Probate Solicitors

Probate support from the experts

Call us on 01782 205000/0161 929 8494

Fixed Fee Consultation

Get answers to all of your probate questions at an in-depth one hour consultation with an experienced probate solicitor. £150+vat.

Convenient Appointments

Our responsive service provides complete flexibility whether you prefer a telephone consultation, video call, email or an appointment in person.

Experienced Solicitors

Our expert team is made up of fully-qualified solicitors who are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

Five-star service

We are proud of our exceptional levels of client care, which has gained us a five-star Google rating.

How we can help

Talk To Us About

Obtaining Grants of Probate
Grants of letters of administration
Estate administration and distribution to beneficiaries
Trusts administration
Advice on inheritance tax

Why You Need An Expert Lawyer

Estate administration is the process of dealing with a person’s assets and tax affairs following their death. This is a legal process which can be complex.

An experienced solicitor can deal with these matters for you, relieving you of this additional stress following a bereavement.

By choosing a legal expert, you can have complete peace of mind that you are getting the best possible advice, that your loved one’s affairs are being properly looked after and their wishes carried out.

During your initial consultation we will talk you through the whole process and be completely transparent about our costs. Should you choose to instruct us to apply for Grant of Probate and/or deal with your estate administration, we will refund the fee paid for your initial consultation.

Your trusted experts for probate matters

Losing a loved one is difficult enough, but tackling the legal process of administering that person’s estate and ensuring their wishes are carried out can be daunting at such an emotional time.

Our wills and estate solicitors, based in Stoke-on-Trent and Altrincham, Cheshire, are compassionate, approachable and extremely experienced at supporting bereaved families. They will ensure all of the legal requirements are addressed and that you are fully supported through the process.

We can apply for a grant of probate for you and charge a fixed fee for this service.

We can also advise executors or personal representatives on how to carry out their legal duties or, if you prefer, we can deal with the entire estate on your behalf.

The Benefits

Fully qualified solicitors
All legal work that you require will be carried out by fully-qualified solicitors who are experts in probate, wills, trusts and estates.
Fixed fee consultation
Call us to arrange an appointment. During your one hour consultation, we’ll provide detailed advice on applying for a grant of probate and how to manage estate administration.
Flexible service
Whether you require a face-to-face appointment, phone consultation or home visit, we’re here for you.

Learn more about

Probate

Probate is part of the legal process of distributing someone’s assets following their death.

If there is a will, Grant of Probate will give you the legal right to manage the administration of the estate and carry out the deceased’s wishes.

In the absence of a will, you will need to instead apply for a Grant of Letters of Administration. Once granted, this will enable you to distribute the estate according to the rules of intestacy.

Probate timescales

The time that probate takes depends on the complexity of the estate in question.

The Grant of Probate or Grant of Letters of Administration should be issued within 16 weeks, then the process of administering the estate begins.

Settling all financial matters, especially if it involves the sale of a property, and distributing assets can take time, perhaps 3-4 months for a simple estate, but longer for complex ones.

When probate is needed

Probate is not always required, so the first thing to do is establish whether probate is needed.

You may not need probate if the deceased only had savings, owned shares or money with others who will automatically inherit them or owned land or property as joint tenants – again, this would automatically pass to the surviving owner.

Organisations, such as banks and financial organisations, often have their own rules, so it is worth contacting them to find out whether they require you to have probate to access assets.

Who can apply for probate?

If there is a will, the executors named in the will can apply for probate.

If there is no will, the deceased’s closest living relative can apply.

What our clients say

Very professional, understood our needs and was exceptional in communications.
Mr & Mrs Gray

Impressed by the professionalism. Helpful and constructive throughout.
Andrew Billington

Courteous, friendly and helpful.
Christopher Bonsall

Would, and have, recommended to friends and family. Amazing!
Jane Hassall

An excellent and professional service. Always answers communications in a timely way and is friendly and approachable.”
J Jackson

I found the whole procedure very easy to do with the help of Beswicks’ staff. I was made to feel very comfortable.
Muriel Capenwell

Comforting, relaxed and friendly experience.
J S Goodwin

Getting a 10/10 from me is a rare event. However, I’ve found it a pleasure to work with the Beswicks team.
N Harrison