Probate

  • Probate

Probate

Compassionate Support When You Need It Most

The death of a loved one and dealing with their affairs can be a difficult and traumatic time.

During this period, families can often feel under pressure to make decisions quickly, without fully understanding what needs to be done, the responsibilities involved, or the potential costs.

At Goddard Dunbar, we encourage you to take a moment, talk things through with our experienced Bereavement Team, and make informed decisions about probate and dealing with the deceased’s affairs.

Whether you need advice, help obtaining a Grant of Probate, or support managing the estate administration process, we are here to guide you with clear, practical advice.

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What is Probate?

Probate is the legal process of dealing with someone’s estate after they have died. This includes collecting their assets, paying any debts, and distributing what is left to the correct beneficiaries.

If there is a valid Will, the Executors usually apply for a Grant of Probate, which gives them legal authority to deal with the estate.

If there is no Will, the estate is classed as intestate, and a family member will usually need to apply for Letters of Administration instead.

Every estate is different, and the process can vary depending on assets, property ownership and whether Inheritance Tax is due.

How Our Probate Specialists Can Help

If you are an Executor named in a Will, or you are dealing with the estate of someone who has died without a Will, our Bereavement Team can guide you through the entire process.

We start by understanding your situation and explaining what is involved in administering the estate. Many clients simply want reassurance that they are doing things correctly, while others prefer us to take care of the full process on their behalf.

Our role is to reduce stress, avoid delays and ensure everything is handled properly.

Our Typical Probate Service Fees

Obtaining the Grant of Probate only an excepted estate with no IHT payable £950.00 plus VAT and disbursements*

Obtaining the grant of probate only, where a full return is required and IHT payable £1,950.00 plus VAT and disbursements.*

Obtaining the Grant of Probate only, where a full return is required but no IHT payable £1,450.00 plus VAT and disbursements*

Full end to end administration to include obtaining Probate, close accounts, complete estate account 2% of gross value of estate plus VAT ** and disbursements*

*If Full Inheritance Tax (IHT) return to HMRC is required with application for probate
*Disbursements include out of pocket expenses such as Probate, Estate Agent and Commission.
** Full end to end administration services start from 2% of the gross value of the estate plus VAT plus disbursements, the fee for this will depend on the number of assets, the value of the estate and/or the number of beneficiaries in the estate.

OUR FIXED FEE SERVICE

Here’s how we work;
  • We attend a free no obligation meeting to discuss the deceased’s affairs
  • At that meeting, our Bereavement Team will provide a fixed fee for administering the affairs in whole or in part depending on the clients requirements
  • No fees will be charged until completion unless otherwise agreed
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Common FAQs

We understand that probate is often dealt with during a very emotional and stressful time. Our approach is designed to make things as simple and reassuring as possible.

When you choose us, you will receive:

– Clear, practical advice in plain English

– Compassionate support from experienced professionals

– Transparent fixed-fee pricing where possible

– Regular updates throughout the process

– Tailored advice based on your situation

We can help with:

– Advice for Executors and families

– Applying for a Grant of Probate

– Applying for Letters of Administration (no Will)

– Completing Inheritance Tax forms

– Collecting and valuing assets

– Closing bank and financial accounts

– Preparing estate accounts

– Distributing assets to beneficiaries

– Full estate administration from start to finish

Executors are legally responsible for administering the estate correctly. While it is possible to do this yourself, many people choose professional support to avoid mistakes and reduce stress.

The process can involve legal forms, tax considerations, dealing with financial institutions, and managing distributions to beneficiaries. Errors can lead to delays or personal liability.

We can support Executors as much or as little as needed – from advice only through to full estate administration.

In some cases, assets can be released without a Grant of Probate, particularly where money is held jointly or the estate is small. Banks and financial institutions each have their own thresholds for when Probate is required.

However, Probate is usually needed where:

– The deceased owned property in their sole name

– There are significant savings or investments

– Financial institutions request a Grant of Probate before releasing funds

– The estate is more complex

If you are unsure whether Probate is required, we can review your situation and advise you clearly.

If someone dies without leaving a valid Will, they are said to have died intestate.

In these cases, the estate is distributed according to strict legal rules known as the Rules of Intestacy, rather than personal wishes.

Letters of Administration are obtained from the Court by the next of kin if the deceased did not leave a Will. This is a certificate similar to a grant of probate.

Where there is no Will, money and property belonging to the deceased are divided between relatives in a strict order.

Issued by the Court to the deceased’s Executors, a Grant of Probate is a certificate.

Most importantly, the Executor uses this certificate to sell houses, close bank accounts, deal with insurance companies and everything in between.

Any liabilities and tax due from the estate is paid by the Executors who then distribute any money and possessions in accordance with the Will.

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