Probate

We can help you with the legal support following the death of a loved one. Our specialised Probate team are here to advise you where to start and help you through the Probate process.

Book an appointment

Talk to our legal experts to find out more about our Probate and estate administration services.

Important Information

A number of Law firms have transferred their Wills to our care. View the full list of the law firms.

A Regulated Service

Our services are regulated by the SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority).

Specially Trained Advisors

All of our Legal Advisors are specially trained to the same high standard through our Academy.

Free Initial Meeting

Book a Free, no-obligation Review Meeting with one of our experts to help discover your options.

Clear Advice

We make sure you are informed of all your options, empowering you to make the right choices for yourself.

Transparent Fees

If you instruct us for any legal work, you will always be kept informed of the costs.

Free Home Appointments

If getting to us is difficult, we can come to you. We offer a Free Home Visit with every initial review meeting.

We specialise in Wills, Trusts & Probate

Right Legal Group are proud to be one of the leading providers in tailor-made Wills, Probate and Estate Planning services. Our drive to deliver our service comes from a passion to help keep families together during one of the most difficult times a person can face.

I found the RightProbate team to be very helpful and considerate during what has been a difficult time for me. My questions and queries had been answered efficiently and in a professional manner, immediately putting me at ease."
ValeriePrivate client
"I found the staff dealing with my late mother's probate case very professional and helpful. They kept me updated on progress and were responsive. My main contact was Olivia Haleem."
LeePrivate client
"I was happy with the level of support, prompt attention and no over officious jargon. Straight forward and helpful. Very happy to recommend Chloe Bradford."
MelaniePrivate client
"Darcy delivered a great service, she was extremely professional and sensitive throughout the process."
BenPrivate client
"Everything was transparent and easy to understand whilst remaining empathetic and professional."
MargaretPrivate client
"We used Right Legal Group for the grant of probate for our parents estate. Everything was made so easy for us and our advisor was so thoughtful, professional and efficient."
SimonPrivate client
"Very pleased with the support and kindness shown by the team. It has been a difficult time for me and my family but the whole process has been handled very well with all my questions answered in a timely manner."
MichellePrivate client

Our team of legal experts are here to guide you through the Probate process and estate administration with a tailored service, providing as much or as little assistance and advice as you need.

As a beneficiary or executor of a will, you can trust our team of legal experts to guide you through the entire estate administration process. We understand the importance of this process and will provide you with tailored advice and support every step of the way. Our team will carefully consider the unique requirements of the estate to ensure that everything is handled properly.

Our legal team can advise and help you with Probate matters including:

  • Applying for a Grant of Probate
  •  
Our role is to advise and protect you from any potential pitfalls and to support and take the strain away. You choose how much involvement you would like us to have, and what help you require.

To talk to our legal team to find out more about our Probate and estate administration services, please complete our contact form.

Contact us about Probate

Our experts are here to help.

RightProbate Contact form 2023

Helping you through the Probate Process

What is Probate?

Probate is the whole process of administering an estate when someone dies. In simple terms this involves organising their money, their assets and all liabilities and outstanding debts. Probate also refers to getting permission to carry out the wishes within someones Will.
If there is a Will in place for the deceased, a person will be named, known as the executor and will follow the wishes stated by the deceased.

Probate is needed before any administration of the deceased’s estate can start.

Help with obtained the Grant only?

If you’d like to look after the estate yourself but would welcome a hand with the legal paperwork, our Grant Only service is here for you. You tell us about the assets and any debts, and we take care of preparing and submitting the application to obtain the Grant of Probate (or Letters of Administration where there is no Will).

Once the Grant arrives, we send it straight to you, and you take things from there, with the reassurance that the formal part has been handled properly.

