Franklin & Co.’s Private Client team offer an extensive range of personal legal services, and have a great deal of experience in handling sensitive matters including the administration of an estate, often referred to as ‘probate’.

Within our team, Gemma Brownlow (Head of Private Client), Catherine Anderson, and Katie Woodward are probate specialists. They are supported by Trainee Solicitor Joseph Arcari, and clerks Julie Froggatt and Olivia Randall.

We understand that undertaking the administration of an estate can be a complicated and daunting task, especially whilst grieving for a loved one. Our specialists have a wealth of experience to guide you through the process in a straightforward and empathetic way.

There are often a number of steps that have to be undertaken that we are always on-hand to help you with, including:

• Making sure any properties are correctly insured
• Investigating the extent of assets within the estate – including bank accounts, shares, investments, life insurance, pensions etc
• Obtaining professional valuations
• Advertising for creditors and tracing missing assets
• Reporting details of the estate to HM Revenue & Customs
• Arranging for payment of any Inheritance Tax
• Applying for a Grant of Representation – known as a ‘Grant of Probate’ if the deceased left a will and as a ‘Grant of Letters of Administration’ if the deceased died without a Will
• Collecting the assets
• Selling or transferring any properties
• Settling any debts
• Settling the deceased’s Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax affairs
• Preparing Estate Accounts
• Distributing the estate

Acting as an Executor or Administrator can be a complex and time consuming role, and it is important that an estate is dealt with properly and in accordance with the law. Executors/Administrators have a duty of care to the beneficiaries and, in the worst-case scenario, can be held personally accountable for any errors.

Whilst an estate, especially a straightforward estate, can be administered without the help of a Solicitor, many Executors/Administrators still choose to engage our services.

When you choose us to assist with matters of probate, we ensure the legal affairs are dealt with accurately and efficiently, taking a weight off your mind and allowing you to focus on more personal tasks, such as arranging the funeral and clearing the property.

We also offer the following services:

• ‘Grant only’ applications
• Deeds of Variation
• Disclaimers
• Declarations of Trusts
• Deeds of Appointment

At Franklin & Co. we acknowledge the importance of cost transparency and price certainty, especially during already difficult times, and a detailed estimate of our charges will be sent to you at the beginning of the matter, together with a list of expenses that may be incurred (known as ‘disbursements’). You can find below our price and service information for probate work including estimated fees and typical timescales.

Contact our Private Client team and allow us to support you by handling the legal complexities and administrative burden associated with probate.