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Your Helping Hand During a Challenging Time

Dealing with the loss of a loved one is never easy, and the legal complexities of probate can add an additional layer of stress during an already challenging time for you and your family. From managing estate administration to understanding the intricate legal requirements, navigating the probate process without professional support can often feel overwhelming.

Our probate solicitors are here to help, providing expert guidance and practical solutions to ease the burden you’re facing, ensuring every step of the process is handled with compassion, care and efficiency.

Understanding Probate

The probate process refers to a set of legal steps that are taken to settle the deceased’s estate, ensuring that assets are distributed correctly according to their Will. In the event that there is no Will, the estate is distributed under the laws of intestacy, where married or civil partners inherit the estate up to a certain value; anything over this value is distributed between the partner and the children.

What are the benefits of a discretionary trust?

Whether you need assistance with applying for probate or guidance when managing estate disputes, Culver Law is here to support you every step of the way. With offices in London and Cambridge, our friendly solicitors are readily available for face-to-face advice and assistance at a location convenient for you. Our teams also know British Sign Language (BSL) and passionately care about helping those with additional support needs.

Our key probate services include:

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Grant of Probate Applications

Our solicitors assist in preparing and submitting grant of probate applications, ensuring all legal documents are accurate and compliant with probate law. We handle the complexities so you can focus on what matters most - spending time with loved ones.

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Informing Banks and Building Societies of Death

We can provide support in notifying banks, building societies, and other related financial institutions, guiding you through the process of closing or managing accounts to avoid unnecessary delays.
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Estate Administration Support

From valuing assets to paying debts and distributing inheritances, we provide comprehensive estate administration services, ensuring every aspect of the estate is handled correctly and efficiently.

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Letters of Administration & Intestacy Advice

If a loved one passes away without leaving a Will, our team offers clear guidance on applying for Letters of Administration and navigating the rules of intestacy.

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Inheritance Tax (IHT) Guidance

We aim to simplify the complexities of inheritance tax, helping you understand your obligations, calculate tax liabilities, and explore ways to reduce costs where possible.

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Asset and Estate Distribution Help

Our probate solicitors can assist in ensuring all assets are distributed according to the Will or intestacy rules, resolving any issues through mediation to achieve a fair and lawful settlement for all parties involved.
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Contentious Probate Support

Should any disputes arise, our experienced team provides professional support to resolve disagreements over Wills, estates, or probate decisions efficiently and amicably.

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Executor & Beneficiary Disputes

We help mediate and resolve conflicts between executors and beneficiaries, offering practical solutions to protect relationships and ensure the estate is handled properly.

Our Offices

Culver Law, London

Hamilton House, 1 Temple Avenue, London
EC4Y 0HA
Tel: 0207 846 5029
Company No. 13313009

Culver Law, Cambridge

9 Hills Road, Cambridge
CB2 1GE
Tel: 01223 653010
Company No. 13313009

Our Probate Team

Amy Wallhead

Amy Wallhead

Joining the team as a partner in March 2023, Amy advises on all aspects of non-contentious private client work, including Probate and Estate Planning. Based in our Cambridge office, Amy specialises in advising older and vulnerable clients, showing a particular interest in understanding dementia and related illnesses, which is reflected through her position as a Dementia Friends Ambassador.

Amy has recently completed her Signature Level 2 Certificate for British Sign Language (BSL) and is due to start Level 3 shortly, further reflecting her commitment to providing a legal service that is inclusive for all clients.

Contact:
  • Tel: 01223 653010
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Sarah Bolt

Sarah Bolt

One of the newer members of our team, Sarah joined Culver Law as a partner and Head of the Wills and Probate Disputes Team in November 2024. Based in our London office, Sarah specialises in any disputes that may arise during the probate process, providing practical solutions to unlock the most difficult disputes.

As a member of the Association of Contentious Trusts and Probate Specialists, Sarah is not afraid to speak up for you and your family during the probate process and beyond, showing a particular interest in championing the rights of older and vulnerable clients.

Contact:
  • Tel: 0203 889 0166
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Why Choose Culver Law?

  • Experienced Team: We have years of experience handling even the most complex probate cases, providing clear, practical advice every time.

  • Tailored Service: We understand that every situation is unique, which is why we offer personalised solutions that meet your specific needs.

  • Compassionate Approach: We approach every case with empathy and understanding, recognising the emotional challenges our clients face during this time.

  • Transparent Pricing: Unlike some solicitors who charge for blocks of time regardless of how much was used, we charge per minute, so you only ever pay for the actual time spent.

  • BSL Trained: We are proud to offer British Sign Language (BSL) support to ensure our services are accessible to the deaf community; everyone should have access to legal support.

