Probate Services - Cornwall & Devon
When someone dies, dealing with their estate can feel overwhelming.
Alongside the emotional impact of a bereavement, there are often practical matters to deal with, including property, bank accounts, investments, debts and legal paperwork.
Probate is the process of administering a person's estate after they have died.
At South West Wills & Estate Planning, I provide friendly, practical support to help executors and families navigate the probate process with confidence.
Whether you need help with a probate application, estate administration or simply understanding your responsibilities as an executor, I am here to help.
Home visits are available throughout Cornwall and Devon, and virtual appointments are available nationwide.
What Is Probate?
Probate is the legal process of dealing with someone's estate after they die.
This may involve:
identifying assets
valuing the estate
paying debts
dealing with inheritance tax
applying for probate where required
distributing the estate to beneficiaries
Not every estate requires probate, but many do.
Probate Support for Executors
Probate Support and Executor Assistance
I provide practical probate support and guidance to help executors understand the process and organise the information needed following a bereavement.
Executor Guidance
Helping executors understand their responsibilities and the steps involved in administering an estate.
Gathering Estate Information
Assistance with organising information about assets, liabilities, bank accounts, property and other estate matters.
Probate Application Support
Helping clients understand the probate application process, gather the required information and complete paperwork where appropriate.
Inheritance Tax and Estate Information
Guidance on gathering the information needed for inheritance tax reporting and estate administration.
Estate Administration Support
Practical support and guidance throughout the estate administration process, helping executors stay organised and understand what needs to be done next.
Referrals for Reserved Legal Activities
Where a matter involves reserved legal activities or specialist legal advice, I can help you identify when additional professional assistance may be required.
Do I Need Probate?
Not every estate requires probate.
Whether probate is needed depends on a number of factors, including the value of the estate, how assets were owned and the requirements of the organisations holding those assets.
Probate is often required where:
Property was owned solely by the deceased.
Significant savings, investments or other assets are held in the deceased's sole name.
Banks or financial institutions require a Grant of Probate before releasing funds.
Probate may not always be required where:
Assets were owned jointly and pass automatically to a surviving owner.
The estate is small and organisations are willing to release funds without a Grant of Probate.
Certain assets pass directly to a named beneficiary.
Every estate is different, and the rules can vary depending on the assets involved. If you are unsure whether probate is required, I can help you understand the process and identify the information you may need before deciding on the next steps.
What Does an Executor Need to Do?
When someone dies, the executor is responsible for dealing with their estate and ensuring their wishes are carried out correctly.
The responsibilities of an executor can include:
Locating the original Will.
Identifying assets and liabilities.
Notifying organisations of the death.
Valuing the estate.
Gathering financial information.
Paying debts and liabilities.
Dealing with inheritance tax reporting where required.
Applying for probate where necessary.
Distributing the estate to beneficiaries.
Many executors have never dealt with an estate before and can feel overwhelmed by the amount of paperwork involved. My role is to provide practical guidance and support throughout the process, helping you understand what needs to be done and what information may be required.
How Long Does Probate Take?
Every estate is different, and the timescale for probate can vary considerably depending on the complexity of the estate.
Factors that can affect timescales include:
The number and type of assets involved.
Whether a property needs to be sold.
Whether inheritance tax forms need to be completed.
The speed at which banks, pension providers and other organisations provide information.
Whether there are any disputes or complications.
Some estates can be administered relatively quickly, whilst others may take many months to complete.
One of the most common concerns for executors is simply understanding what needs to happen next. My role is to help you stay organised and guide you through the process step by step.
Can I Deal With Probate Myself?
Many executors choose to administer an estate themselves.
However, probate can involve a significant amount of paperwork and communication with banks, financial institutions, HMRC and other organisations.
Some people seek support because:
They have never acted as an executor before.
They are dealing with a bereavement and feel overwhelmed.
The estate is complex.
They want reassurance that they are following the correct process.
They are unsure what information is required.
I can provide practical support and guidance throughout the process, helping you understand the steps involved and what information may be needed.
Probate FAQs
What happens if there is no Will?
If someone dies without a valid Will, their estate will usually be distributed according to the Rules of Intestacy.
How do I know if probate is required?
This depends on the value of the estate, the assets involved and the requirements of the organisations holding those assets.
Can I be personally liable as an executor?
Executors have important legal responsibilities and should take care when administering an estate. Seeking guidance can help you understand your obligations and avoid common mistakes.
How soon should probate be started?
It is usually sensible to begin gathering information and understanding the estate as soon as possible after the death has been registered.
Can I get help even if I am handling probate myself?
Yes. Many people simply want support, guidance and assistance understanding the process whilst remaining in control of the administration themselves.
Probate Support from South West Wills & Estate Planning
Losing a loved one is difficult enough without having to navigate unfamiliar paperwork alone.
I provide practical, supportive guidance to help executors understand the probate process, organise information and move through each stage with confidence.
Whether you need help understanding what to do next, gathering information for a probate application or simply want reassurance that you are on the right track, I am here to help.
Home visits are available throughout Cornwall and Devon, with virtual appointments available nationwide.
Probate Support Fees
Probate Support from £495
I offer fixed-fee packages following an initial review of the estate.
Every estate is different. The level of support required will depend on factors such as the assets involved, whether probate is required, the number of beneficiaries and the complexity of the administration.
I offer practical probate support and executor guidance, with fixed fees agreed before work begins wherever possible.
Not sure where to start? Contact me today for a free, no-obligation consultation