Dealing with the affairs of a loved one after death can often be overwhelming. The grieving process is difficult enough as it is without the additional work required to administer the estate of the person who has died. We can guide you through the legal process and offer expert support.
Our experienced probate solicitors help executors and administrators across London apply for probate clearly, correctly and without unnecessary delay, so you can focus on what matters.
Here whenever you’re ready to talk
Whether you are planning ahead for your family or coping with the loss of someone close, taking the first step can feel daunting. There is no pressure and no obligation — just a friendly, experienced team ready to listen and explain your options clearly.
Call us on 020 3440 8000 or complete our online enquiry form, and we will guide you from there.
What Is Probate and When Do You Need It?
Probate is the legal process that gives someone the authority to deal with a deceased person’s money, property and possessions. Before banks, building societies or the Land Registry will release funds or transfer property, they usually need to see a formal document confirming who is authorised to act.
You’ll usually need to apply for probate if the person who died:
- Owned property in their sole name
- Held savings, investments or shares above a certain value
- Left a valid will naming you as an executor
If there’s no Will left by your loved one or you’re unsure whether a Will was completed, a close relative can apply to become the estate’s administrator instead, following a different but related process.
How to Apply for Probate
The right route for your probate application depends on whether the person who died left a valid will.
Applying for Probate With a Will
If there’s a Will, the named executor applies for a Grant of Probate. This confirms the Will is valid and gives the executor legal authority to administer the estate in line with the person’s wishes.
Applying for Probate Without a Will (Letters of Administration)
If someone dies without having made a valid Will, they’re said to have died “intestate”. A close relative – usually a spouse, civil partner or child – can apply for Letters of Administration instead, and the person’s estate is then distributed under the rules of intestacy rather than personal wishes.
Applying for Probate Online
Many probate applications can now be submitted through HM Courts & Tribunals Service’s online probate service. Our solicitors can manage your online probate application for you, from preparing the paperwork to submitting the application, so you don’t have to navigate the probate system alone.
What You’ll Need for Your Probate Application
Before applying for probate, our empathetic solicitors can help you gather the essentials:
- The original Will (if there is one) and any codicils (amendments)
- The official death certificate
- A valuation of the estate’s assets and liabilities
- Details of any inheritance tax due, using the relevant HMRC forms
Large or complex estates that are subject to inheritance tax usually need this reported and, where applicable, paid before the Grant of Representation (required for larger estates) is issued. If you’re unsure how tax applies to the estate, our inheritance tax planning solicitors can advise separately.
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How Our Probate Solicitors Can Help
Many people search for local probate solicitors because they want face-to-face support during a difficult and stressful time, alongside someone who understands the local Probate Registry and its typical processing times. As an established firm of probate solicitors in London, we combine that local knowledge with the technical accuracy a probate application demands.
Our probate team supports executors and administrators at every stage, including:
- Advising whether probate is needed for the estate
- Preparing and submitting the probate application, including online
- Completing the relevant inheritance tax forms
- Liaising with the Probate Registry on your behalf
- Collecting in assets and settling debts once the grant is issued
- Guiding you through distributing the estate to beneficiaries
If a dispute arises over the validity of a Will, our contested probate solicitors can also step in to help resolve it. And if the person who died left no Will at all, our Will writing solicitors can help other family members manage their own affairs to avoid the same situation in future.
Why Choose TV Edwards for Probate Application?
- A compassionate, personal service. We support hundreds of bereaved individuals and families each year, and we never forget there is a person behind every matter.
- Experienced specialist solicitors. Led by our Head of Private Client, our experienced team focuses exclusively on Wills, probate, trusts, tax and capacity planning.
- Continuity of advice. Wherever possible, you will deal with the same solicitor throughout — someone who knows you, your family and your wishes.
- Clear communication. We explain everything in plain English and keep you informed at every stage.
- Transparent Pricing. Written quotes for Will writing and probate services, so you always know where you stand.
- A long-established London firm. Families across London and the wider UK have trusted us for generations — many returning to us throughout their lives.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Grant of Representation?
The Grant of Representation is the official document that gives someone legal authority to deal with a deceased person’s estate. It’s called a Grant of Probate where there’s a valid Will, or Letters of Administration where there isn’t one.
How long does a probate application take?
Timescales vary depending on the complexity of the estate and how busy the Probate Registry is, but an application typically takes up to six months once submitted. Our solicitors will give you a realistic estimate based on your circumstances.
Do I need a solicitor to apply for probate?
You aren’t legally required to use a solicitor to apply for probate, but professional support can help minimise errors, delays or personal liability, particularly where the estate includes property, complex assets or potential inheritance tax.
How much does it cost to apply for probate?
Costs depend on the size and complexity of the estate, as well as court fees payable to the Probate Registry. We’ll always discuss our fees with you clearly before starting any work.
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This article provides a general overview of the administration process and its key components.
This article provides a general overview of the administration process and its key components.