Contact Us for Expert Probate Support

Don’t struggle alone during an already difficult period of time; our specialists are here to support you and your family as and when you need us during the probate process. We’re dedicated to providing a service which is compassionate, comprehensive, and transparent. Contact us today to discuss your needs.

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FAQs


How long does the probate process take?

In most cases, probate is completed within 9 to 12 months, often referred to as the “executor’s year”. However, there are several factors which can cause a delay in the process, such as missing documents, complex estates, and IHT issues; all of which we can help with.

What is an executor?

An executor is a person(s) appointed in a Will to manage and distribute the estate of the deceased according to their wishes. Executors have a legal responsibility to ensure that the estate is properly administered, such as obtaining the grant of probate and paying any outstanding debts.

How much do your solicitor services cost?

Our charges are based on an hourly rate for the work agreed upon, typically priced at £480 per hour (inclusive of 20% VAT), which is split into 6-minute blocks for greater accuracy per task. We will not proceed with any work until you have agreed to the fees proposed and the tasks we are instructed to handle.

How much does probate cost?

For estates under £5,000, there is no application fee charged. However, for estates over this threshold, a flat £300 application fee is applied. It is important to note that the probate application fees are NOT inclusive of our fees.

There are many other additional costs associated with probate, all of which are broken down in our probate fees guide.

Is inheritance tax (IHT) due on all estates?

Currently, as of 2024, no IHT is payable if the total value of the estate is below the nil-rate band, currently set at £325,000. If the estate exceeds this threshold, IHT is charged at 40% on the amount above £325,000, unless exemptions or reliefs apply.

There is no IHT on assets left to a spouse or civil partner who is UK-domiciled.

Related Articles

Will and Probate Services We Offer

Our team are experienced in handling a broad range of Wills, that include but aren’t limited to:
  • Will Writing Services

    Will Writing Services

    Crafting a well-structured and legally sound Will is crucial to ensure your wishes are honoured after your passing. Our solicitors will work closely with you to identify the right type of Will for your needs, and write a Will that reflects your intentions and safeguards your assets.

    From simple or mirror Wills to Trust, we can help.

  • Estate Planning

    Estate Planning

    Our team of Wills and Probate Solicitors can help you make important decisions about who will inherit your property, who will manage your affairs if you become incapacitated and how your healthcare and financial matters will be handled if you are unable to make decisions for yourself.

  • Probate Solicitors

    Probate Solicitors

    Compassionate probate solicitors in London & Cambridge - guiding you through the probate process with care and expertise.

  • Estate Administration

    Estate Administration

    Being an executor for an estate can be risky if matters are not dealt with correctly, because an executor or administrator can be held personally liable for any mistakes. At Culver Law, our solicitors work to guide you through the probate process, dealing with any estate fees or taxes.

  • Statutory Wills

    Statutory Wills

    A Statutory Will is a Will made by the Court of Protection on behalf of someone who is unable to make one themselves because they lack the required mental capacity. Our team of solicitors in both our London and Cambridge offices are experts in this field, and can assist with statutory Will applications to ensure that the proposed Will aligns with the best interests of the individual.

  • Contesting a Will

    Contesting a Will

    Disputes over wills can be emotionally charged. Whether you’re challenging a Will or defending its validity, our solicitors provide strategic advice and representation.

  • Inheritance Act Claims

    Inheritance Act Claims

    When you feel unfairly excluded from an inheritance, our team of solicitors can help you explore your options under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. We strive to achieve a fair resolution for all parties involved.

  • Beneficiary Disputes

    Beneficiary Disputes

    A beneficiary is an individual designated to receive assets, property, or benefits from a Will, trust, insurance policy, or other financial arrangement upon the death of an individual.

  • Testamentary Capacity Disputes

    Testamentary Capacity Disputes

    When questions arise about an individual’s mental capacity at the time of making a Will, our solicitors can provide you with expert advice to help you understand your options, and should further action be required, we can assist you by providing legal representation.

  • Contentious Probate FAQs

    Contentious Probate FAQs

    Contentious Probate is a wide-ranging term and includes any dispute involving a deceased’s estate.

    T: 0207 846 5029
    E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

    Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. SRA Number: 820401.

    Registered Office
    Hamilton House, 1 Temple Avenue, London
    EC4Y 0HA
    Company No. 13313009

    Culver Law, London
    Hamilton House
    1 Temple Avenue
    London
    EC4Y 0HA
    0207 846 5029


    Culver Law, Cambridge
    9 Hills Road
    Cambridge
    CB2 1GE
    01223 653010


    Any information on this website, whilst intended to be accurate, does not constitute legal advice.
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