Probate solicitors

Helping you manage an estate with clear, practical legal advice.

Dealing with probate after someone has died can feel overwhelming, particularly when you are also managing personal loss.

Our experienced probate solicitors provide clear, practical advice to help executors, administrators and families manage the probate and estate administration process.

Whether you need help applying for a Grant of Probate, managing an estate from start to finish or dealing with more complex inheritance matters, our team can guide you through each stage.

At Prettys, we understand that every estate is different. We take the time to understand your circumstances and provide tailored advice to make the process as straightforward as possible.

Speak to our probate team today for advice tailored to your circumstances.

Where a Will has been left, those appointed as executors must prove the Will by applying for a Grant of Probate. When a grant is issued, the executors are able to go ahead and administer the estate in accordance with the Will.

If no Will has been left, a personal representative should be determined. Although, without a Will, the Intestacy rules apply, which set out who can administer the estate and who will inherit each asset. The appropriate person will need to apply to the Court for a Grant of Letters of Administration in order to carry out the estate administration duties.

As such, probate and estate administration can become very complicated. Our dedicated team of solicitors are always on hand to simplify the process, providing straight-forward advice at all times.

At Prettys, we are happy to help you in whatever way we can. We often assist clients with parts of administration, such as applying for a Grant of Probate or Grant of Letters of Administration, as well as the entire process.

How our probate solicitors can help

When someone dies, there are a number of legal and practical responsibilities that need to be managed. Our team can support you with as much or as little of the process as you need.

We regularly assist clients with:

Applying for a Grant of Probate

Where a valid Will has been left, the executors named in the Will may need to apply for a Grant of Probate. This gives them the legal authority to deal with the estate.

We can help prepare and submit the necessary applications, ensuring the correct steps are followed.

Letters of Administration

If someone dies without leaving a valid Will, the estate is dealt with under the intestacy rules.

The appropriate person may need to apply for Letters of Administration before they can administer the estate.

Our team can advise on who has responsibility for dealing with the estate and guide you through the application process.

Estate administration

Managing an estate involves a number of responsibilities, including identifying assets, dealing with liabilities and distributing the estate to beneficiaries.

Our probate solicitors can assist with:

Identifying and valuing estate assets
Collecting money and property belonging to the estate
Advising executors and administrators on their responsibilities
Preparing inheritance tax documentation
Paying debts and liabilities
Distributing assets in accordance with the Will or intestacy rules
Managing more complex estates

Our probate solicitors can support you with the entire estate administration process or provide help with specific aspects where you need additional guidance.

What is the probate process?

Probate is the legal process of proving a Will and obtaining the authority needed to deal with someone’s estate after their death.

The process will usually involve:

Establishing who has authority to administer the estate
Identifying assets and liabilities
Applying for the appropriate grant
Completing inheritance tax requirements where necessary
Collecting assets and settling debts
Distributing the estate to beneficiaries

The process can become complicated, particularly where there are trusts, business assets, agricultural property, inheritance tax issues or disagreements between beneficiaries.

Our team can provide the support you need at every stage.

Supporting executors and families

Being appointed as an executor or administrator carries important responsibilities. You may be responsible for making sure the estate is dealt with correctly and that beneficiaries receive what they are entitled to.

Our team can help you understand your duties and provide practical support, including:

Acting as professional executors
Advising on executor responsibilities
Dealing with complex estates
Supporting families following a bereavement
Helping resolve issues involving inheritance or estate disputes

Trusts, inheritance tax and complex estates

Some estates require additional planning and advice.

Our probate solicitors work closely with colleagues across Prettys to provide joined-up advice on matters including:

Trusts created through a Will
Life Interest Trusts
Discretionary Trusts
Inheritance Tax planning
Deeds of Variation
Family arrangements
Business and agricultural assets

Where required, we can also work alongside accountants, financial advisers and other professional advisers to help ensure your affairs are managed effectively.

Trusted legal support when you need it most

Losing someone close is difficult, and dealing with legal responsibilities at the same time can feel challenging.

Prettys has extensive experience advising individuals and families on probate, Wills, inheritance and estate administration.

Based in Ipswich, our team provides clear and practical advice tailored to your circumstances, helping you understand your responsibilities and manage the complexities involved.

Members of our team hold specialist accreditations, demonstrating our commitment to supporting older and vulnerable clients with their legal affairs.