Probate Solicitors for Estate Administration in Bognor Regis, West Sussex
Our team of trusted and experienced probate lawyers are available to help you through the entire procedure, explaining confusing legal jargon and giving you clarity and reassurance when you need it most.
Estate Administration / Grant Of Probate Solicitors In Bognor Regis, West Sussex
We fully understand that the loss of a loved family member or friend is an emotional and stressful time, and dealing with the deceased’s estate may be the last thing you feel ready to face. A probate solicitor can guide you through the probate and estate administration process, including applying for the Grant of Probate, dealing with tax, financial and property matters, and distributing the estate in line with the Will or intestacy rules.
To help you through a difficult time, MJR Solicitors offer a complete Grant of Probate and estate administration service. We can take responsibility for dealing with your loved one’s estate on your behalf, giving you clarity, reassurance and peace of mind.
Our experienced estate administration and probate solicitors can advise clients who are responsible for a loved one’s estate and need practical, straightforward legal support. From legal, tax and property issues to estate administration searches, probate fees, the Grant of Probate and likely timescales, MJR Solicitors provide clear answers and personal support so you can avoid costly mistakes and do not have to deal with the entire process alone.
Honest advice
Personal one-to-one service
Dedicated firm
Local experienced team
Straightforward outlined costs
What Does an Estate Administration Solicitor Do During the Probate Process?
As specialist probate and estate administration solicitors, MJR Solicitors have the legal, financial and administrative skills — as well as the people skills — to support you through what can be a daunting probate and estate administration process.
We can help you understand any type of Will, its legal terms and what happens if your loved one dies without making a valid Will. This is known as intestacy, where intestacy rules determine who has the legal right to inherit. We also have the probate experience needed to deal with complicated financial issues, including Capital Gains Tax and Inheritance Tax.
With various forms and tax returns to complete when dealing with an estate, our estate administration solicitors can work with HMRC directly to make sure any relevant exemptions or reliefs are applied, including those that may help reduce inheritance tax where available. We also make sure tax calculations are accurate, payment deadlines are met, and clear estate accounts are prepared to track all money entering and leaving the deceased’s estate.
Here’s the basic outline of what MJR Solicitors can offer you during your estate administration:
Establish whether there is a valid Will or whether intestacy rules apply
Gather details of all assets and liabilities
Complete the relevant tax forms
Prepare and submit the probate application for a Grant of Probate or another appropriate grant.
Administering estates
Complete estate accounts
Distribute the estate according to the Will or intestacy rules
Deal with any Trust provisions included in the Will
Advise on varying provisions in the Will
Our trusted estate administration solicitors can guide you through each stage of the process, explaining legal terms clearly and helping you make informed decisions at a difficult time.
Do You Need a Probate Solicitor for Estate Administration?
There is no legal requirement to use a solicitor for probate or estate administration. Some people manage straightforward estates themselves, but the process can be lengthy and time-consuming, involving many hours of detailed administration. If you are not confident, mistakes can create further problems and may leave you personally liable.
Our MJR estate administration solicitors can help with as much or as little of the probate process as you need. In straightforward cases, an executor may choose to make a probate application online, or you may simply need help dealing with one particular asset before administering the estate yourself. However, if mistakes are made, you could be held legally or financially responsible. Professional advice is especially helpful where the estate is complex, of significant value, includes foreign assets or involves uncertainty over risk.
By contacting us, you gain access to specialist probate solicitors and estate administration solicitors who can handle the entire process for you, with clear communication throughout. If you instruct us to act on your behalf, we can take responsibility for the legal and administrative work, help each beneficiary receive the inheritance they are entitled to, and reduce your personal and financial risk.
How MJR Estate Administration Solicitors Can Help with Your Probate Application
With experience in all aspects of estate administration and probate, our trusted team of solicitors can take care of the whole process on your behalf while giving you individual and personal service at a difficult time. We can assist with straightforward matters, complex estates and circumstances where additional legal responsibilities need careful management.
We are available to give you the practical help and legal advice you need, from gathering information and completing forms to obtaining the Grant of Probate and distributing the estate to the beneficiaries on your behalf. We also advise clients on estate assets held with banks, building societies and other financial organisations. Whatever you decide and whatever level of support you need, we’re here to help.
