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Probate

Probate Services in the Wyre Forest

 

We provide professional probate services across the Wyre Forest and surrounding areas, including Bewdley, Kidderminster, Stourport-on-Severn, Bridgnorth, Ludlow, Cleobury Mortimer, Kinver, Blakedown, Highley, and nearby locations.

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Dealing with the estate of someone who has died can feel overwhelming, particularly when you are also coping with loss. We offer clear guidance, practical support, and reassurance at every stage, whether you need help obtaining a Grant of Probate or full estate administration. Appointments can be arranged at your home, by telephone, or online, depending on what is most convenient for you. Free consultations and home visits are available. Contact us today to arrange an appointment.​

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Our Services

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Free Initial Consultation

 

We offer a free initial consultation to everyone who would like to discuss their circumstances and understand their options before making any decisions.

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This meeting allows you to ask questions, receive clear guidance, and decide what level of support you may need, with no obligation to proceed.

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Consultations can be arranged in the way that is most convenient for you, including:

  • Home visits

  • Telephone appointments

  • Online meetings

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Our aim is to provide clear, practical advice in a relaxed and supportive environment so you can move forward with confidence.

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Obtaining a Grant of Probate Service

 

What it includes:
We assist you in preparing the probate application and submitting it to the Probate Registry to obtain the Grant of Probate (or Letters of Administration where applicable). This allows you to deal with the estate assets legally. 

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Who it’s for:
Executors or administrators who are comfortable managing the estate themselves but want professional support with the legal application process.

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Pricing:

Obtaining a Grant of Probate: £680

 

Disbursements:​

  • Probate Registry fees are payable separately and are set by the government. The current application fee is £300, plus £7 for each additional copy of the Grant. We will advise you on how many copies are likely to be required.

  • Bankruptcy searches are also required before the application is submitted. These cost £7 + VAT (£8.40) per person and are carried out for each executor or administrator applying.

  • Other disbursements may be required depending on the circumstances of the estate (for example, professional asset valuations). We will advise you of any anticipated disbursements during your free consultation so you have a clear understanding of the likely overall costs.

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Inheritance Tax Forms Service

 

What it includes:
We provide assistance with completing inheritance tax forms required by HM Revenue & Customs. The level of work involved varies significantly depending on the estate, including whether reliefs or exemptions apply.

 

Who it’s for:
Those dealing with estates where inheritance tax reporting is required or where the forms are complex.

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Pricing:

Inheritance Tax Forms: Please contact us for a quote

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Disbursements:​

  • If the estate has an inheritance tax liability, payment of the tax (or part of it) may be required before the Grant of Probate can be issued. We will advise you on the amount of inheritance tax payable and discuss available funding options where necessary.

  • Other disbursements may be required depending on the circumstances of the estate (for example, professional asset valuations). We will advise you of any anticipated disbursements during your free consultation so you have a clear understanding of the likely overall costs.

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Full Estate Administration Service

 

What it includes:

We provide comprehensive support to manage the estate from start to finish, allowing executors and families to focus on what matters most during a difficult time.

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Our full probate service includes:

  • Preparing applications for Grants of Probate or Letters of Administration

  • Completing inheritance tax forms and HMRC reporting requirements

  • Identifying and valuing estate assets and liabilities

  • Communicating with banks, financial institutions, and organisations

  • Guidance on paying estate debts and liabilities

  • Preparing detailed estate accounts

  • Guidance on distributing assets to beneficiaries

  • Ongoing support throughout the administration process

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Who it’s for:
Executors or administrators who prefer professional support managing the estate, or where the estate is complex or time-consuming.

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Pricing:

Full Estate Administration: Please contact us for a quote

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Disbursements:​

  • We will advise you of any anticipated disbursements during your free consultation so you have a clear understanding of the likely overall costs. 

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​Further Information

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What is Probate?

