Private Client, Wills, Probate & Estate Administration

Intestacy and Probate Solicitors

Navigating the guidelines around Probate and Intestacy can be complicated, so it’s important to find a trusted legal expert who can advise you on your legal rights.

Meet our Private Client, Wills, Probate & Estate Administration Solicitors

Michael Prendergast Michael Prendergast

Partner, Private Client Department

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    Do You Need Practical Advice For Contentious Probate or Intestacy Rules?

    Whether it is due to no valid Will being in place, or a Will being contested, there can be a great deal of stress caused by the legal ramifications of a Probate or Intestacy matter, particularly at a time when you have already lost a loved one.

    Our probate team can provide the legal support you need at this time for managing your family’s future and dividing an estate’s assets.

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    What is Probate?

    Dealing with the death of a loved one is a painful and emotional time. Following a death, it is often necessary to have to administer the contents of an estate according to the deceased’s wishes, often called ‘Probate’.

    The basic process will divide the deceased’s estate amongst the beneficiaries according to the Will, which is a legal document. The contents of an estate can include property, personal effects, or custody of minors amongst other details. Each probate case is different, and can be met with their own unique challenges, which is why it’s a good idea to seek professional expertise and assistance during such a difficult time.

    We have been advising people regarding the administration of estates for over two centuries. Our current team of wills and Probate solicitors provide expert legal advice to clients in Ormskirk, Southport and across the region.

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     Image of probate lawyers dividing a deceased person's assets

    How does the Probate Process work?

    The amount of action required after a person has died will vary greatly and will often depend upon the value of the estate, the complexity of the assets within the estate and whether or not there is a valid Will. Inheritance Tax could also be an issue, and a complex legal process can follow to divide the deceased’s assets.

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    Probate: With a valid Will

    If there is a valid Will it is likely that it will be necessary to obtain a Grant of Probate in the estate; it is usually the Executors of the Will who do this. ‘Probate’ is the term often used to describe the administration of an estate.

    It is always beneficial to have the guidance of experienced Probate solicitors in dealing with these matters, with our team happy to advise anyone in the region in need of such advice and/or representation.

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    Intestacy: Without a valid Will

    If there is no Will then the intestate estate will pass in accordance with the Intestacy Rules and it will likely be necessary to obtain a Grant of Letters of Administration in the estate, it is usually the next of kin who will do this.

    It is always beneficial to have the guidance of experienced Intestacy solicitors in dealing with these matters, with our team happy to give specialist advice to anyone in the region in need of such advice and/or representation.

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    How can I find the right advice on Probate and Intestacy?

    If you are currently dealing with a bereavement and are unsure of what steps to take next, we have put together this Estate Administration Guide to try to assist you. You should always ensure that you take professional advice before commencing the administration of an estate.

    For more information about Probate and the related issues please see the following pages:

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    How much do Probate services cost?

    For information about our fees in relation to Probate and Estate Administration Services, click on one of following links:

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    How do I move forward with a Probate or Intestacy process?

    Over the years we have helped many people and their families across Ormskirk, Skelmersdale, Wigan, Parbold, Burscough, Formby, Southport and throughout Lancashire, Merseyside and nationwide in relation to probate, intestacy and estate administration.

    Our specialist probate solicitors will be able to help you with your legal requirements. Speak to our practice today to obtain full details about probate matters and inheritance tax.

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    Interested in learning more about our services?

    Read about our lasting powers of attorney services to help you safeguard your wishes.

     

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