Probate Solicitors, Malton, York & Wetherby
Being appointed as an executor or administrator of an estate (referred to as a “personal representative”) is never easy and dealing with the burden of administering the estate can be overwhelming at an already difficult time. Our solicitors can help. Probate can be a lengthy process with many steps involved. If you have never dealt with an estate before, it can be confusing, and you may even be unsure where to begin. Also, as executor personal representative, you are bound by specific duties, and failing in these duties can cause difficulties for you and the beneficiaries of the estate. Our lawyers can guide you through the process of probate. We offer a flexible service, allowing you to seek guidance on some aspects of the probate process or to instruct us to handle the entire administration.
To discuss your specific needs and concerns with a member of our team, call us today on 01653 692247 (Malton) or 01904 716000 (York) or 01937 583210 (Wetherby) or complete our online contact form and we will be in touch to arrange a suitable appointment.
Probate Explained
The term “probate” can be confusing. It is used to describe the entire process of administering an estate, but also, a part of the process known as a 'grant of representation'.
When a person dies, a person must be given authority to administer the estate, and they gain this authority through a 'grant of representation'. If executors are appointed by a Will then they would obtain a “Grant of Probate” whereas if someone dies without a Will (known as being “intestate”) then the next of kin will be administrators and be able to apply for a “Grant of Letters of Administration”.
Probate can be a complicated and involved process. It requires skills in administration and accountancy, technology skills and a good understanding of the legal rules around administering an estate. As a result, many personal representatives employ the support of an experienced probate solicitor to help them.
Pearsons & Ward's probate lawyers can assist with matters such as:
- Obtaining a grant of probate or letters of administration
- Administration of the estate
- Preparing estate accounts on behalf of executors
- Advising on inheritance tax issues and completing tax returns
- Making post-death arrangements (such as deeds of variation) that reduce inheritance tax liabilities
- Distributing assets to beneficiaries
Contact our Probate Lawyers in Yorkshire.
The probate process
There are many steps in the probate process. After someone is appointed to administer the estate through a grant of representation, they must begin the process of dealing with the deceased's assets and liabilities. They must pay off any debts and collect any sums of money held in accounts or owed to them. The personal representatives will also be responsible for closing any accounts held by the deceased, including bank accounts, utility accounts, subscriptions, savings and loans. They must then distribute the assets in line with the deceased's wishes outlined in their Will or in accordance with the intestacy rules.
The personal representatives may also have to deal with digital assets such as social media accounts, email accounts, digital media accounts and more.
Contact our Probate Solicitors in Malton, York & Wetherby
If you need the advice and support of an experienced probate lawyer, contact our team today. Probate can take up to 12 months to complete, which is a significant time investment on the part of the personal representatives. Let us relieve some of the burden. Our reliable and approachable probate lawyers will guide you through every step to ensure that all of your responsibilities and obligations as an executor are satisfied. Call us today on 01653 692247 (Malton) or 01904 716000 (York) or 01937 583210 (Wetherby), or complete our online enquiry form.