other institutions will usually require sight of the grant.
It varies. A simple estate can be administered in around 6 months. More complex estates — with multiple properties, foreign assets, business interests or disputes — can take 12 to 24 months or longer.
HMCTS now operates an online probate application service. We can submit the application electronically on your behalf and deal with any follow-up queries from the Probate Registry.
Yes. Legal services are provided by [Firm Name], authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under SRA No. [SRA Number]. You can verify our regulation on the SRA register at sra.org.uk.
Yes. We offer a free initial enquiry by phone or via our online form so we can understand your matter, explain how we can help, and outline likely costs before you commit. Please call [Phone Number] or use the enquiry form on this page.
It depends on the complexity of your matter. Where possible we work on fixed fees; otherwise we give you a clear written estimate at the outset and tell you straight away if anything changes. We will never present you with an unexpected bill.
Confidential, practical legal advice from local solicitors who know the area.