• What is probate?

    When somebody passes away, their estate need to be administered so that their assets can be sold and liabilities paid off. For those with a valid Will, the executor will be the person dealing with this estate administration process. Certain assets, such as property or shares, may require the executor to obtain a document called a Grant of Probate in order to sell them.

    Where there is no Will, the person dealing with the estate is called an administrator. They will need to obtain a Grant of Representation to be able to deal with the estate.

    Getting a Grant of Probate and Grant of Representation are both commonly referred to as ‘getting probate’.

    Probate and estate administration – why use Brachers?

    For those named as someone’s executor, we can appreciate this can be a daunting prospect. Understandably, you want to the do the very best job that you can, but other commitments such as work or family could mean that you might not be always be able to give it all of your attention. It can also sometimes be challenging to understand the legal process that is required.

    At Brachers, we have been assisting executors for over 100 years. We have dealt with estates of all sizes and complexities and have a wealth of knowledge, including dealing with estates where the deceased was living overseas. We hope this will give you peace of mind to know that the job will be well done.

    Although being an executor is a personal liability and you are ultimately responsible for ensuring that the estate is administered correctly, we can support you by dealing with as much or as little of the estate administration as you would like.

    We can carry out every aspect of the estate administration process for you

    We have the expertise to advise you on your obligations as an executor and provide assistance where required. This includes ensuring that the estate has made use of all available Inheritance Tax allowances and exemptions, preparing and submitting income tax returns (where required) and heling with the sale of assets, including residential and commercial property.

    If relations between the beneficiaries become contentious, a challenge is made against the Will or a claim is made against the estate, our Contentious Probate team can step in to assist and advise. This will ensure that you will not need to go anywhere else, regardless of how things unfold during your executorship.

    Recognition of our expertise

    You can be sure to receive a first-class service, with our Private Client team’s expertise in probate and estate administration recognised in leading legal directories Chambers and Partners and Legal 500. Brachers’ Head of Private Client, Christopher Eriksson-Lee, has been shortlisted for the ‘Outstanding Achievement In The Industry’ award at The Probate Industry Awards 2024.

    Our team and its members are also regularly recognised in numerous prestigious industry awards, including:

    • Shortlisted for ‘Best Probate Law Firm – Regional’ at The Probate Industry Awards 2024.
    • Shortlisted for ‘Best Estate Planning Team’ at The Probate Industry Awards 2024.
    • Winning ‘Best Deputyship Firm – London and the South East’ at the UK Probate Research Awards 2023.
    • Winning ‘Best Probate Law Firm – London and the South East’ at the UK Probate Research Awards 2021.
    • Winning ‘Private Client Team of the Year’ at the British Wills and Probate Awards 2020.
    • Finalist for ‘Best Probate Law Firm – London and the South East’ at the UK Probate Research Awards 2023.
    • Mary Rimmer won the ‘Contribution to the Community Award’ at the Kent Law Society Awards 2022.

    Find out more about our awards, accreditations and partnerships that make us stand out from the rest.

    Pricing

    We appreciate that each estate is unique. Because of this, we offer different pricing structures depending on how much or little you would like us to do.

    We are transparent about our costs and will provide you with a detailed fee estimate at the start and keep you updated throughout the matter. For further information about how our costs are calculated, view our ‘Probate and Estate Administration Pricing overview’.

    Further support

    Please expand on the areas below to learn more about how we can assist with the entire estate administration process.

    Our probate and estate administration lawyers are based in Maidstone and Canterbury and are ready to help with any legal advice you may require so please get in touch today.

Book an appointment 30 minute free virtual consultation

Schedule a free 30 minute online appointment with one of our probate law team. We will provide general advice during this consultation and no legal work will be undertaken unless agreed during this appointment.

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Start the probate process online

Start your probate matter today using our online tool. Complete the form today and find out the key steps in the probate process, likely timelines, your role and obligations and how we can help.

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  • Get in touch

    To discuss your probate and estate administration queries please fill out the below form or alternatively you can call us on 01622 690691.

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  • Expertise

Key Contacts - Probate and Estate Administration Solicitors:

Meet the Team:

  • The team are great and responsive on all aspects of the work we do together. They provide advice regarding a family trust and the wider estate planning for the client.

    The Legal 500 2024
  • Brachers has the personal touch, listening carefully to clients’ needs in a friendly, sensitive and helpful manner. It has a wealth of experience, gathered over many decades, and is highly regarded by its local clients in Kent. Such loyalty from locals is reassuring.

    The Legal 500 2024
  • Brachers know their subject, are very competent and, above all, very diplomatic. These attributes have been so important during the present lock down when the ‘working from home’ handicap could have spoiled progress – but it didn’t.

    The Legal 500
  • A firm with longevity, trust and a personal touch.

    Client quote
  • Brachers are very community-minded and are always approachable and easy to communicate with.

    Client quote
  • I would very much like to thank you personally and the rest of your team at Brachers [including Paula Savage and her team] for the way in which you have helped me through this difficult time in a very considerate, helpful and of course professional manner. It does make a big difference when dealing with such a very personal situation to have a compassionate team behind you, that you can trust implicitly.

    Client quote
  • A legal practice that’s truly on top of its game

    M Eley, Client