Settling affairs after a death

Probate Solicitors

Dealing with a loved one’s death is emotionally devastating, and the added burden of probate administration can feel overwhelming. Our probate solicitors provide compassionate, expert guidance through this complex legal process whilst handling all administrative matters so you can focus on grieving and supporting your family. 

We’ve helped families across Leicester, Nottingham and Derby with estate administration for over 40 years. We understand the sensitivity required during bereavement and work efficiently to handle all probate matters with genuine care and professional expertise.

Get compassionate probate advice today on 0800 024 1976 or via our online enquiry form.

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Probate services we provide

Our probate solicitors provide comprehensive estate administration services designed to handle all legal formalities whilst providing sensitive support during this difficult time.

  • Grant of probate applications – We handle all aspects of obtaining grants of probate, giving executors legal authority to administer estates and distribute assets according to the will. Our probate specialists understand the complex application procedures whilst ensuring all requirements are met efficiently. Grant applications involve detailed paperwork, asset valuations, and inheritance tax calculations requiring specialist expertise to avoid delays and complications. We handle applications for both simple and complex estates whilst keeping you informed throughout the process.
  • Letters of administration – When someone dies without a valid will or when named executors cannot act, letters of administration provide authority to administer the estate. We handle these applications whilst guiding administrators through their responsibilities under intestacy rules. Letters of administration cases often involve additional complexities around identifying beneficiaries and applying intestacy rules whilst requiring careful handling to ensure all legal requirements are met and rightful beneficiaries are identified and protected.
  • Estate valuation and asset collection – We provide comprehensive estate valuations for inheritance tax purposes whilst systematically collecting all assets including property, investments, bank accounts, and personal possessions. Our probate specialists work with specialist valuers whilst ensuring accurate assessments for tax and distribution purposes. Asset collection involves liaising with banks, investment companies, and other institutions whilst dealing with complex arrangements and ensuring nothing is overlooked during the administration process.
  • Inheritance tax planning and compliance – We handle all inheritance tax matters, including calculations, returns, and payment arrangements, whilst exploring opportunities to minimise tax liabilities through available reliefs and exemptions. Our inheritance tax specialists ensure HMRC compliance whilst protecting estate value through proper planning and claiming all appropriate reliefs. Inheritance tax can be complex, particularly with business assets, agricultural property, and charitable giving, whilst requiring specialist expertise to ensure compliance and minimise liabilities.
  • Estate administration and distribution – We manage complete estate administration from initial applications through to final distribution whilst ensuring all debts are paid and assets distributed correctly according to the will or intestacy rules. Our comprehensive service handles all administrative tasks whilst keeping beneficiaries informed throughout the process. Estate administration involves numerous legal and practical tasks requiring attention to detail and understanding of complex legal requirements, whilst ensuring proper protection for executors and administrators.
  • Property sales and asset realisation – We coordinate property sales and asset realisation whilst handling capital gains tax implications and ensuring maximum value is achieved for beneficiaries. Our property specialists understand the complexities of estate property sales whilst working with estate agents and other professionals to achieve the best outcomes. Property matters can be complex, particularly with jointly owned property, agricultural assets, and business premises, whilst requiring careful handling to protect beneficiary interests.
  • Disputed Wills and inheritance claims – We handle contested probate matters, including Will validity challenges, inheritance disputes, and claims under the Inheritance Act, whilst protecting the legitimate interests of beneficiaries and estates. Our contentious probate specialists understand the emotional difficulties these disputes create whilst providing robust representation to achieve fair outcomes. Will disputes can arise from various circumstances, including allegations of undue influence, lack of capacity, or inadequate provision for dependents, whilst requiring sensitive handling and specialist expertise.
  • Trust administration and management – We administer ongoing Trusts created by Wills whilst ensuring proper management of trust assets and compliance with beneficiary obligations. Our trust specialists understand complex trustee duties whilst providing ongoing administration services. Trust administration requires an understanding of tax implications, investment duties, and beneficiary rights whilst ensuring proper record keeping and compliance with trust terms throughout the administration period.