Our Fees

The type of estate
What it costs

A straightforward estate with no inheritance tax to pay

£1,500 + VAT at 20% (£1,800 incl. VAT), plus disbursements

As above, but also transferring a late spouse’s or civil partner’s unused nil rate band

£2,000 + VAT at 20% (£2,400 incl. VAT), plus disbursements

An estate that needs the fuller IHT400 tax return

£3,000 + VAT at 20% (£3,600 incl. VAT), plus disbursements

What’s included

With this service we’ll look after the following for you:

  • Going through the information you give us about the estate’s assets and debts.
  • Completing the right HMRC inheritance tax form for the estate (an IHT205 or IHT400).
  • Preparing the legal statement of truth, ready for you to check and sign.
  • Submitting the application to the Probate Registry on your behalf.
  • Obtaining the Grant and sending it to you.

How long it usually takes

Every estate is different, but as a guide:

The step
Roughly how long

Going through your information and preparing the forms and application

8–16 weeks

Waiting for HMRC, where a fuller IHT400 return is needed

5 weeks

The Probate Registry issuing the Grant

12 weeks

What’s not included

So you know exactly where you stand, this service doesn’t cover:

  • Ascertaining the Date of Death valuations for the estate assets and liabilities. We will take the information you provide to us and prepare the application on your behalf.
  • Collecting in the assets or paying off the estate’s debts – that part stays with you.
  • Sharing the estate out between the beneficiaries.
  • Selling or transferring any property (we’ll happily quote for this separately – see Section 4).
  • Inheritance tax advice or planning beyond filling in the forms that are needed.
  • Anything that becomes contested, or a claim made against the estate.
  • Preparing a Deed of Variation or looking after a trust (see Section 4).

 

Looking after the whole process for you

When you’d rather hand the whole estate administration over, our full estate administration service takes the strain away completely. From obtaining the Grant to collecting in the assets, assessing and settling tax and debts, preparing the Estate Account and distributing the estate out, we’re with you at every step. 

You decide how involved you’d like to be, we’ll do as much or as little as you need.

Our fees

  • When the executors instruct us: an estimated 1.75% + VAT at 20% of the gross value of the estate (for inheritance tax purposes), with a minimum fee of £3,500 or £4,000 + VAT depending on the tax forms required.
  • When we’re appointed as the sole professional executors: an estimated 2% + VAT at 20% of the gross value of the estate.

 

To put that in real terms: for an estate worth £500,000 at 1.75%, our fee would be £8,750 + VAT at 20% (£10,500 incl. VAT), plus disbursements. Once we’ve received and reviewed your ‘Fact Find’, we’ll come back to you to confirm the costs, so everything is clear and there are no hidden surprises.

What’s included

With this service we’ll take care of:

  • Confirming who the executors or administrators are, and who the beneficiaries are.
  • Finding and valuing everything the estate owns, and everything it owes.
  • Completing the HMRC inheritance tax forms and arranging payment of any inheritance tax due.
  • Preparing and submitting the application for the Grant.
  • Collecting in the assets and settling the estate’s debts.
  • Assessing the income tax and capital gains tax during the administration period.
  • Preparing the estate accounts for you to approve.
  • Distributing the estate to the beneficiaries.

How long it usually takes

The step
Roughly how long

Gathering the information and valuing the estate

8–16 weeks

Preparing the IHT forms and obtaining the Grant

20 weeks

Collecting in the assets and settling debts

12-16 weeks

Preparing the accounts and distributing the estate

4-8 weeks

This is always reliant on the 3rd parties involved in the estate administration but as a general estimate on an average estate administration:

On average, the whole process takes on average 12-18 months. Of course, every estate is different, and things like a waiting on valuations from 3rd parties, dealing with the probate registry and HMRC and waiting for a property offer and sale can add a little time.

What’s not included

  • Selling or transferring property in the estate (quoted separately – see Section 4).
  • Anything contested, or bringing or defending a claim against the estate.
  • Setting up or running any trust created by the Will (see Section 4).
  • Tracing missing beneficiaries or assets, and any insurance that goes with that.
  • Dealing with assets held outside the UK.
  • Handling an HMRC enquiry into the estate’s tax.

