Probate/Letters of Administration/Administration of Estates
Probate
The process of administering your Will and distributing your estate is known as "Probate". Obtaining probate is normally the responsibility of the Executors of your Will and the person who applies for Probate is then legally required to ensure that your estate is dealt with correctly and lawfully.
There are generally three stages to the probate procedure:
- Obtaining the ‘Grant’ from the probate registry;
- Dealing with the assets and property of the Estate – The Administration;
- Settling the inheritance tax, if any is due.
It is becoming increasingly common for a Will to be challenged and in this case a Probate Court may be called upon to decide the legal position. Having a professionally written and valid Will makes Probate more straightforward and easier for the Executor(s) to defend any challenges to the Will.
Letters of Administration
If you die without making a Will it is called dying “intestate”. Dying intestate usually makes the process of sorting your affairs more complicated and costly for the loved ones you have left behind. It may also mean that your estate may not be disposed of as you would have wished. In some cases it could mean that all of your estate ends up going to the Government.
Your next of kin can apply for a grant of letters of administration which gives them the legal power to deal with your assets as an "Administrator" much in the same way as an Executor would.
Letters of Administration are the equivalent of a Grant of Probate, the difference being Probate is required where there is a Will and Letters of Administration where there is no Will. For all intents & purposes, however, both are the same.
Administration of Estates
On death, we provide sensitive and pragmatic advice and to help administer your estate efficiently and speedily to ensure your wishes are carried into effect as soon as possible. We will obtain a grant of representation, deal with tax affairs, distribution of the estate, advise on the preparation of estate accounts, tax mitigation, and on deeds of variation.
Pricing
- Probate (Uncontested) Pricing – Probate
Our Team
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Amber O’Connor
Dorking Office
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Mehboob Dharamsi
Cobham Office
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Jenna Hopkins
Godalming Office
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Diane Sumpter
Dorking Office
Diane Sumpter
Senior Associate and Chartered Legal Executive
Tel: +44 (0)1306 502235
Office: Dorking Office
Email: Diane Sumpter
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Victoria Evans
Godalming Office
Victoria Evans
Senior Associate Solicitor
Tel: +44 (0) 1483 411512
Office: Godalming Office
Email: Victoria Evans
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Elizabeth Muston
Dorking Office
Elizabeth Muston
Associate Solicitor
Tel: +44 (0)1306 502203
Office: Dorking Office
Email: Elizabeth Muston
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Joanna Pashley
Dorking Office
Joanna Pashley
Associate Solicitor
Tel: +44 (0)1306 502959
Office: Dorking Office
Email: Joanna Pashley
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Megan Lawless
Dorking Office
Megan Lawless
Associate Solicitor
Tel: +44 (0)1306 502326
Office: Dorking Office
Email: Megan Lawless
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Liz Dalgetty
Dorking Office
Liz Dalgetty
Consultant Solicitor & Notary Public
Tel: +44 (0) 1306 502251
Office: Dorking Office
Email: Liz Dalgetty
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Lucy Whittam
Dorking Office
Lucy Whittam
Associate Solicitor
Tel: +44 (0) 1306 502962
Office: Dorking Office
Email: Lucy Whittam
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Tim Hughes
Dorking Office
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Sarah Noake
Cobham Office
