Probate Services

Grant of Probate, Grant of Letters of Administration (No Will), Full Estate Administration, Executor Assistance, Deed of Variation.

What is Probate?

Probate is the legal process that grants authority to manage a deceased person’s estate, ensuring assets are distributed correctly and debts are settled. When a valid will exists, the appointed executor must apply for a Grant of Probate to legally administer the estate.

If there is no will, the estate follows intestacy rules, requiring an administrator to be appointed. Executors and administrators hold lifelong legal responsibility, meaning any errors or omissions, even if unintentional, remain their liability. If mistakes result in financial loss, they can be held accountable and may face legal action from disappointed beneficiaries.

Why Professional Probate Assistance Matters

Many assume that family members can handle probate themselves. In reality, the emotional strain of bereavement often makes estate administration overwhelming. Many executors end up instructing a solicitor, who will handle the process but at a significant cost to the estate.

We provide a cost-effective alternative, ensuring the estate is wound up efficiently, legally, and with full compliance. If we are appointed we will prepare all the submissions to the Probate Office and our associate solicitors will then extract the Grant of Probate and complete any reserved legal work.

Fixed, Transparent Fees

We offer fixed, transparent fees with no hidden costs, clear pricing, and complete peace of mind.

Hassle-Free Process

We handle the entire probate process – Preparing paperwork, submitting legal documents, and ensuring compliance.

Compassionate Support

We provide compassionate support – We act with sensitivity, discretion, and professionalism.

Legally Compliant

We ensure full legal compliance – We meet HMRC requirements, follow probate office regulations, and protect executors. We hold affiliate membership with CILEX (Chartered Institute of Legal Executives).

Our Probate Services

Grant of Probate

Grant of Probate is the legal document that authorises an executor to manage a deceased person’s estate in line with their will. We assist executors in preparing and submitting the application, ensuring full compliance with UK probate law—including the Non-Contentious Probate Rules, inheritance tax reporting requirements, and will validity under the Wills Act 1837. Our service ensures accurate estate valuation, secure handling of personal data, and a legally sound process from application to asset distribution.

Grant of Letters of Administration

Letters of Administration is the legal authority granted to a personal representative when someone dies without a valid will. We support next of kin in applying for Letters of Administration, ensuring compliance with intestacy rules under the Administration of Estates Act 1925, accurate estate valuation, and lawful distribution in line with the deceased’s legal heirs.

Deed of Variation

Deed of Variation is a legal document that allows beneficiaries to alter the distribution of an estate after death. We assist clients in preparing a Deed of Variation to redirect assets, adjust distributions for fairness, or reduce inheritance tax—provided all affected beneficiaries consent. Our service ensures the variation complies with the Inheritance Tax Act 1984 and Capital Gains Tax provisions, and is submitted within the two-year legal time limit.

Executor Assistance

Executor Assistance refers to the professional support provided to individuals named as executors in a valid will. We guide executors through their legal duties under the Administration of Estates Act 1925—offering assistance with applying for probate, valuing the estate, settling debts, and distributing assets. Our service ensures executors fulfil their responsibilities accurately, efficiently, and in full compliance with UK probate law.

Full Estate Administration

Full Estate Administration is the complete process of managing a deceased person’s estate from start to finish. At New Forest Wills, we handle all aspects of estate administration on behalf of executors or next of kin—identifying assets, settling liabilities, applying for the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration, and distributing the estate in accordance with the law. Our service ensures legal compliance, accurate record-keeping, and a smooth, efficient resolution for all parties involved.

Our Probate Services Step By Step

Free Telephone Consultation - We assess your circumstances and advise on the appropriate type of probate, whether a Grant of Probate or Grant of Letters of Administration.
Home Visits & Video Calls - We offer either home visits or video calls to streamline the preparation process.
Review of Legal Documentation – We examine wills, financial records, and other legal paperwork to verify validity and prepare for application.
Asset & Liability Valuation – We identify and value all estate assets and debts, ensuring compliance with HMRC guidelines and preparing the appropriate Inheritance Tax forms (IHT205 or IHT400).
Probate Application Preparation – We prepare and submit your application in line with the Non-Contentious Probate Rules 1987 and the Administration of Estates Act 1925, including assistance with the executor's statement of truth.
Legal Oversight for Reserved Work – We liaise with a regulated associate solicitor where necessary to carry out any reserved legal activities, including applying for the Grant of Probate under the Legal Services Act 2007.
Efficient Estate Resolution – This structured, legally compliant process ensures the estate is administered efficiently, reducing delays, risks, and administrative burdens.

What Happy Customers Say About Our Probate Service Near You

Ed F.

08:22 25 Jun 25

Russell helped my wife and I with our Will and setting up Power of Attorneys (health and finance). He is very professional, knowledgable and a pleasure to deal with - highly recommended!

Maxine

11:53 20 May 25

Russell was extremely helpful to my elderly relative; he explained everything clearly to her, he was patient and did not rush her in any way - highly recommended

Jane R.

