Probate
Probate Services in the Wyre Forest
We provide professional probate services across the Wyre Forest and surrounding areas, including Bewdley, Kidderminster and Stourport-on-Severn, as well as nearby towns such as Bromsgrove, Droitwich Spa, Ludlow and Bridgnorth. As a firm based in Bewdley, we also assist clients across Worcestershire and South Shropshire.
Our Approach
✔
We do not charge an hourly rate. Our fixed-fee approach means you can contact us without worrying that every call or email will increase your costs.
Probate Services
Grant of Probate
We prepare and submit the probate application to obtain the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration.
Best for
Straightforward estates
Executors handling most tasks themselves
Professional help with the legal application
Fixed Fee: £680
Probate application fee is £526, extra copies of the Grant are £2 each, and bankruptcy searches cost £7 per executor or administrator.
Inheritance Tax Forms
We complete the relevant HMRC inheritance tax forms and advise on reporting requirements, reliefs and exemptions
Best for
Estates requiring HMRC Forms
Claiming reliefs or exemptions
Estates where inheritance tax may be payable
Please contact us for a quote
If inheritance tax is payable, some or all of it may need to be paid before probate is issued. Other valuation costs may apply.
Estate Administration
We provide full support from start to finish, including asset collection, estate accounts and assisting with distributions to beneficiaries.
Best for
Complex estates
Multiple assets or beneficiaries
Executors wanting full professional support
Please contact us for a quote
We will explain any anticipated disbursements during your free consultation.
Based in Bewdley
Your local private client law specialist.
Affordable Prices
Transparent pricing with no hidden costs.
Free Home Visits
We come to you, at a time that suits you.
Free No-Obligation Consultation
Clear advice with no pressure.
How It Works
Step 1. Get in Touch
Call us on 07865 695020 or send an enquiry online to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation by home visit, telephone appointment or video call.
Step 2. Free Consultation
We take time to understand the estate, answer your questions and explain the probate options available, including whether a Grant of Probate or inheritance tax forms may be required.
Step 3. Drafting your Documents
We prepare the relevant probate documents carefully and contact you to talk through the draft information, making sure the application accurately reflects the estate.
Step 4. Submission and Support
Once everything is approved, we guide you through the next steps, submit the application where included in your chosen service, and provide ongoing support throughout the process.
Probate Guidance
Legal Terms and Phrases Explained
Executor - A person named in a Will to deal with the estate after someone dies.
Administrator - A person who deals with the estate where there is no valid Will, or where no executor is able to act.
Grant of Probate / Letters of Administration - The legal document that gives the personal representative authority to deal with the deceased person’s assets, such as bank accounts, property and investments.
Registering a Death
Step 1 - Register the death
The death will usually need to be registered before the funeral can take place and before most organisations can update their records.
Step 2 - Use the Tell Us Once service
When the death is registered, the registrar should explain the Tell Us Once service. This allows you to notify several government departments at the same time.
Step 3 - Notify banks and financial providers
The Death Notification Service can be used to notify a number of participating banks and building societies. Not every organisation takes part, so some may still need to be contacted separately.
Step 4 - Contact any remaining organisations
You may also need to contact mortgage providers, insurers, pension providers, utility companies, care providers and any other organisations connected with the estate.
Help with Expenses
Some banks may agree to release funds from the deceased person’s account to pay funeral costs before a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration has been issued. This is usually subject to the bank’s own rules and may require a copy of the funeral invoice.
Some banks may also release limited funds from the deceased person’s account without a Grant, depending on the value held and their internal requirements. This may help with estate expenses, but each organisation will have its own process.
Dealing with the Estate
Deal with the estate yourself
You can choose to deal with the estate yourself. GOV.UK provides guidance on applying for probate and dealing with an estate.
Instruct Beckingham Law
You can also instruct Beckingham Law to assist you. We can help with obtaining the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration, inheritance tax forms, and full estate administration depending on the level of support you need.
Further Information
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.
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
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.
Our approach includes:
-
Clear explanations without legal jargon
-
Personal, friendly service
-
Practical guidance tailored to your situation
-
Transparent pricing
-
Free home visits available
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.
Probate Involving Cryptocurrency and Digital Assets
Some estates now include cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin or other digital assets, which can make the probate process more complex.
If you are dealing with an estate that includes cryptoassets, there may be additional considerations such as identifying holdings, obtaining valuations, and understanding how these assets should be dealt with during estate administration.
We provide UK-wide support for probate matters involving cryptocurrency and digital assets, offering clear guidance alongside specialist input where required. Please see our Probate Crypto UK page for further details.
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.
Our Probate services cover the following areas:
-
The Wyre Forest, including:
-
Surrounding Areas, including:
-
Tenbury Wells
-
Stourton
-
Alveley
-
Hartlebury
-
Ombersley
-
Surrounding villages and rural locations
We regularly assist clients searching for probate services in these areas, providing clear advice and flexible appointment options.
If you are based in or near these areas, we are happy to arrange an appointment at a time and place that suits you.
Ready to Discuss Probate?
If you would like to discuss probate or estate administration, please get in touch.
We provide probate services across the Wyre Forest, including Bewdley, Kidderminster and Stourport-on-Severn, with home visits available for your convenience.
We offer free initial consultations with no obligation.
What Our Clients Say
“Carl helped me obtain a Grant of Probate in Bewdley. The process was quick, straightforward and stress free. Everything was explained clearly and handled professionally.”
— Robert W, Bewdley
Frequently Asked Questions About Probate
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.
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.
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.
In addition to professional fees, there is usually a court fee payable to the Probate Registry, which is currently £526, plus £2 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.
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.
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.
How much does probate cost in Bewdley?
Our fees for obtaining a Grant of Probate start from £680, with transparent pricing and additional support available depending on the complexity of the estate.
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.
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.
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.
Do you provide probate services in my area?
We assist clients across Bewdley and the surrounding region, including Probate in Bewdley, Probate in Kidderminster, Probate in Stourport-on-Severn, Probate in Bromsgrove, Probate in Droitwich Spa, Probate in Bridgnorth and Probate in Ludlow. Appointments can take place at your home, by telephone, or via video call depending on your preference.