Probate & estate administration
Dealing with the loss of a relative or a close friend who appoints you as their executor can be an extremely difficult and stressful time. We work hard to get you through this challenging time by providing practical advice and support, tailored to meet your needs and the needs of the estate.
Whether your loved one had a will or not, our probate solicitors have the expertise to deal with the most complex of cases, sensitively and in a way that enables you to understand the process during a very difficult period in your life.
We can guide you through the entire probate process including:
- Immediate advice and assistance about what to do when someone dies
- Registering the death
- Funeral arrangements and settling the funeral bill
- Advice about the validity or potential problems with the will and codicils
- Advising executors and personal representatives about their legal duties and responsibilities in winding up and estate
- Completing inheritance tax or income tax returns
- Applying for a grant of probate or letters of administration
- What happens if you die intestate – without making a will
- Inheritance tax reliefs and exemptions
- Collecting in the estate including selling property and shares and closing accounts and investments
- Paying the estate’s debts and liabilities
- Dealing with assets abroad
- Preparing a financial account of the administration of the estate showing what money and assets were in the estate, what liabilities have been paid and what share of the estate each beneficiary receives
- Setting up trusts in wills
- Advising beneficiaries who want to make a deed of variation
- Contentious probate, disputes about wills or other claims against the estate
- Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) 1975 Act claims for financial provision
In 2017 we received the Law Society’s prestigious Excellence in Private Client Practice award for our work in this area of law.
We offer fixed-fee packages and other pricing options to suit your needs and are happy to have an initial chat without obligation – contact us today.
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North, South, East or West. Wherever you are, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today for an informal chat, without obligation. We look forward to hearing from you.
Wills, probate & private client news
Reporting duties for a financial deputy
The judicial decision that the will of HRH the Duke of Edinburgh be kept private for the next 90 years highlights that a will generally becomes a public document once probate has been granted, open to be read by anyone with an interest in the estate, highlighting the importance of discussing intentions to avoid later challenges to the estate and to exclude any confidential information.
Wollens Solicitors Exeter – We have moved !
Wollens are delighted to announce that we have made our move from Cathedral Yard in Exeter city centre into new office space conveniently situated at Pynes Hill, Exeter. The new space has been fully refurbished and designed to create an inspiring, exciting, and...
Wollens Solicitors Exeter – we are on the move !
Wollens are delighted to announce that we will be moving from our current office at Cathedral Yard in Exeter city centre into new office space conveniently situated at Pynes Hill, Exeter, opening on Monday 27th March 2023. The new space has been fully refurbished and...
Charlotte McGregor appointed as new vice chair at Exeter Chamber
Wollens Partner and new vice chair of Exeter Chamber, Charlotte McGregor Wollens are delighted that Exeter Chamber has appointed Charlotte McGregor as its new vice chair. Charlotte has served as a board director of Exeter Chamber since November 2021 and joins Tim...
Probate and avoiding problems with chattels
Royalty payments often require more careful consideration than a lot of other estate assets and should be dealt with by a professionally drafted will.
Business planning and the importance of making a will
What is the Trust Registration Service?
When does a power of attorney take effect?
If you have been asked to act as an attorney for someone you may wonder when it will come into effect, especially if the power of attorney was made some time ago when your friend or relative was in good health. ‘There was an important change in 2007, and so the way...
Wollens Earns Accreditation as a Great Place to Work-Certified™ Company!
We are delighted to share that Wollens solicitors has been officially accredited as a Great Place to Work-Certified™ organisation. Great Place to Work® is the global authority on workplace culture. Since 1992, they have surveyed over 100 million employees around the...
Iain Douglas celebrates 40 years at Wollens !
If you are going through a divorce, you may have heard the term ‘clean break order’. We take a look at what this is and why it is important to secure a financial order when you end your marriage.
Avoiding common delays in obtaining probate
Probate is a term which is loosely used to cover the administration of an estate, and it has a reputation for being a lengthy process. The administration includes a number of key stages, including obtaining the grant of probate, paying out to beneficiaries, and...
