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Probate and Estate Administration Solicitors

It is never easy when one of your loved ones passes away. However, things can be especially difficult if you are tasked with handling the probate and administration process while you are still coming to terms with your loss.

At Kingsfords, our expert probate and administration solicitors in Kent can assist in the process of administering  an estate. Whether you have been appointed as an Executor in a Will or if you are an Administrator when someone has died without a Will (Intestacy), our team are able to provide carefully tailored advice and detailed legal support at every turn.

We understand that administering an estate can be an emotional and difficult time and that every Executor/ Administrator has different needs. We are therefore able to tailor our service to suit your needs, by offering either a full administration service or alternatively in certain circumstances we can offer a fixed fee for our Grant Only service.

Our Probate & Administration Service includes:

  • Full Administration Service
  • Grant Only Service
  • Executor/ Administrator Advice
  • Deeds of Variation

Speak to our Probate and Estate Administration Solicitors in Kent

For more information or to make an appointment to see one of our probate and estate administration solicitors in Kent, please contact the Wills, Probate and Powers of Attorney Department in AshfordCranbrook or Hythe on 01233 665544. Alternatively, fill in the enquiry form on the right hand side of the page to request a call back.

Our Probate and Estate Administration Expertise

Full Administration Service

When someone passes away, there are a number of issues that need to be resolved. This may include, but certainly is not limited to:

  • Registering the death
  • Securing assets
  • Settling debts
  • Making funeral arrangements
  • Applying for Grant of Probate
  • Applying for Grant of Letters of Administration
  • Executing a Will

At Kingsfords, our probate and estate administration solicitors in Kent are able to offer a comprehensive administration service that helps to make the entire process as straightforward as possible.

Our team can also take stock of other associated matters such as calculating inheritance Tax and distributing an estate according to a valid Will. We can also assist with the process of dealing with an estate where a Will was not left.

By taking on the entire probate and estate administration process on your behalf, you can focus on taking care of both yourself and your loved ones during such a difficult time.

Grant Only Service

Alternatively, our probate solicitors are also able to offer a fixed fee, Grant Only service for estate administration. This may be a more appropriate solution if you, as an executor, are very familiar with the probate process, the estate has a limited number of assets, or the estate is low in value.

With a Grant Only service, we can support you in preparing the Probate Application Form and Inheritance Tax Documentation, as well as lodging an application for a Grant of Probate at the Probate Registry.

Executor/Administration Advice

We can also be on hand to advise you on specific matters related to the probate and estate administration process where required. Given how complex and time-consuming estate administration can be, it is only natural that there may be certain issues that will require the guidance of our experts to resolve.

We can meet with you to discuss your current situation and the desired outcome, discuss your options in detail and advise you how best to move forward in a way that best suits you.

Deeds of Variation

A Deed of Variation is a document that allows beneficiaries in a Will to make certain changes to the distribution of an estate.

Not only this but a Deed of Variation can sometimes be used as an effective way of reducing the amount of Inheritance Tax that is payable in an estate.

A Deed of Variation can be made before or after a Grant of Probate is issued, but if it is being made for Inheritance Tax purposes (or any other tax, such as Capital Gains Tax), it must be made within two years of the deceased person’s death.

Our estate administration solicitors in Kent can work alongside you to review your circumstances and whether making a Deed of Variation would be an appropriate decision. From here, we can take the necessary steps to ensure that it is efficiently completed and that every step is taken to ensure it is deemed valid in the eyes of HMRC.

Frequently Asked Questions About Probate and Estate Administration

What is Probate?

Simply put, probate is the process of organising someone’s estate, including their money and property, after they die. More specifically, it will include:

  • Applying for a Grant of Representation (A Grant of Probate where there is a Will and a Grant of Letters of Administration where there is no Will)
  • Gathering information about the deceased’s finances
  • Handling Inheritance Tax
  • Distributing inheritance to beneficiaries

Who Will Handle Probate?

If the deceased left a valid Will, they would have most likely appointed an executor to deal with the administration of the estate. It is possible to name anyone as an executor in a Will, including professionals such as solicitors.

On the other hand, if the deceased did not leave a valid Will, their close relatives will be entitled to make an application to become an administrator. The role of an administrator is the same as an executor, only that an administrator follows the rules of intestacy when administering an estate.

What Happens if a Loved Ones Dies Without Leaving a Will?

When someone dies without leaving behind a valid Will, this is called ‘dying intestate’. Their estate is distributed according to the rules of intestacy, regardless of what their wishes may have been.  

Under the rules of intestacy, only certain people are entitled to inherit or apply to administer the estate, including spouses, civil partners and children. Importantly, unmarried partners, step children and family friends will not be allowed to inherit or apply to administer the estate.

How Long Does Probate Take?

As you might expect, the time it takes for probate to be completed will depend on your individual circumstances and various factors. Naturally, a straightforward matter where a valid Will has been left, and an estate can be easily dealt with will take much less time than a situation where there a dispute arises.

The process of obtaining probate will usually take at least four weeks. From here, the administration process is likely to carry on for around 9-12 months, though this can be longer if there are any disputes to deal with.

Speak to our Probate and Estate Administration Solicitors in Kent

For more information or to make an appointment to see one of our probate and estate administration solicitors in Kent, please contact the Wills, Probate and Powers of Attorney Department in AshfordCranbrook or Hythe on 01233 665544. Alternatively, fill in the enquiry form on the right hand side of the page to request a call back.

  • Marcus Parsons
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  • Adam Luke
      • Adam Luke
      • Director - Co-head of Wills, Probate and Powers of Attorney
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  • Elizabeth Isaac-Garner
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  • Corrina Sewell-Hill
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For more information please call us on  01233 624545