Probate Assist Scheme

We recognise that not all the estates of someone who has died need a full administration service provided by solicitors.

However, where a person dies leaving assets of more than £15,000 it is generally necessary to obtain something called a Grant of Representation. This is a term that covers a Grant of Probate where someone has left a Will, and a Grant of Letters of Administration where someone has died without leaving a Will.

We accept that it is possible for a non solicitor to administer a straightforward estate, and that it is possible to apply for a Grant of Representation personally and not use a solicitor.

However, if you apply in person you may have to go for an interview at the Probate Registry, and you will need to complete an application form, and complete an Inheritance Tax form known as IHT205. All of this is unavoidable.

We are able to offer you a scheme to assist you with the above “legalities” but which allows you to fulfill all other administrative tasks, thus reducing the cost of administering the estate.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PROBATE ASSIST SCHEME ARE AS FOLLOWS:-

Convenience - it will not be necessary for you to attend the Probate Registry in person
Speed - a Grant of Representation can be obtained through this process much quicker than attending an interview at the ProbateRegistry.
Flexibility - you undertake those tasks that you do not need a solicitor to assist you on.
Cost effectiveness - a fixed price reduced cost service to assist in the smooth administration of an estate
Value for money - for any executor or beneficiary connected with an estate being administered under this Scheme we will offer a 10% reduction against our standard fees for any instructions given to us for the preparation of Wills for that Executor or beneficiary.

The estate in question will need to qualify to take advantage of the scheme. Download the client care information opposite for more details, and to see if the estate you are dealing with does qualify. If it does, you can then download, complete the Probate Assist Scheme questionnaire, and send it to us with the documents listed therein.

Alternatively, feel free to call us and we will talk you through what you need to do.