Probate and Estates.
At a time when clear advice matters most, our team is here to guide you and help you manage key decisions.
Flexible and thoughtful in our approach. We are here to support you at every stage.
If your situation is straightforward, we can prepare a Will that offers a clear and cost-effective way to put your affairs in order.
For more complex estates, we offer comprehensive estate planning to help you protect and enhance the value of your assets. This may include strategies that achieve tax efficiencies and maximise your wealth now and for the future.
If you already have a Will, we can review and update it to reflect any changes in your life, ensuring it always aligns with your current circumstances and intentions.
If you already have a Will, we can review and update it to reflect any changes in your life, ensuring it always aligns with your current circumstances and intentions.
Why choose us?
At Nationwide Law, we specialise in providing a fast, efficient and highly focused service for obtaining the Grant of Probate or Grant of Letters of Administration. Our service is designed for clients who wish to handle the estate themselves but require a solicitor to prepare the legal application accurately and ensure it is submitted correctly.
Our Grant-only service offers a swift and cost-effective solution for Executors who want to minimise delays and reduce the growing administrative burden of the probate process. Our focus is to deliver legal excellence with care, providing clear guidance and a smooth experience from start to finish.
Speak to a probate solicitor today
Find the original Will
If you have been appointed as an executor, you will need the original Will in order to apply for probate. In most cases, the deceased should have informed their executors where the original document is kept. Wills are commonly stored at the deceased’s home or held by the solicitor who prepared it. If the firm that drafted the Will has since closed or merged, we can assist in locating the original document. Using our expertise, we are able to carry out searches through the official government database to identify any successor practices or firms operating under a previous trading name or company number, helping to track down where the original Will may now be held.
Common Probate and Estate Administration FAQs
Is Probate required in every situation?
No, probate is not required in every case. Whether probate is needed depends on the nature and value of the estate the deceased person owned, and how those assets were held. Probate is usually required when the deceased owned assets solely in their name, such as a property, bank accounts above a certain threshold, or investments. However, probate may not be needed if:
- assets were held jointly (they often pass automatically to the surviving joint owner),
- the estate is very small,
- or certain institutions release funds without requiring a Grant of Probate.
A solicitor can review the estate and confirm whether probate is necessary in your specific situation.
Do I need to obtain a Grant of Probate or Grant of Letters of Administration?
The type of grant you need depends on whether the deceased left a valid Will.
- If there is a valid Will and executors are named, you will need a Grant of Probate.
- If there is no Will, or the Will is not valid, or no executor is able or willing to act, you will need a Grant of Letters of Administration.
Both documents serve a similar purpose — they give legal authority to deal with the deceased’s estate, such as closing bank accounts, paying debts and distributing assets. A solicitor can advise which grant is required based on your specific circumstances.
What if there is more than one Will?
If more than one Will is found, the law will recognise the most recent valid Will as the one that should be followed. The latest Will must meet all legal requirements to be valid — including correct signing and witnessing. Earlier Wills are normally disregarded, unless the newest document is proven to be invalid. In such cases, the Probate Registry may rely on the previous valid Will.  It is wise not to destroy copies of any earlier Will until you’ve received probate.
What should you do if you do not want to be an executor?
If you do not wish to act as an executor, you are not obliged to take on the role. There are two main options available:
- Renouncing your role
You can formally give up your right to act as an executor by signing a legal document called a Deed of Renunciation. Once renounced, you cannot later resume the role. Another appointed executor (or administrator) can then take over the estate administration. - Choosing to step back but remain available
If you prefer not to take an active role but do not want to renounce completely, you can choose to have “power reserved.” This allows other executors to proceed, while preserving your right to step in later if necessary.
A solicitor can help you decide which option is best for your situation and ensure the correct legal documents are completed.