Guiding families through the probate process with compassionate and professional estate administration support.
When someone close to you passes away, managing their estate can feel overwhelming – especially during a time of grief. That’s why our probate services in Plymouth are designed to help ease the burden. Whether you’re named in a Will or acting on behalf of someone who died without one, our team can help guide you through the probate process from start to finish.
What is Probate?
Probate is the official process of managing and distributing a deceased person’s estate. If there’s a Will, the executor applies for a Grant of Probate. If not, a family member may apply for Letters of Administration, giving them the authority to act on behalf of the estate.
Professional Probate Services in Plymouth
At The Will Centre, we offer a complete estate administration service for families who wish to hand over the responsibility of dealing with probate. We manage the full process, ensuring everything is handled correctly and efficiently.
Our Probate Services Include:
- Gathering all necessary estate information
- Preparing and submitting the probate application
- Collecting in assets and managing estate funds
- Paying outstanding liabilities and expenses
- Distributing the estate to the correct beneficiaries
Our service can be used whether there is a Will or not (intestate estates), and provides peace of mind that all legal procedures and deadlines are followed appropriately.
Is Probate Always Required?
You may not need to apply for probate in the following situations:
- All assets were jointly owned (e.g. joint bank accounts or property)
- The estate falls below financial thresholds set by individual institutions
- Pensions or life insurance policies are paid directly to named beneficiaries
Probate is typically required when:
- The deceased owned property solely in their name
- There are substantial financial assets held individually
- The estate includes investments or business interests
What’s the Difference Between Grant of Probate and Letters of Administration?
- Grant of Probate: Issued when there is a valid Will, allowing the executor to manage the estate.
- Letters of Administration: Issued when there is no Will, giving a close family member authority to administer the estate.
What If There’s No Will?
If someone dies without a Will, their estate is distributed according to the legal rules of intestacy. Only certain relatives (such as a spouse, children, or siblings) can inherit or apply to deal with the estate.
Those eligible to apply for Letters of Administration include:
- A surviving spouse or civil partner
- Children or grandchildren
- Parents, siblings, or other close family members (if no spouse or children exist)
End-to-End Estate Administration
At The Will Centre, we offer an end-to-end probate service – taking care of every step, from preparing your application through to distributing the estate.
We ensure:
- All paperwork is completed and submitted properly
- Deadlines are met
- Financial responsibilities are handled
- Beneficiaries receive what they are entitled to
Inheritance Tax Considerations
Key IHT points to be aware of:
- No tax is due if the estate is worth less than £325,000
- Married couples and civil partners can combine allowances
- An additional allowance may apply when passing a home to children or grandchildren
Find comprehensive details on inheritance tax, including thresholds, rates, and how to pay – here
Can a Probate Application Be Delayed or Stopped?
If someone believes there are concerns with a probate application — such as disputes over the will or eligibility to apply – it is possible to raise a caveat with the Probate Registry. While we do not handle contentious matters, we can advise on the general process and point you toward appropriate support.
Why Choose The Will Centre for Probate Services in Plymouth?
We understand how emotional and complex the probate process can be. Our experienced and caring team takes the stress off your shoulders, providing a clear and practical estate administration service.
Our Commitment to You:
- Friendly, professional service
- Straightforward communication
- Full support from application to distribution
- Local knowledge and trusted guidance
Whether you’re handling a simple estate or one with more complexity, we’re here to make sure everything is managed properly.
Dealing with probate can be overwhelming, especially during a difficult time. Our team provides professional and compassionate assistance to ensure a smooth and stress-free process. Whether you’re navigating probate for the first time or dealing with a complex estate, we’re here to help.
Contact Us Today:
- Email us at wills@thewillcentre.com
- Visit our website to schedule a consultation.
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