Probate Solicitors in the North West
A probate solicitor can help with a wide range of legal issues surrounding what happens to your estate after you die. Of course, making a will is often something we put off, not many of us like to think about a future date when we’re no longer here.
But ensuring that your wishes are clearly understood after your death can not only give you peace of mind, it can also save your loved ones a lot of problems during a distressing and traumatic time.
A probate solicitor is a legal expert who knows how to execute a will. If you are the executor, you will have a choice of doing it yourself or using someone professional. It’s always a good idea to get some legal advice in the first place and is particularly useful if there is a large estate or the will is a little more complex than you thought.
For most people the process can seem a little daunting which is why the majority look for the help of a solicitor to make sure they do everything right.
Why Use a Probate Solicitor?
- You get the peace of mind that comes from knowing you have discharged your executor duties legally and properly.
- A solicitor will be able to handle any complicated areas and can save you time and money because things are dealt with more efficiently.
- A probate solicitor’s work can vary enormously and includes setting up a will as well as other legal documents such as powers of attorney.
At Forster Dean, we provide a range of will and probate services across the whole of the North West, including Widnes, Runcorn and Liverpool.
Should You Have a Will?
We advise everyone to make a will. It’s one of the most important things you can get done to protect your family after your death. Without a will, probate can become a complicated affair – the court has to decide who is going to act as executor and things can take a long time to sort out.
A will ensures that you name the executors (the people who deal with your estate after your death) to distribute your assets according to your exact wishes. Putting together a will is not that difficult but it’s always best to sit down with a qualified solicitor who knows this legal area intimately.
At Forster Dean, we can also help with other areas relating to your estate such as inheritance tax planning and asset protection. While most wills are executed according to the deceased’s wishes, there can also sometimes be disputes. This can be a traumatic time and you certainly need to get some impartial legal advice as soon as a potential dispute comes to light.
How to Start the Probate Process
The first thing you need to do once you have got the death certificate is to come and see the team at Forster Dean. If there is a will, the only person who can legally deal with the deceased’s estate will be the named executor. Probate may not be required if the estate is small and we’ll be able to advise you accordingly. If there is no will, you will have to apply for something called a Grant of Letters of Administration.
At Forster Dean, you’ll get a sympathetic team who will deal with your case in a friendly,