Here’s a more detailed list of what our probate and estate administration solicitors can do for you:
Contact the doctor or hospital to report the death and obtain the medical certificate for the cause of death, providing the coroner is not involved
Contact the funeral director to start making arrangements for the funeral
Locate the Will
Register the death and obtain copies of the death certificate
Secure the deceased’s assets and property if it’s left unoccupied
Find and read the will, if there is one, and confirm its validity
Contact the personal representatives named in the Will, identify the executor appointed under a valid Will or, where there are no named personal representatives, determine who is entitled to administer the estate
Find all documents relating to the deceased’s life, both financial and otherwise
Register the death with asset and liability holders
Open a bank account on behalf of the estate
Contact the Probate Registry and obtain all the relevant forms
Complete the appropriate forms and send them back to the Probate Registry along with the original Will and death certificate
Complete the IHT400 form if the estate is subject to inheritance tax (if it’s worth more than £325,000 or if certain circumstances apply, such as foreign assets valued over £100,000)
Arrange funds to pay inheritance tax and the probate fees
Receive the grant
Place the statutory advertisement for creditors and claimants
Send a copy of the grant to all holders of estate assets and request the release or payment of funds
Arrange for paying debts before distributing the estate
Complete stock and share transfer forms and draft an assent for the property
Pay beneficiaries and distribute all legacies (once accounts have been approved by the personal representatives)
Where international probate is required, cross-border or high value estates may involve local laws in more than one jurisdiction and, in some cases, more than one grant.
This is by no means an exhaustive list. Complications can arise through rental property, unknown assets, unknown liabilities, benefit claims, agricultural assets, lifetime gifts, a trust created under the Will or contentious probate where disputes arise. For more detail on our estate administration services, contact MJR Solicitors today on 01243 945 054 or download our Wills and Probate Checklist.
Probate Fees, Estate Administration Costs and Inheritance Tax
We’ve made our probate and estate administration fee structure as simple as possible, with fixed fees available where appropriate and clear pricing from the start. We can either work at an hourly rate of £250 plus VAT, or agree a full estate administration service at a fixed cost, which in most cases will be between 0.5% and 3% of the value of the estate. Costs vary depending on the size and complexity of the person’s estate, so simple estates may incur lower solicitor fees than complex ones.
Any expenses will be outlined at the start of the process and will be subject to additional VAT. The amount and description of expenses and disbursements may vary, but will typically include:
- £526 – Probate application fee for estates over £5,000
- £2 per copy of the probate document when requested at the same time as the probate application, under the updated fee structure
- £400 to £450 (approx) – Section 27 Notice to Creditors publication fees
- £250+ (approx) – Premium Asset Search
- £90 (approx) – Certainty Will Search
For more information on searches, see the section below.
Usually, we’re instructed to deal with probate and estate administration from the very start until the conclusion. We’ll do our utmost to ensure you’re given an accurate quote for our involvement in the process and will keep you regularly updated with our progress, confirming costs at every stage.
If you only need us to obtain the grant, we can provide a clear to-do list explaining what information we need from you. Once you provide the details, we’ll complete the tax forms, arrange to pay inheritance tax or other tax due from the deceased’s estate, and obtain the Grant. We’ll then return this to you so you can finalise the estate. Our Grant-only packages for this probate work start from £1,150 plus VAT.
What Estate Administration Searches Do Probate Lawyers Recommend?
Estate executors and administrators have important legal responsibilities and can be held personally liable for mistakes during the process. For that reason, we usually recommend completing a Will search, even where you feel confident there is no other Will.
You need to be sure the Will you’re using is the final Will and testament, and there are no others; otherwise, the beneficiaries who have missed out will come to you for answers. If a beneficiary comes forward later, you can show proof you acted diligently and reasonably in your endeavours to act on behalf of the estate.
Together with the Law Society, we recommend Certainty, the National Will Register, to search. To give you peace of mind in different areas, these searches can include:
This performs a National Will Register search and includes a REACH search that contacts solicitors closest to the deceased’s last known address and places they may have made their Will. Certainty accesses around 5 million registered Wills and even searches Will writers who may not be registered with Certainty. If a Will can’t be located, it places a missing Will notification on the Certainty Will Register.