12:44 19 May 25

Russell was very helpful and informative when he helped me sort out my will. He explained everything clearly to me. He was patient and understanding and at no time did I feel rushed nor pressured to make any decisions. I would highly recommend….in fact , subsequently, Russell has helped a friend of mine on my recommendation. Thank you Russell

Terence B.

15:40 03 Apr 25

Russell was very knowledgeable. He showed me lots of ways of helping me. He made a quite hard task easier.very approachable. Highly recommend him.

Debbie O.

09:47 17 Aug 24

Russell came to our house and explained the process to us clearly, he's friendly and very professional, we were very happy with the service he provides, we would definitely recommend his excellent services without a doubt. 👌

Sharon M

17:43 15 Aug 24

Having found New Forest Wills on a google search in my area, I was very pleased that I instructed Russell to write my will and sort out Power of Attorney for me. He visited my home, was extremely professional and friendly ,explaining everything to me very clearly.Thank you Russell for your help.

Paul O.

20:01 04 Jul 24

My mother is a resident at Sway Place Care Home and she needed to update her Will. Having read the excellent reviews on-line, we chose to use the services of New Forest Wills, which also had the added convenience of being local. Russell visited my mother at the Care Home and she immediately felt at ease with him. He took the time to explain the procedure clearly and documented my mother's wishes in what was a straightforward process. We received the Will back from Legal & Contract Services Ltd without any changes necessary and both he and his wife kindly witnessed her signing it at the Care Home. New Forest Wills certainly justifies our 5 star review for Russell's personable and professional service and value for money and we would thoroughly recommend it.

PAM

15:43 22 Apr 24

Seems Excellent watch this space . If he is good I will be recommending him to several family members

Beverley S.

08:17 22 Nov 23

Excellent Service. We needed to do new Wills and this made the process easy. I would highly recommend

Annie K.

18:15 02 Nov 22

Russell has been amazing, from the first point of contact with regards to sorting out a will for my mother to spending time explaining everything to her in detail, he has gone the extra mile. I would highly recommend his services

Val N.

21:34 20 Feb 21

My husband & I used New Forest Wills to update our wills last year, something we had kept putting off because we didn’t have the time, but It was so simple, Russ came to our home, he was friendly & professional providing an excellent service at a great price.I was so impressed that I persuaded my 85 yr old mum to use Russ to get her Lasting power of attorney done, she didn’t want a strange man going to her home but as soon as Russ had left, she phoned me to tell me what a lovely man he was and how he explained everything to her & it was cheaper than she expected, this is high praise indeed.I highly recommend Russ at NF Wills

Trina H.

19:43 19 Feb 21

I had not made any provision for writing a will, so I was very pleased to have a visit from Russell who spent time considering the best option for my requirements. The process was very carefully thought through and professional, and I now feel a great deal of relief that my will is now in place. I would highly recommend New Forest Wills to anyone looking for a reliable and cost-effective service.

Probate Management Tasks

TASK	FREQUENCY	GUIDANCE
Locate and Review the Will	At the start of probate	• Ensure the will is valid and the latest version. • Identify named executors and instructions.
Secure the Estate	Immediately after death	• Secure property, inform banks, and freeze accounts. • Cancel recurring outgoings like utilities or subscriptions.
Obtain Estate Valuations	Early in the process	• Value property, savings, pensions, and personal items. • Check debts, loans, and funeral costs.
Submit Inheritance Tax Forms	Before applying for probate	• Complete IHT205 or IHT400 forms as required. • Pay any tax due or request a payment plan if needed.
Apply for the Grant	Once valuations and forms are ready	• Apply for the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration. • Include original will and supporting documents.
Collect and Distribute Assets	After grant is issued	• Close accounts, sell or transfer property. • Distribute gifts and remaining funds to beneficiaries.
Prepare Final Estate Accounts	Before final distribution	• Document all incoming and outgoing estate transactions. • Provide a copy to each beneficiary for transparency.

Additional Services

PROBATE SUPPORT SERVICES	RELATED LEGAL APPLICATIONS	COMMON PROBATE FEATURES
Executor Support & Briefing	Inheritance Tax Reporting (IHT205/IHT400)	Executor Responsibilities Overview
Estate Administration Oversight	Trust Creation During Probate	Estate Valuation Requirements
Beneficiary Communication Support	Will Validity Checks	Debts and Liabilities Handling
Handling Insolvent Estates	Beneficiary Disputes & Mediation	Final Estate Distribution Advice
Missing Asset & Liability Searches	Cross-Border Probate Considerations	Timescales for Grant Issuance
Assisting with Estate Bank Closures	Joint Asset Transfer Support	Estate Record Keeping & Receipts
Probate Application Pre-check	Advice on Insolvency Proceedings	Final Accounting to Beneficiaries

Get Started – Secure Your Estate Today

We provide expert probate services to ensure your estate is managed correctly, legally, and without unnecessary delays. Contact us today to begin the probate process and protect your beneficiaries, settle estate affairs, and ensure full compliance with UK law.

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