Wills & probate / Intestacy & Letters of Administration
Clear Guidance if a Loved One Dies Without a Will
We will help you apply for legal authority to manage their estate. Our team handles the paperwork, probate process, and next steps, so you don’t have to face it alone.
Intestacy and Letters of Administration
Introduction
If someone passes away without a Will, their estate is classed as ‘intestate’ meaning the law decides how their assets are distributed. Our probate solicitors guide families through the process of applying for a Grant of Letters of Administration, ensuring everything is handled properly, legally, and with sensitivity. We’ll help you understand who can apply, how the estate will be divided, and what steps are needed to complete the administration. Whether the estate is simple or complex, we provide practical support and fixed-fee options across England and Wales.
LYONS BOWE JOURNEY
Intestacy and Letters of Administration Guide
Sort the Estate
After obtaining the Grant, we’ll help manage the estate administration.
This stage may involve:
– Identifying and valuing all assets and liabilities.
– Paying any outstanding debts and taxes.
– Distributing assets in accordance with intestacy laws.
Final Reporting
Check Requirements
Not all estates require a Grant of Administration. We’ll help you identify your specific needs.
We’ll help you by:
– Discussing the implications of intestacy.
– Checking asset thresholds and potential heirs.
– Arranging a free consultation with our specialists if unsure.
Apply for Letters of Administration
Once we confirm the need, we’ll assist you in applying for Letters of Administration.
We’ll help you by:
– Preparing and submitting the necessary application.
– Guiding you through relevant tax forms.
– Ensuring all documentation complies with legal requirements.
LYONS BOWE JOURNEY
Intestacy and Letters of Administration Guide
Sort the Estate
After obtaining the Grant, we’ll help manage the estate administration.
This stage may involve:
– Identifying and valuing all assets and liabilities.
– Paying any outstanding debts and taxes.
– Distributing assets in accordance with intestacy laws.
Final Reporting
Check Requirements
Not all estates require a Grant of Administration. We’ll help you identify your specific needs.
We’ll help you by:
– Discussing the implications of intestacy.
– Checking asset thresholds and potential heirs.
– Arranging a free consultation with our specialists if unsure.
Apply for Letters of Administration
Once we confirm the need, we’ll assist you in applying for Letters of Administration.
We’ll help you by:
– Preparing and submitting the necessary application.
– Guiding you through relevant tax forms.
– Ensuring all documentation complies with legal requirements.
Make enquiry
Online Wills and Probate Enquiry
services
Other Services We Offer
The Lyons Bowe Charity Will Scheme
Leave a Legacy of Care
Through the Lyons Bowe Charity Will Scheme, we also help clients create a legacy by offering you 50% off our standard Will-writing fees when you include a charitable gift whilst planning for your future.
It is part of our commitment to supporting causes that matter, and using legal services to make a real difference.
From online appointments, fixed-fee pricing to secure digital storage and registration with the National Will Register, everything we do is built around your peace of mind.
Over £6.6 Million Pledged in 2025
Together with our clients, we have helped pledge over £6,6 million to charities through our legacy partners in 2025. Every pledge, no matter the size, is a step towards real change. Join thousands of others making a lasting difference through their Will.
Support Any UK-Registered Charity
With our scheme, you are free to leave a gift to any UK-registered charity of your choice. Whether it is a national organisation or a cause close to your heart, we make it easy to include a meaningful gift in your Will, on your terms.
Discounted Wills, Expert Support
When you leave a gift to charity in your Will, we will join your contribution by providing you with a 50% discount on our standard fees. Our experienced team will guide you through every step offering clear, compassionate advice to help you create a Will that reflects your wishes.
Client Reviews
What our Wills & Probate Clients Say About Us
Client Reviews
What our Wills & Probate Clients Say About Us
When does power of attorney end?
A Lasting Power of Attorney comes to an end when the person who made it (the donor) passes away. It can also end if the donor regains their mental capacity (if the LPA was activated because they had lost capacity). The donor can also choose to cancel (‘revoke’) the LPA while they still have mental capacity. In some situations, if an attorney becomes bankrupt or loses their own mental capacity, their role as attorney might also end.
What is the difference between LPA and EPA?
EPA stands for Enduring Power of Attorney. These were replaced by Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) in 2007. If you made an EPA before then, it’s still valid. However, you can’t make a new EPA now – you would need to make an LPA instead. LPAs are generally seen as more comprehensive and have more safeguards in place.
Can the witness and certificate provider be the same person?
No, the witness and the certificate provider cannot be the same person. The witness is there to confirm that you signed the LPA without being pressured. The certificate provider has to confirm that you understand what the LPA is and what it means, and that you’re not being forced into making it. These are two separate important checks.
How much does a POA cost?
POA usually refers to Power of Attorney. For a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) with Lyons Bowe, our fees start from £250 plus VAT. There are also additional costs called disbursements, which include an £82 government application fee and a £20 plus VAT fee for ID checks. So, for one LPA, the total cost is usually around £406.
How much does an LPA cost?
Our Fixed Fee LPAs start from £250 + 20% VAT and Disbursements. All in with the VAT and Disbursements, this represents: x1 LPA = £406, x2 LPA = £632:, 4 LPA = £916.
What happens if I don't make an LPA?
Not having an LPA makes things a lot more costly and complicated should you lose mental capacity. A person loses mental capacity when they are no longer of sound mind and able to make their own decisions. This could be due to an accident or a disease such as dementia. An LPA cannot be made once someone is deemed to have lost mental capacity. If you lose mental capacity without an LPA in place, no one will have the legal authority to manage your health or finances. It’s a common misconception that your spouse will automatically be able to take care of things but this isn’t the case. Your spouse or family member would need to obtain legal authority over your affairs and health via the Court of Protection. The person appointed will be called your ‘deputy’. This is a very long, costly, and complicated court process and may have to be repeated for every new decision the person needs to make on your behalf.
Do I need a solicitor to make an LPA?
Whilst you don’t legally need a solicitor to make an LPA, it is strongly recommended that you do so. If your application is not correctly or sufficiently completed the first time, you may need to re-submit the application and re-pay the application fee to the Office of Public Guardian. A solicitor can help to keep costs down and ensure that your LPAs meet your needs. If you wish to leave any instructions to your attorneys, your solicitor can help you to word your wishes in such a way that makes them legally sound and clear.
When can an LPA be used?
This depends on the type of LPA you have. Some people choose to use their LPA whilst they still have mental capacity if they live abroad for extended periods of time throughout the year and wish for someone to handle their affairs whilst they are away. Most LPAs will take effect once a person loses mental capacity. A doctor will need to confirm that a person has lost mental capacity before the LPA can be used.