Probate costs

We take every essential step in caring for each and every family we serve and help so we can continue to deliver an exceptional service.

The cost of dealing with any Probate matter can vary dependent on a number of factors along with the work you would like us to carry out.

Below is our guide to additional Probate costs.

Dibursements – the extra costs paid to others

Disbursements are costs that are payable to other people or organisations, such as court fees. We handle paying these on your behalf to keep everything running smoothly. The ones likely to come up are:

What it’s for
How much
VAT

Probate Registry application fee

£300 currently but set to rise to £526 from 13th July 2026

No VAT

Extra sealed copies of the Grant (usually one per asset)

£16 each currently but from 13th July 2026 will be £2 if ordered at the same time as the main grant

No VAT

Office copies / Land Registry documents

£7 per property

No VAT

Bankruptcy search (per beneficiary)

£9

Plus VAT at 20%

Notice in The London Gazette and local newspaper – protects against unexpected claims from unknown creditors

£200-£300

Plus VAT at 20%

Estate Search

£165

Plus VAT at 20%

Other help, charged by the time we spend

Some pieces of work sit outside the services above and are charged by the time we spend on them, things like a Deed of Variation, looking after a trust, or transferring a property out of an estate.

For any of these, we’ll always give you an estimate of the likely hours, and therefore the likely cost, before we start, so you’re never left guessing.

Our hourly rates

Who’s helping you
Hourly rate

Director

£400 per hour + VAT at 20% (£480 incl. VAT)

Solicitor

£350 per hour + VAT at 20% (£420 incl. VAT)

Trainee Solicitor

£300 per hour + VAT at 20% (£360 incl. VAT)

Legal Advisor / Paralegal

£250 per hour + VAT at 20% (£300 incl. VAT)

Case Administrator

£200 per hour + VAT at 20% (£240 incl. VAT)

A rough guide to cost and time

  • Deed of Variation: in the region of £600 + VAT at 20%, typically completed within 8 weeks from instruction
  • Administering a trust: charged at the hourly rates above. An estimate of time required will be given prior to any instruction as is based on the complexity.
  • Transferring or Assenting a property out of an estate: quoted separately to suit the work involved, typically around £650–£700 + VAT at 20%.

Meet our probate team

Sianead O’Connor – Legal Services Director

Sianead specialises in all complexities of private client law, including wills, estate planning and probate.
In her capacity as Legal Services Director for Right Legal Group, Sianead is passionate about delivering a compassionate client experience during an incredibly challenging time

Sianead is a qualified Solicitor and qualified under TEP (Trust and Estate Practitioner)

Kevin Norcross – Technical Specialist

Kevin specialises in private client law, including wills, estate planning and probate. As a Technical Specialist, Kevin will sign off legal documentation at critical stages of the probate journey

Kevin is a charted legal executive and a Trust and Estate Practitioner 

Teresa Harris – Solicitor and Probate Supervisor

Alongside Kevin, Teresa is another technical specialist for the Probate department.

Teresa enjoys estate and probate work as it gives her a sense of accomplishment in helping, what can be vulnerable people, during their grief. Teresa believes probate work offers a high job satisfaction and enjoys building multi-generational relationships with clients.

Teresa qualified as a solicitor in 2007

Olivia Haleen – Probate Team Manager

Olivia is a Probate Team Manager with 5 years experience in the Private Client industry. In her role, she oversees the departmental progression of probate administrations whilst ensuring client experience remains at the forefront. Olivia is passionate about supporting families during their bereavement and making the administration of an estate as smooth as possible.

Olivia graduated from Liverpool John Moores University with an LLB (Hons) in Law. She went on to completed her MSc LPC and is a qualified Solicitor.

Chloe Bradford – Probate Team Manager

Client communication is incredibly important to Chloe and she strives to coach her team to raise standards and provide excellent client care. Chloe enjoys developing her technical knowledge within Probate to ensure clients can be supported accurately and with specialist knowledge.

