Wills & probate / Getting probate
Guiding you through Probate when you need us most.
Dealing with Probate or administering an estate can feel overwhelming during an emotional time. Our team provides clear, structured support to help you navigate every legal step.
Probate and Estate Administration
Introduction
Losing a loved one is never easy, and dealing with probate can add extra strain during an already difficult time. Our specialist probate solicitors are here to ease the burden, guiding you through the legal and practical steps with empathy and expertise. Whether you’re dealing with a simple estate or complex inheritance matters, we’ll handle everything from applying for probate to distributing assets, keeping you informed and supported throughout. We offer clear fixed-fee probate services and help families across England and Wales navigate this process with sensitivity and confidence.
How It Works
- Complete the grant application forms
- Liaise with the Probate Registry
- Provide legal advice and support along the way
How It Works
- Complete the inheritance tax forms and liaise with HMRC
- Complete the grant application forms and liaise with the Probate Registry
- Provide legal advice and support along the way
- Gathering in all assets and paying all liabilities
- Distributing the estate in accordance with the will/intestacy rules
- Preparing estate accounts
Cost Breakdown:
ID Check £24 (per executor, inc. VAT), Probate Court Fee £526 (for estates over £5,000), and Certified Copies of the Grant £16 per copy.
Optional Extras:
Deed of Variation, Deed of Appointment, Inheritance Tax advice, or Capital Gains Tax advice starting from £500 + 20% VAT and disbursements.
LYONS BOWE JOURNEY
Getting Probate Guide
Apply for Probate
Once the estate has been valued, we’ll prepare and submit the probate application on your behalf, including any relevant tax forms. Depending on the complexity, this stage typically takes 1–3 months.
You can choose:
– A Grant of Probate only service
– Or ask us to handle the full administration of the estate
Sort the Estate
After the Grant of Probate has been issued, we can help you manage the estate administration. This process can take 3–9 months and includes paying debts, settling taxes, and distributing funds to the beneficiaries.
This stage may involve:
– Calculating and paying any Inheritance Tax due to HMRC
– Paying off outstanding debts (credit cards, utilities, loans)
– Closing bank accounts and financial products
– Distributing funds and assets in accordance with the Will
Check Requirements
Not every estate needs probate, it depends on the type and value of the assets involved. For example, banks may release funds without a Grant of Probate, depending on their internal policies. However, if property is part of the estate, probate is usually required.
We’ll help you by:
– Explaining whether probate is needed for the estate
– Checking bank and asset thresholds
– Arranging a free call with one of our Probate specialists if you’re unsure
Value the Estate
Understanding the total value of the estate is an essential part of the probate process. It involves calculating the value of all assets, like property, savings, and investments, and deducting any debts such as mortgages or credit cards.
We’ll help you by:
– Guiding you through how to value assets and liabilities
– Providing resources for estimating property values
– Advising on more complex estates that may require professional valuation
LYONS BOWE JOURNEY
Getting Probate Guide
Apply for Probate
Once the estate has been valued, we’ll prepare and submit the probate application on your behalf, including any relevant tax forms. Depending on the complexity, this stage typically takes 1–3 months.
You can choose:
– A Grant of Probate only service
– Or ask us to handle the full administration of the estate
Sort the Estate
After the Grant of Probate has been issued, we can help you manage the estate administration. This process can take 3–9 months and includes paying debts, settling taxes, and distributing funds to the beneficiaries.
This stage may involve:
– Calculating and paying any Inheritance Tax due to HMRC
– Paying off outstanding debts (credit cards, utilities, loans)
– Closing bank accounts and financial products
– Distributing funds and assets in accordance with the Will
Check Requirements
Not every estate needs probate, it depends on the type and value of the assets involved. For example, banks may release funds without a Grant of Probate, depending on their internal policies. However, if property is part of the estate, probate is usually required.