We use Estate Search, an online financial asset tracking system to help executors ensure they can attempt to trace any assets, including those thought to be lost or forgotten over the course of the deceased’s lifetime, so they can be distributed to the correct beneficiaries. Searches are made for the following key components:
- Personal Pensions
- Life Policies
- Occupational Pensions via DWP (230,000 registered schemes)
- Unit Trusts and Investment Trusts
- Investment Bonds
- National Savings and Investments
- Building Society and Bank (dormant accounts)
- Shares registered with Capita and Computershare
- Wills registered with the National Wills Register
This is not a search as such, but a public notice that helps protect personal representatives against unknown claims. We usually recommend this notice, even if you acted as the deceased’s lasting power of attorney and feel confident that you know the estate and its liabilities. It can help prevent future claims against you for something you could not reasonably have been expected to know.
The notice is placed in the London Gazette and in a local newspaper covering the deceased’s area. It asks potential claimants to come forward within a two-month window. After that time, if they have not come forward, the personal representatives have stronger protection against unknown debts. However, the notice will not usually protect you from debts you should reasonably have known about.
How Long Does Estate Administration and the Probate Process Take?
Sadly, this is difficult to calculate. The date probate is granted can vary, and Probate Registry timescales may change depending on the type of probate application, the information provided and whether any queries are raised. Once we have the correct information to apply for probate, a straightforward application may take several weeks or months, while complex estates can take longer.
We always aim to administer estates as quickly as possible and estimate an average of around 12 months for full estate administration. Larger estates, high-value estates or cross-border matters involving international probate may take longer. If someone’s property forms part of the estate, the process may also depend on how long the property takes to sell before the proceeds can be distributed.
Why Choose MJR Solicitors for Probate Services?
Choosing the right probate solicitor can make the estate administration process less stressful and reduce the risk of mistakes. At MJR Solicitors, our probate lawyers and experienced estate practitioners provide clear, practical advice and personal support from the start, helping you understand your legal responsibilities and the steps involved in dealing with a person’s estate.
We can assist with the entire process or provide focused help with specific parts of the probate work, including the probate application, estate assets, paying debts, inheritance tax, foreign assets, complex estates and distributing the estate to beneficiaries. We aim to give clients straightforward advice, clear costs and reliable support at a difficult time.
Contact MJR Solicitors today
Contact us today for more information and advice on all our probate and estate administration solicitor services or to arrange your no-obligation, free initial consultation. Our private client team can provide tailored support for your circumstances, whether you need help with a Grant of Probate, estate administration, inheritance tax, probate fees or the wider probate process. Send us a message, call us on 01243 945 054, or email the team directly at mark@mjrsolicitors.co.uk or info@mjrsolicitors.co.uk today.
Summary
Estate administration can involve legal, financial, tax and practical responsibilities, from locating a valid Will and applying for the Grant of Probate to managing estate assets, paying debts and distributing the estate correctly. Although there is no legal requirement to use a solicitor, professional advice can be valuable where the estate is complex, high value, includes foreign assets, involves inheritance tax or creates uncertainty for the executor or personal representatives.
MJR Solicitors offer probate services and estate administration support in Bognor Regis, West Sussex, helping clients manage the process with clarity and confidence. Whether you need a grant-only service or full estate administration, our team can advise you on the right level of support for your circumstances.
Probate Solicitor and Estate Administration FAQs
A probate solicitor helps executors and personal representatives manage the probate process after a person’s death. This can include checking the Will, preparing the probate application, dealing with inheritance tax, contacting financial organisations, managing estate assets, paying debts and distributing the estate to beneficiaries.
There is no legal requirement to use a solicitor to apply for a Grant of Probate, and some people manage straightforward estates themselves. However, professional advice can help reduce risk if the estate is complex, includes foreign assets, involves inheritance tax, contains a trust created by the Will, or there may be contentious probate issues.
Probate fees can include the Probate Registry application fee, solicitor fees, search fees, Section 27 Notice costs and other expenses or disbursements needed to administer the estate. Solicitor fees may be fixed fees, hourly rates or a percentage of the estate, depending on the work involved and the complexity of the person’s estate.
