Guiding You Through the Estate Administration Process with Compassion and Expertise
Probate Services
Lincoln Brown Probate Services will take care of your probate application from start to finish, providing you with peace of mind that every detail is handled. We are authorised by CILEX, the professional association and governing body for Chartered Legal Executive Lawyers, to provide non-contentious probate services and estates administration.
How can your Accountant help you with probate?
Probate can be daunting, especially if you’re time-pressured or worried about solicitors’ fees spiralling out of control. We can administer an estate for you and help you through what can be a complicated and distressing process.
Unlike solicitors and banks, we may already know the finances involved and can tell you how much tax is due. We are in an ideal position to deal with probate and estate administration because we really appreciate the financial and tax affairs of all our clients. We also have a real appreciation of the deceased’s intentions plus, in many cases, an existing relationship with family members acting as executors. This familiarity is a real advantage. Indeed, our advice and support can really help to relieve the pressure at what’s bound to be a difficult time.
Lincoln Brown & Co. Probate Website
If you would like to learn more about our Probate services we see our new dedicated website which will give you some more details on how to instruct these services.
Speeding up the probate process
In the UK, probate can take a couple of months to a couple of years. It’s all dependent on how complex the case is. Each circumstance is different, but there are a few things we can do to speed up the process.
Paying the right amount of Inheritance Tax
It is a one-off tax paid on the value of the deceased’s estate above a set threshold. The tax owed on an estate is calculated by the executors of the will. We can help you to distribute your wealth to avoid Inheritance Tax wherever possible.
Limiting solicitor and banking fees
Historically either probate solicitors or banks employing solicitors have handled probate applications, but such a closed market meant the fees they typically charged were quite large. We are transparent and competitive on our fees so individuals have the full picture.
Lightening the administration burdens
A bereavement is always difficult to deal with. We can relieve much of that burden and can advise on the technical, legal, and tax issues which may arise, ensuring that the estate is properly administered.
What is included in our Probate Service?
Our probate fees cover everything from preparing your application to getting your grant sent out in the post. This includes:
- RA phone call, meeting or TEAMS meeting with a probate specialist to collect information about the estate.
- RProbate and tax forms completed by our team.
- RCollecting any documents from you if required.
- RCalculate any inheritance tax liability.
- RSubmitting your probate application to the probate registry.
- R Keeping you updated by phone or email or another method of your choice.
- RProviding you with support over the phone, email, or additional meetings.
- RUpfront, transparent, and fixed fee pricing.
Please see our Consumer Information Leaflet for a breakdown of any additional costs.
Your probate questions answered
Frequently Asked Questions
What is probate, and when is it required?
Probate is the legal process of administering the estate of a deceased person. It involves validating the will (if there is one), identifying and valuing assets, settling debts, and distributing the remaining assets to beneficiaries. Probate is typically required when the deceased person owned assets solely in their name.
How long does the probate process usually take?
The duration of the probate process can vary based on factors such as the complexity of the estate, the presence of a will, and local legal requirements. On average, the process takes several months, but more complex cases may take longer.
Do I need professional help for probate, or can I handle it myself?
While it's possible to handle probate without professional assistance, the process can be complex and time-consuming. Professional help, such as our Probate Services, can streamline the process, reduce errors, and ensure compliance with legal requirements.
How can your Probate Services assist me during this challenging time?
Our Probate Services offer comprehensive assistance in navigating the estate administration process. We guide you through each step, from probate application to asset valuation, debt settlement, and final tax returns. Our goal is to alleviate the administrative burden during a difficult period.
What documents are required for the probate application?
The documents required for the probate application include the original will (if available), death certificate, details of assets and liabilities, and relevant financial documents. Our team will assist you in preparing and submitting these documents accurately.
How are debts settled during the probate process?
Debts are settled by using the assets from the deceased person's estate. Our Probate Services include managing the settlement of debts and communicating with creditors to ensure a fair and transparent resolution.
Is inheritance tax applicable, and how can it be minimised?
Inheritance tax may apply depending on the value of the estate. Our team provides advice on minimizing inheritance tax liabilities by utilising available exemptions, reliefs, and effective estate planning strategies.
Can you assist with probate for estates with international assets?
Yes, our Probate Services can extend to estates with international assets. We have experience in handling the complexities associated with cross-border probate, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.
What happens if there is no will (intestacy)?
If there is no will, the estate is distributed according to intestacy laws. Our Probate Services include guiding you through the legal requirements for intestacy, ensuring a fair and lawful distribution of assets.
How do I initiate the probate process with your firm?
To initiate the probate process with Lincoln Brown, simply contact us to discuss your situation. We'll guide you through the initial steps, explain our services, and customise a plan based on your specific probate needs.
Lincoln Brown Probate is Authorised by CILEx Regulation for Probate, authorisation number 3001243. You can find out more about our Probate services on our dedicated website Lincoln Brown & Co. Probate.
Stay Organized with Documentation
Keep all relevant documents in an organized manner, including the deceased’s will, financial statements, and legal paperwork. Having a clear record will streamline the probate process and help prevent delays.