Chloe graduated from University of Reading with LLB (Hons) in Law and from University of Law with Distinction on MSc with LPC. Chloe is a qualified solicitor

Imaan Yousaf – Probate Legal Advisor

Imaan specialises in supporting individuals and families with complex estates. She is committed to providing an empathetic, accessible, and tailored service, offering clear, practical advice and reassuring support to help clients achieve the best possible outcomes.

BA in Law and Business Management from the University of Derby. Currently working towards completing the SQE. Imaan has 2.5 years’ experience in Probate.

Imaan’s manager is Olivia Haleeem

Jodie Burton – Probate Legal Advisor

Jodie is particularly interested in probate work as it combines the opportunity to support families through bereavement with the intellectual challenge of navigating the complexities of probate law. Jodie finds it rewarding to help clients during a difficult period while developing her own knowledge in this specialist area.

1st Class Law Degree from Sheffield Hallam University, (LLB in Law). Jodie has 1.5 years experience in Probate.

Jodie’s manager is Olivia Haleeem

Jodie Hayes – Probate Legal Advisor

Jodie is committed to supporting clients through legal matters with a practical approach and delivering solutions that meet their individual needs. She provides clear advice and guidance, helping individuals and families navigate the probate process.

LLB Law at University of South Wales. Legal Practice Course in University of South Wales finished with a Distinction. Jodie has 6.5 years experience in Private Client, including the last 1.5 years working in Probate

Jodie’s manager is Olivia Haleeem

Madelaine Martin – Probate Legal Advisor

Madelaine is passionate about working in probate, as it allows her to support people during some of their most challenging times. She enjoys learning from colleagues and building strong, collaborative relationships with her team and clients.

Madelaine graduated from Sheffield Hallam University with a 1st Class Degree in Sociology & Criminology and a Legal Practice Course. She has 3 years of Private Client experience.

Madelaine’s manager is Chloe Bradford

Alex Mason – Probate Legal Advisor

Alex thoroughly enjoys learning from the wealth of experience within the team, and strives to become the best lawyer possible in the future.

LLB in Law at the University of Nottingham, LLM in International Commercial Law at Distinction Level with University of Nottingham. Alex has 1.5 years experience in probate

Alex’s manager is Chloe Bradford

Ben Fuller – Probate Legal Advisor

Ben is a Probate Advisor that is motivated by expanding their knowledge and learning new things, as well as ensuring they provide excellent client care.

Degrees: LLB from University of Derby – Distinction. Post-Grad – LLM in Law and Legal Practice from University of Derby – Distinction – This included completing the LPC. Ben has worked in the probate team for 1 year.

Ben’s manager is Chloe Bradford

Emily King – Probate Legal Advisor

Emily particularly enjoys building relationships with clients and is at the forefront of why she has a passion for Private Client Law. She finds the job incredibly rewarding and aims to deliver exceptional client care and outcomes.

LLB (Hons) in Law- University of Manchester. Emily has 2 years experience working within Probate.

Emily’s manager is Chloe Bradford

Madison Tolley – Probate Legal Advisor

Maddy is currently still in training with the probate team and is really enjoying learning a whole new aspect of law and enjoys that no case is the same and catering her advice to each client individually.

Madison studied Law LLB at Manchester Metropolitan University, has currently been in probate for just over a month and is excited to continue.

Madison’s manager is Chloe Bradford

Nancy Morrow – Probate Legal Advisor

Nancy enjoys learning new elements of the role and being able to help her clients during difficult times. Nancy is empathetic and people-focused to provide results to her clients

Nancy completed an apprenticeship whilst working in our Probate Administration Team. Nancy has since become a Probate Legal Advisor and has almost four years experience in the Probate department

Nancy’s manager is Chloe Bradford

Tasnim Meah – Probate Legal Advisor

Tasnim is committed to learning new skills as a Probate Advisor and delivering excellent client care.