We’ll help you by:
– Explaining whether probate is needed for the estate
– Checking bank and asset thresholds
– Arranging a free call with one of our Probate specialists if you’re unsure
Value the Estate
Understanding the total value of the estate is an essential part of the probate process. It involves calculating the value of all assets, like property, savings, and investments, and deducting any debts such as mortgages or credit cards.
We’ll help you by:
– Guiding you through how to value assets and liabilities
– Providing resources for estimating property values
– Advising on more complex estates that may require professional valuation
Make enquiry
Getting Probate with Lyons Bowe
Probate is the legal process of proving that a Will is valid (if there is one) and confirming who has the legal responsibility or authority to execute (carry out) the wishes in the Will of the person who has died.
Before the next of kin or executor of the Will can do anything with any of the assets (belongings) in the deceased’s Will, they may need to apply for a grant of probate firs
If someone has left a valid Will, the executor may need to apply for a grant of probate. If the person who died did not leave a Will, they may need to apply for a grant of letters of administration instead.
Both documents are applied for to give the named person the legal authority to deal with the estate of the deceased.
If the estate of the deceased is small (no property and savings of less than £5,000) it is not likely that probate will be needed. Legally, some assets and small amounts of money can be dealt with without probate. It’s important to note that some companies and financial bodies set their own regulations for probate so it’s worth getting in touch with them first to check whether probate is needed.
If you’re unsure, always check with a solicitor first. You can book a free 30 minute consultation with one of our expert solicitors.
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
Once probate is granted, how long does it take?
This depends on the organisations holding the assets. Once we have the grant of probate, we’ll send it off with the necessary paperwork to release the funds. It can then take some time for the money to arrive. For larger estates, there’s usually a waiting period of around 6 to 10 months after probate is granted before the final inheritance can be distributed, to allow for any potential claims. We always advise not to spend any money until you’ve actually received it.
What are the average costs of probate in the UK?
The cost of probate can vary depending on the complexity of the estate and how much help you need. At Lyons Bowe, our fixed fee probate services start from £1500 plus VAT, and there are also some additional costs called disbursements, like the probate court fee which is currently £300 for estates worth over £5,000. We can tailor our services to your specific needs, so get in touch for a chat about your situation.
How long will it take to receive my inheritance?
This is dependant on the organisations we are working with. Once probate is granted, we will send the grant and a completed withdrawal form on your behalf. Once the funds arrive, we will prepare the estate accounts for the executor of the Will to arrive before paying out residuary payments. Pecuniary Legacies are paid as soon as the estate has sufficient funds. Until the executor has approved the final accounts (after the S27 notice expires), claims can still come forward for unpaid taxes or from the Department for Work and Pensions. There is usually a waiting period of 6 to 10 months from grant of probate on any medium to large estates before funds can be distributed. For this reason, we always advise that you not spend any money before you receive it.
What happens if there is no will?
The intestacy rules apply. This means that the laws of the land determine who will receive the estate rather than the deceased person’s wishes. If a loved one has died without a valid Will in place, our Will and Probate solicitors can guide you through this process.
Can probate be done online?
Yes, we can help you with everything that you need to deal with an estate remotely via video calls or phone calls.
How long does probate take?
From when we submit the application to the Probate Registry, it usually takes between 8 and 12 weeks to process probate, however if you are submitting a paper application, it can take around 16 weeks. We will submit your application as soon as we have either a completed questionnaire from you, or after fully investigating all assets and liabilities. We may also need to send you some tax forms to sign and have them processed by HMRC before we can apply for probate in IHT paying estates.
Do I have to get probate?
Not always, different banks have different requirements. The bank will tell you if probate is a requirement. A good rule of thumb is that if the bank account is holding more than £5,000, then probate is likely required, but the rules differ from bank to bank. If the estate contains a property, then probate is likely necessary, however if you’re still unsure, our probate solicitors can help you to work it out.
Can you come to me?
bsolutely. We welcome meeting over the phone, email, Teams, or in person. We will work with you on this and work with clients locally, nationally, and internationally.
