Wills, trusts and probate

Applying for probate or letters of administration

Practical support to move the estate forward, with less uncertainty and delay, whether you want guidance or a fully managed service.

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Your wills, trusts and probate team

Legally Sound podcast

Wills and probate explained

With Rebecca Head, Director

In short

When someone dies, legal authority is often needed before certain assets can be collected, sold or transferred: usually a grant of probate if there is a valid will, or letters of administration if there is not. Ansons Law's probate solicitors confirm which grant you need, help you gather the information, prepare and submit the application and guide you through each stage. Our typical fee for a grant application starts at £1,250 plus VAT where there is a will and no inheritance tax to pay.

Head of wills, probate and trusts: David Lane, Director
Grant application only from: £1,250 + VAT (will present, no inheritance tax)
Full administration from: £2,000 + VAT (will present, no inheritance tax)
No will: The closest eligible relative usually applies for letters of administration
Price information: Our published fees and timescales

What is probate?

When someone dies, it is often necessary to apply for legal authority before certain assets can be collected, sold or transferred. If there is a valid will, this is usually a grant of probate. If there is no will, an eligible person may need to apply for letters of administration.

Probate is the legal authority that allows an executor to deal with an estate. It is usually needed to collect in assets, close accounts, sell or transfer property and distribute the estate to beneficiaries. Whether probate is needed depends on the assets involved and how they are owned: some assets pass automatically, while others require a grant before they can be collected, transferred or sold.

What are letters of administration?

If there is no valid will, the estate is dealt with under intestacy rules and a grant of letters of administration may be required. The person who applies is usually the closest eligible relative.

We can advise who can apply and what steps need to be taken to move things forward.

Why do probate applications get delayed?

Applications can be delayed by missing information, valuation issues or paperwork errors. A clear application and correct paperwork can reduce delays and stress.

Our solicitors advise on which application is needed, help you gather the right information, prepare the forms accurately and guide you through the process from start to finish.

Clarity on what is required. We confirm which grant is needed and what information must be provided.
Accurate paperwork. We reduce the risk of delays caused by errors or missing detail.
Support with valuations and evidence. Guidance on what figures and documents are needed and how to obtain them.
Inheritance tax and reporting support. Advice on the practical steps and submissions where required.
Help with property and estate assets. Support where property or more complex assets form part of the estate.
A calmer experience for executors and families. We take the pressure off and keep the process moving.

What we do

What we can help with

Clear advice and practical support, whether you want guidance or a fully managed service.

Confirming whether probate is required
Advising on a grant of probate or letters of administration
Identifying the right applicant and next steps
Gathering estate information and valuations
Preparing and submitting the probate application paperwork
Inheritance tax reporting guidance where required
Dealing with property as part of the estate
Communicating with institutions and third parties
Guidance on distribution once authority is granted

Step by step

How a probate application works

We can support with the application only, or manage the estate administration end to end.

Confirm what is needed
We confirm whether probate is required, which grant applies and who should apply.
Gather the information
Details of the assets and liabilities, valuations and information about the deceased and the executors or administrators.
Inheritance tax reporting
Where inheritance tax reporting is required, we advise on the figures, the practical steps and the submissions.
Prepare and submit the application
We prepare the application paperwork accurately and submit it, reducing the risk of delays caused by errors or missing detail.
Once the grant is issued
Assets can then be collected, sold or transferred. We guide you on distribution, or manage the administration for you.

Fees

What probate costs

Our typical fees for probate and estate administration, for uncontested estates where all the assets are in the UK, excluding VAT:

Scenario	Grant application only	Full administration
Will present, no inheritance tax payable	from £1,250	from £2,000
No will, no inheritance tax payable	from £1,500	from £2,250
Will present, inheritance tax payable	from £2,500	from £4,000
No will, inheritance tax payable	from £3,000	from £4,500

We always give you a tailored estimate once we have enough information about the estate.

Typical timescales, third-party costs and what can affect the fee are on our pricing information page.

Ask for an estimate

Questions

Questions about applying for probate

What is the difference between probate and letters of administration?

If there is a valid will, the application is usually for a grant of probate and the executors apply. If there is no will, an eligible person applies for letters of administration and the estate is dealt with under intestacy rules.

When is probate required?

It depends on the assets involved and how they are owned. Some assets pass automatically, while others require a grant before they can be collected, transferred or sold.

How long does a probate application take?

Timescales vary depending on the estate and whether inheritance tax reporting is required. We can give you a clearer view once we understand the basics of the estate. Our typical timescales are on our pricing information page.

Who can apply for letters of administration?

Usually the closest eligible relative. We can advise on eligibility and what steps are needed.

What documents and information are needed?

Typically details of the assets and liabilities, valuations and information about the deceased and the executors or administrators. We guide you through what is needed in your situation.

Can you manage the probate process for me?

Yes. We can support you with the application only, or manage the estate administration end to end, depending on what you prefer.

How much does a probate application cost?

Our typical fees, excluding VAT, start at £1,250 for a grant application where there is a will and no inheritance tax to pay, and at £2,000 for full estate administration in the same situation. Estates without a will, or where inheritance tax is payable, cost more. We give you a tailored estimate once we know about the estate.