Tasnim graduated with an LLB (Hons) Law degree from University of Derby and has nearly a year’s experience in Probate

Tasnim’s manager is Chloe Bradford

Zoha Asif – Probate Legal Advisor

Zoha finds the role particularly rewarding, especially in supporting clients during sensitive times.

Zoha graduated with an LLB (Hons) Law degree from Nottingham Trent University and has nearly a year’s experience in Probate.

Zoha’s manager is Chloe Bradford

Chloe May Preece – Probate Legal Executive

Chloe is a CILEX-qualified Legal Executive specialising in probate and estate administration. She assists executors and beneficiaries with the practical and legal aspects of estate management, offering clear, straightforward advice tailored to each individual matter. She is focused on providing a supportive and approachable service, helping clients move through often sensitive and complex processes with clarity and reassurance. Chloe is committed to building trusted working relationships and ensuring matters are progressed efficiently and with care. Chloe has recently returned from maternity leave and is delighted to be back with the team.

Chloe is a CILEX -qualified Legal Executive. She has 11 years experience in Private Client

Chloe’s manager is Olivia Haleeem

Emem Enetie – Probate Legal Advisor

Emem enjoys being able to help families during their bereavement journey.

Degree – LLB in Law at Babcock University. Post grad – LLM (Intellectual Property and Technology Law) University of Derby finished with a Distinction. Emem has experience of 1 year in Probate

Emem’s manager is Olivia Haleeem

Jessica Walliss – Probate Legal Advisor

Jess is a Probate Advisor who specialises in supporting individuals and families, providing a friendly and empathetic approach alongside clear, practical advice. She has experience dealing with complex estates and trusts, and enjoys helping clients navigate challenging situations with confidence and reassurance.

She holds an LLB from the University of Liverpool and has been with the firm for 3 years, gaining valuable experience including 1 year within the probate team. Jess is currently working towards qualifying as a solicitor through the SQE

Jessica’s manager is Olivia Haleeem

Nicole Laureaga – Probate Legal Advisor

Nicole specialises in probate and trust administration, supporting executors, trustees, and beneficiaries through what can often be a complex and emotionally challenging process. She provides clear, practical advice tailored to each client’s individual circumstances, helping to ensure matters are dealt with efficiently and with sensitivity. Nicole is committed to delivering a personal and approachable service, guiding clients through the administration of estates and trusts with confidence and reassurance. She takes pride in building strong relationships with her clients and providing support at every stage of the process.

Nicole graduated with an LLB in Law from Demontford University. Nicole has 3 years experience in Probate

Nicole’s manager is Olivia Haleeem

Sophie Furniss – Probate Legal Advisor

Sophie is dedicated to helping families navigate the probate process, offering clear guidance and reassurance during what can often be a difficult and emotional time.

LLB in Law at Liverpool John Moores University. Sophie has 1 years experience in Probate.

Sophie’s manager is Olivia Haleeem

We offer a highly tailored service to each of our clients

Remembrance Forest

We would like to help you remember your loved one and in memory to them, we dedicate a tree in any estate in which we are instructed to act in the full administration.

This is a gesture from us and has no cost implications to the estate or yourselves. You are provided with a certificate and map of the location of the tree to keep and visit when you like.

Our way of keeping their memory alive.
Remembrance-forest_rightprobate_right-legal-group

We are fully authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)

It is important to know that we are authorised and regulated as legal professionals, and that we comply with the rules and those regulations set out by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
 
This ensures you are protected by our service and have peace of mind that your estate administration affairs are being dealt with by a regulated organisation.

Not sure where to start with Probate?

Our specialised Probate team can provide professional advice and guidance following the death of a loved one.

Contact us

Before you go would you like us to get in touch with you?

Complete your details below and we’ll get back to you about your enquiry.
Popup Enquiry form 2023