We provide the complete commercial debt recovery service; from outsourced early arrears collections through to expert litigation, all handled in-house by a multi-award-winning law firm.

 

Visit our debt recovery website
REQUEST A CALLBACK

Guiding you through estate administration

Losing a loved one is never easy, and managing their estate can add an overwhelming layer of complexity during this difficult time.

Our experienced probate solicitors understand the emotional and legal challenges involved in estate administration. We provide clear, compassionate guidance every step of the way, simplifying the process so you can focus on what truly matters—honoring your loved one’s memory.

If you need expert support with administering an estate, please complete the form, and one of our dedicated solicitors will promptly get in touch to discuss how we can assist you in achieving a smooth and effective resolution.

Free initial telephone consultation
Dedicated solicitor throughout
STEP-recognised probate specialists
Vector illustration of a classic telephone handset.

Request a call back to discuss your requirements

Want to speak to us now? Call us on 01332 226 162.

Being responsible for administering an estate can be a heavy burden to bear, especially during a time of profound grief.

At Flint Bishop, we appreciate the importance of compassionate support throughout this often-overwhelming process. Our probate solicitors are dedicated to guiding you through each stage, ensuring you have the space to grieve while we handle the complexities of estate administration.

Estate administration, also known as probate, involves formally identifying and distributing the deceased’s assets to their chosen beneficiaries. Whether the estate is straightforward or complex, our team focuses on respecting your loved one’s wishes and facilitating a smooth, timely resolution, so you can find some peace of mind during this difficult time.

Our team of STEP-recognised solicitors provides full-service estate administration—from applying for and obtaining the grant of probate to distributing assets to the beneficiaries. We guide you through your responsibilities at every step, ensuring you fully understand the process and that your loved one’s wishes are carried out exactly as intended.

The estate administration process can seem overwhelming and confusing. Our team breaks it down into five simple steps, helping you focus on the present without being overwhelmed by complexity.

1
Step One

Obtain grant of probate

After registering the death, we apply for the Grant of Probate, which gives the executor legal authority to access and manage the deceased’s assets.
2
Step Two

Estate valuation

We assess the full value of the estate, including property, investments, cash, and any other assets owned by the deceased.
3
Step Three

Settle taxes, debts and liabilities

We ensure that all outstanding debts, taxes, and liabilities are settled before any assets are distributed to beneficiaries.
4
Step Four

Settle inheritance tax

We calculate the final inheritance tax due, apply any available reliefs, and settle any outstanding balance or secure a refund if overpaid.
5
Step Five

Distribute the remaining assets

We finalise the estate by selling assets where necessary and distributing the remaining funds to beneficiaries in accordance with the will or legal entitlement.

When is probate required?

Probate is usually required if the deceased owned property or held substantial assets in their sole name. Smaller estates with only joint assets or of minimal value may not require probate.

Is there a minimum amount for probate to be required?

There’s no universal threshold, but most banks require probate if the deceased held more than £5,000 to £50,000 in their accounts. Each institution sets its own limit.

What are the responsibilities of an executor in probate?

The executor identifies assets, applies for probate, settles debts and taxes, and distributes the estate according to the will or, if there is no will, in line with legal rules.

Can an executor or administrator be a beneficiary?

Yes, it’s common. An executor or administrator can also inherit from the estate, provided there’s no conflict of interest.

Does a solicitor have to carry out the estate administration?

No, but many choose to appoint one because of the complexity involved, especially with larger estates or when inheritance tax applies.

How long does administration of an estate take?

Typically 6 to 12 months, but it can take longer depending on the size of the estate, tax implications, or any disputes between beneficiaries.

Can next of kin withdraw money from a deceased’s bank account?

No. Even if someone is the next of kin, they cannot access funds without legal authority, usually granted through a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration.

What assets are not considered part of an estate?

Jointly owned assets passing by survivorship, life insurance with named beneficiaries, and pension pots typically fall outside the estate for probate purposes.

Scroll to next section

Scroll back to the top

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

For more information on how these cookies work, please refer to our Cookies Policy.

Strictly necessary cookies

Necessary cookies enable core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility. You may disable these by changing your browser settings, but this may affect how the website functions.

Analytics Cookies

These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our website. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous.

Force24 cookies & tracking

This website utilises Force24’s marketing automation platform. Force24 cookies are first-party cookies and are enabled at the point of cookie acceptance on this website. The cookies are named below:

F24_autoID
F24_personID

They allow us to understand our audience engagement thus allowing better optimisation of marketing activity.