Probate Solicitors That Act Sensitively In Administering An Estate
The term Probate refers to the administration of a deceased individual’s estate. The estate may include property, money and any other assets held. Our Probate specialists handle the winding up of an estate with great sensitivity and understanding, ensuring the smooth running of the process at a time of confusion and upset for family and friends.
With Hopkins Solicitors, you have access to experienced Probate solicitors who may also be able to minimise the tax liabilities on the estate and those of the beneficiaries.
Estate Administration
The essential elements of the administration of an estate include:
- Calculating the assets and liabilities and preparing the necessary tax forms.
- Obtaining a Grant of Probate (if a Will was made), or Letters of Administration (if there was no Will), enabling the executor or administrator to obtain or liquefy the assets.
- Settling any liabilities subsumed in the estate, including tax liabilities.
- Distributing the estate in accordance with the terms of the Will. If there is no Will in place, the estate is distributed according to statutory rules.
- Husband, wife or civil partner of the deceased
- The former husband or wife of the deceased, if you have not remarried or given up your right to a claim when divorced
- A child of the deceased
- A person who was treated as a child of the family by the deceased when they were married (normally a step child)
- Someone who was totally or partly maintained (supported financially) by the person who has died.
Contested ProbateSolicitors Who Deal with A Tough Subject Sensitively
The specialist team at Hopkins Law have the extensive legal expertise to deal with the often complex law surrounding Contested Probate. Unfortunately, up to 60% of people in Britain pass away without having a Will in place. This brings the Crown to decide how the estate of the deceased should be split amongst surviving relatives. At times this can be relatively straightforward, if for example the only close family is a surviving spouse. At other times, it can lead to claims and counter-claims from the deceased’s family.
At Hopkins Law, our dedicated Probate solicitors can lead you through the complex legal processes, helping you make a successful challenge and gain an appropriate share of the estate, acting professionally and discreetly at a highly sensitive and difficult time.