Our probate process

We handle probate matters systematically whilst providing compassionate support throughout what can be a lengthy administration process.

1. Initial assessment and planning

We review the will and estate circumstances with sensitivity whilst explaining the probate process and identifying any potential complications or tax issues. Initial assessments consider the estate’s complexity, potential disputes, and tax implications whilst ensuring executors understand their responsibilities and obligations throughout the process.

2. Legal formalities and applications

Our probate specialists handle all legal formalities, including probate applications, asset valuations, and inheritance tax returns, whilst keeping you informed throughout the process. Legal formalities require attention to detail and understanding of complex requirements whilst ensuring proper compliance with court and HMRC procedures.

3. Asset collection and estate management

We systematically gather all estate assets, including property, investments, and personal possessions, whilst settling outstanding debts and liabilities. Asset collection involves liaison with numerous organisations whilst requiring patience and persistence to ensure all assets are identified and collected properly.

4. Distribution and estate closure

We distribute assets according to the will or intestacy rules whilst preparing final accounts and ensuring all legal requirements are completed properly. Our probate solicitors ensure proper discharge of executor duties whilst providing comprehensive documentation of the administration process. Final distribution requires careful attention to beneficiary entitlements whilst ensuring proper receipts and discharges are obtained to protect executors from future claims.

Why choose Nelsons’ probate solicitors

  • Compassionate professional service – We understand that dealing with probate during bereavement is incredibly difficult. Our probate solicitors provide sensitive, supportive guidance throughout this challenging time whilst combining professional expertise with genuine empathy. We take time to explain complex procedures clearly whilst handling administrative burdens so you can focus on family and grieving.
  • Comprehensive estate administration expertise – Our team handles everything from simple estates to complex probate matters involving multiple properties, business interests, and international assets, whilst bringing specialist expertise to every case. We understand inheritance tax legislation, property law, and trust administration whilst staying current with legal developments that affect estate administration and beneficiary rights.
  • Efficient, cost-effective service – We work quickly and efficiently to minimise delays in estate administration whilst understanding that beneficiaries often depend on their inheritance for financial security. We provide transparent fee structures whilst offering various payment options, including payment from estate funds where appropriate.
  • Tax expertise and compliance – Our probate solicitors are skilled in inheritance tax planning and compliance, whilst ensuring estates pay no more tax than legally required. We understand complex reliefs and exemptions whilst working to minimise tax liabilities through proper planning and claiming all available benefits.

We can help with all or any part of the process and will advise you of the costs involved before we carry out any work. For information on our fees and services in relation to Grants of Probate and Letters of Administration, please click here.

To discuss how our expert probate solicitors in Derby, Leicester and Nottingham might be able to assist you, please call 0800 024 1976 or contact us via our online enquiry form.

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Testimonials...

  • "Nelsons Solicitors Limited has an extensive offering, with practitioners having experience of trust administration, Court of Protection work, investment management, wills and probate..."

    The Legal 500
  • "The legal work has been excellent and on time. A major difference between Nelsons and other major law firms we have dealt with is that they focus on a personal touch. Knowing they are there and can check up on any changes we need to make on legal issues is comforting."

    The Legal 500 2023
  • "The legal work has been excellent and on time. A major difference between Nelsons and other major law firms we have dealt with is that they focus on a personal touch..."

    The Legal 500 2023
  • "...Knowing they are there and can check up on any changes we need to make on legal issues is comforting."

    The Legal 500 2023 (Continued)
  • "Key strengths and capabilities in my opinion are: – the ability to visit clients at home which reduced anxiety for our family..."

    Referee feedback provided to The Legal 500 2024
  • "...– professionals who are knowledgeable, approachable and respectful – Clear and accurate information regarding the processes involved – Efficient delivery of paperwork, etc."

    Referee feedback provided to The Legal 500 2024 (Continued)
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Probate Solicitors FAQS

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