Inheritance Tax may need to be paid when the value of the estate exceeds the available tax thresholds and reliefs. Our estate administration solicitors can help calculate the position, complete the relevant tax forms, advise on available reliefs and arrange to pay inheritance tax from the deceased’s estate where required.
The date probate is granted can vary depending on the type of probate application, the Probate Registry’s timescales and whether HMRC or the Probate Registry raises any questions. Full estate administration often takes longer than obtaining the grant alone, especially where there is property to sell, unknown liabilities, complex assets, contentious probate issues or international probate matters, as these circumstances can add further legal, practical and administrative steps.
Our happy clients are our results
"10/10 for everything. We were making simple wills and Mark was courteous, professional and gave us confidence in all he did. It was all straightforward."
Mr & Mrs Steele
"Having never used a Solicitor before we found the whole experience easy, relaxed and, although a legal matter, it was informal feel whilst being professional. Mark was friendly and welcoming and on a level with us, coming across as a nice person you can relate to. He is very knowledgeable and offers excellent advice and information, answering all our queries."
Mr & Mrs Sharp
"A massive thank you to Mark Riley and Beverley Rayner for allowing me to accompany them on a few occasions whilst they advised clients (in their capacity as duty solicitor) at the police station.
I’m currently working towards becoming an accredited Police Station Legal Representative, and so being able to observe Beverley and Mark in this role proved to be invaluable experience and an important addition to the personal study section of my portfolio. Thanks to their thorough, professional and sensitive approach with their clients, I have learned a huge amount. It has given me the grounding I need to continue towards my goal."
Mrs C
"10/10 to all questions"
Mr L
"Thank you for your good work"
Mrs D
"10/10 to all questions"
Mr B
"Quality service quick and easy advice. Fees are great and no messing around. MJR cut staright to the point Got a motoring offence ?! Easily sorted from overseas. Definitely would recommend"
Mr P
"Thanks for sorting out my will also power of attorneys. Not a pleasant subject having to think about when I die, but it was done in terms I understood and quickly now it's something I don't have to think about. Thank you again."
Mrs H
"10/10 for everything. Mark was very friendly and knowledgeable and explained everything simply in order for us to understand. Very efficient and helpful."
Mr & Mrs S
"Wouldn't use anyone else. Great help, advice and a superb professional service."
Mr R
"You have been very flexible regarding meetings.... and you have made a difficult time far less stressful. Very reassuring. Very straightforward and understandable."
Mr A
"Patient and Helpful" 10 out of 10 for all questions."
Mr S
"10 out of 10 to all questions."
Mrs E A Walters
"Definite 10 out of 10 to all questions, I think your service was excellent and I cannot think of how to improve it. Everything was dealt with most efficiently and my sister and I were very pleased."
Mrs E R Hector
"10/10 for everything. Mark was reassuring and efficient."
Mr B
"10/10 to all questions, thank you very much for your excellent service I will recommend you to all my friends."
Mr L
"We are so grateful to Mark for all his help and considerable patience regarding the recent preparation of our wills and for the invaluable advice concerning a Trust for our grandson. He took all the time that was needed to ensure that we understood the relevant aspects of this complex subject. He explained the legal ramifications in terms that a layman could understand and he made sure the resulting arrangement was fully in line with our intentions. It has set our minds at rest to know that this important matter has been so efficiently dealt with and thus we no longer need to feel concern over it. Full marks in all departments to MJR Solicitors; it is hard to see how such a friendly and professional service could be improved."
Mr & Mrs G
Would definitely recommend...very easy to contact and our Will was arranged and signed in a week!
Marie Pattenden
For your legal needs
We provide a unique and personal service by delivering the highest quality legal services and advice in a down to earth manner.
As your solicitors we will be at your side throughout your case, we will listen to you with care and understanding, and give you clear expert advice based on over 35 years’ experience in wills, probate and family law.
So, you can have complete confidence that you are receiving the best legal advice to achieve the best outcome in your case.
Middleton Office:
4 Bankside,
128 Middleton Road, Middleton-on-Sea, PO22 6DB
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Arcade Business Centre, 2a Arcade Road, Littlehampton, BN17 5AR
Call us on: 01243 945054
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