 

Probate is the legal process of dealing with a person’s estate after they have died. This may involve:

  • Identifying assets and liabilities

  • Applying for a Grant of Probate (or Letters of Administration)

  • Completing inheritance tax forms

  • Paying debts and taxes

  • Distributing the estate to beneficiaries

The level of work required varies depending on the complexity of the estate and the circumstances involved.

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Why Professional Probate Support Can Help

 

Probate can involve significant legal and administrative responsibilities. Professional guidance can help:

  • Reduce stress during a difficult time

  • Ensure legal requirements are met correctly

  • Avoid delays or errors

  • Provide reassurance and clarity

  • Save time for executors and families

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Why Choose Us for Probate?

 

We understand that probate often comes at a difficult time, and our aim is to make the process as straightforward and supportive as possible.

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Our approach includes:

  • Clear explanations without legal jargon

  • Personal, friendly service

  • Practical guidance tailored to your situation

  • Transparent pricing

  • Free home visits available

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Meeting with you directly allows us to fully understand your circumstances and provide the support you need.

Every estate is different, and costs for inheritance tax work and full estate administration depend on the complexity involved. We will always discuss fees in advance so you understand the costs before proceeding.

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Areas We Cover

 

We provide probate services across the Wyre Forest and surrounding areas, offering home visits, telephone appointments, and online consultations for your convenience.

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Our service areas include:

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If you are based in or near these areas, we are happy to arrange an appointment at a time and place that suits you.

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Ready to Discuss Probate?

 

If you would like to discuss probate or estate administration, please get in touch.

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We offer free initial consultations with no obligation.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Probate

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What is probate?

Probate is the legal process of dealing with a person’s estate after they have died. This may involve identifying assets and liabilities, applying for a Grant of Probate (or Letters of Administration where there is no will), paying debts and taxes, and distributing the estate to beneficiaries.

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Do I always need probate?

Not always. Whether probate is required depends on the type and value of assets involved and how they were owned. For example, assets held jointly may pass automatically to the surviving owner. We can advise you on whether probate is necessary based on your circumstances.

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How much does probate cost?

The cost depends on the type of assistance required. Obtaining a Grant of Probate starts from £680, while fees for inheritance tax forms or full estate administration vary depending on the complexity of the estate.

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In addition to professional fees, there is usually a court fee payable to the Probate Registry, which is currently £300, plus £7 for each additional copy of the Grant. Other disbursements may apply depending on the estate, such as bankruptcy searches or asset valuations. We will always confirm the full cost with you before any work begins. You can view our current probate fees and prices on our Prices page.

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How long does probate take?

The timeframe varies depending on the complexity of the estate, whether inheritance tax is payable, and how quickly organisations respond. Once an application has been submitted, obtaining a Grant of Probate typically takes around 8 to 16 weeks, although this can sometimes be longer depending on Probate Registry processing times.

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Where full estate administration is required, the process will often take approximately 6 to 18 months, depending on factors such as the complexity of the estate, whether property needs to be sold, and how quickly third parties respond. We will explain the likely timeframe based on your situation.

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What happens if there is no will?

If someone dies without leaving a valid will, their estate is distributed according to the legal rules of intestacy. These rules determine who inherits and who can apply to administer the estate. We can guide you through this process if required.

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Can you help if I only need part of the probate process?

Yes. We can assist with specific elements such as preparing inheritance tax forms or obtaining the Grant of Probate, or we can handle the full estate administration depending on how much support you would like.

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Can you visit me at home to discuss probate?

Yes. We offer home visits where this is more convenient, as well as telephone and video appointments if preferred. Many clients find it helpful to discuss matters in their own home, particularly when paperwork needs to be reviewed.

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Do you provide probate services in my area?

We assist clients across Bewdley and the surrounding region, including Bewdley, Kidderminster, Stourport-on-Severn, Bridgnorth and Ludlow. Appointments can take place at your home, by telephone, or via video call depending on your preference.

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