When Do I Need Help From a Probate Specialist?

Although some people are able to manage the administration of a straightforward estate, there are often occasions where it’s prudent to seek professional guidance from a Probate Specialist. The Probate process (here we’re using the term to describe the entire Probate and Estate Administration journey) can be arduous and stressful, at what is already a difficult time. First-time Executors and Administrators often underestimate the workload and find it hard to jump through all the legal and financial hoops involved. Mistakes made during the Probate process can have consequences further down the line, so if you’re in any doubt as to what you’re doing, ask a professional for help.

• The person has a large estate and died intestate (without a Will).
• The estate is large or complex – for example, where there is a lot of property, assets held in trust or abroad, or the person owned a business.
• The estate is over the Inheritance Tax (IHT) threshold (currently set at £325,000) – the IHT rules can be complicated and mistakes can incur financial penalties.
• There is a dispute over the assets – this could be over the validity of the Will itself or if there are dependents who were left out and want to make a claim for reasonable financial provision under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.
• There may be an issue with bankruptcy – either the estate is bankrupt or there are suspicions that this may be the case.
• The named Executors have renounced their role or need to be removed and there are no suitable alternative Administrators.
• The Executors or Administrators realise that the task is beyond their capability – many Executors are family members who may simply find the role too much to cope with on top of their bereavement.
  It’s advisable to use the services of a Probate Specialist where:
  

How can Laurelo’s Probate Specialists help me?

At Laurelo, our Probate and Estate Administration experts are ready to help you at any stage of the Probate process. If you simply want professional assistance in making an application for a Grant of Probate, we’ll get that sorted and you can take things from there. If you need more comprehensive guidance, we can take care of the entire Probate and Estate Administration process from start to finish.

Probate Extraction Services

Probate delays may have crept up over recent years, but having a Probate Specialist make the application on your behalf can help speed things up. We know the Probate Extraction process inside out. With us, you have peace of mind that all the paperwork for your application will be completed and submitted properly and promptly. You’ll also be assigned with a personal Laurelo Estate Manager to guide you, both during the application and after you receive your Grant of Probate.

Full Estate Administration Services

If you need help beyond the initial Probate application we’re here to take the pressure off. Our Probate experts are highly experienced in every aspect of Estate Administration, so you don’t have to worry about wading through all that legal and financial paperwork. You can also rest assured that each task will be handled with the professionalism and accuracy required. We’re on hand 24/7 to assist you and your Personal Estate Manager will keep you up to date every step of the way.

How much does a Professional Probate Service cost?

Obviously, the cost of Probate services is something that everyone needs to consider. When deciding whether to use a Probate Specialist, it’s useful to balance to the cost of paying for service against the cost in terms of the time and work you’ll have to put in. You also need to consider the possibility that any mistakes non-professional Executors make during the process may result in financial or legal penalties. It all depends on what works best for your unique situation.

At Laurelo, we provide a Professional Probate Service you can trust. Our initial consultation is free and, once we’ve assessed your case, we’ll give you a transparent fixed fee, so you don’t need to worry about any hidden extras.

If you’d like to talk to our Probate experts, please get in touch with our friendly team on 0203 058 2329 or email us at info@laurelo.co.uk.

This article is intended to provide information only and does not constitute legal advice. We do not accept any responsibility for any omission or loss as a result of this article.