Probate

Expert Probate Solicitors for Executors & Families

Older couple reviewing a tablet with an adviser

200+ Consultants

Across England & Wales

170+ 5 Star Reviews on TrustPilot

Probate at Woodstock Legal Services



Dealing with a loved one’s estate after they’ve died can feel overwhelming, especially at an already difficult time. There are legal steps to follow, forms to complete and deadlines to meet, and executors are personally responsible for getting things right. Woodstock Legal Services supports executors, administrators and families through probate across England and Wales.


Our private client lawyers advise on applying for grants of probate and letters of administration, full estate administration, estates where there is no will, valuing assets and preparing inheritance tax returns, selling or transferring property, and estate disputes.


You’ll work directly with an experienced lawyer who handles the estate with care and sensitivity, explains each step clearly and keeps you updated, so you can focus on your family.


Applying for Probate


In most cases, the person dealing with an estate needs a grant of representation before they can access the deceased’s money, sell property or distribute the estate. If there is a will, this is a grant of probate. If there isn’t, it’s known as letters of administration.


Our lawyers identify and value the estate’s assets and liabilities and complete the inheritance tax forms required by HMRC. We then prepare and submit the probate application on your behalf. We’ll explain the process and likely timescales at the outset, and deal with the Probate Registry so you don’t have to.


Whether the estate is simple or complex, we’ll make sure the application is completed accurately, helping avoid unnecessary delays.


Estate Administration


Once the grant has been issued, the estate needs to be administered. This involves collecting in the assets, paying any debts, taxes and expenses, and distributing what remains to the beneficiaries. It can be time-consuming and, for executors, carries personal legal responsibility.


Our private client lawyers can handle the full administration for you. We close bank accounts and collect funds, deal with HMRC, and arrange the sale or transfer of property, working closely with our residential property team. We also prepare estate accounts and distribute the estate to beneficiaries. If disputes arise, we’ll advise on the best way to resolve them.


Throughout the process, we’ll keep executors and beneficiaries informed, so everyone knows where things stand.

Get in Touch With Our Private Client Team

Brief Us Now

Or call us today on 0330 088 5792 or send us an email

Probate FAQs

  • Do I always need probate?

    Not always. Some estates can be dealt with without a grant, for example if the assets are small or were jointly owned and pass automatically to the surviving owner. However, banks and other institutions often require a grant before releasing larger sums, and a grant is usually needed to sell or transfer property. We can advise on whether probate is needed.

  • What’s the difference between probate and letters of administration?

    Both are types of grant of representation, which give someone the legal authority to deal with an estate. A grant of probate is issued to executors named in a will. Letters of administration are issued where there’s no valid will, or where no executor is able or willing to act. Who can apply depends on the circumstances.

  • How long does probate take?

    It varies depending on the size and complexity of the estate, whether inheritance tax is payable and current processing times at the Probate Registry. Obtaining the grant can take several months, and fully administering an estate often takes a year or more. We’ll give you a realistic timescale at the outset and keep you updated.

  • What are an executor’s responsibilities?

    An executor is responsible for identifying and protecting the estate’s assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing the estate in line with the will. Executors can be held personally liable if they make mistakes, such as distributing the estate too early. Taking legal advice helps you carry out the role correctly and with confidence.

  • Can a will be challenged?

    Yes. A will may be challenged if, for example, the person lacked mental capacity, the will wasn’t signed correctly, or there was undue influence. Certain family members and dependants can also make a claim if the will doesn’t make reasonable financial provision for them. Strict time limits apply, so early advice is essential.

Why Choose Woodstock Legal Services?

Low Caseloads: Your Matter Gets Time

As consultants, our private client solicitors manage their own caseloads and only work for a handful of clients at any one time. Whether you’re writing a will or administering an estate, your matter gets the time, care and attention it deserves.

Proactive Updates: No Chasing

Our consultancy model means you deal directly with your lawyer, not a call centre or a rotating team. They keep you informed at every stage and are on hand to answer your questions, so you’ll never need to chase.

Advice for Individuals & Families

From wills and lasting powers of attorney to inheritance tax planning and probate, we help you protect your loved ones now and support your family later. You’ll get clear, compassionate advice in plain English, tailored to your circumstances.