Suffolk Probate Services are your local probate and administration specialists covering Ipswich (Suffolk) and surrounding areas
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Probate and Estate Administration In Ipswich, Suffolk and East Anglia
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Property and Finance
Lasting Power of Attorney
Consultant at Taylor Rose Solicitors
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Most likely probate is a term you will have heard, but like many people, have little understanding of what it really means. Despite this, nearly all of us will experience probate at some point in our lives.
In simple terms probate and estate administration is the entire legal process involved with organising and overseeing the requests written in a Will regarding a deceased person’s estate. Probate is often described as the administration of the estate. An estate in these terms relates to the assets, ie, money and property of the deceased.
If the deceased left a Will, they may have chosen a relative or close friend — in legal terms, an executor(s)— to ensure the requests written in the Will are properly executed or carried out.
Depending on the complexity or value of an estate, a Grant of Probate may be required to allow the Executor to administer the estate. This involves an application to the Court. We can help you through this process.
Contact us today
What is Probate & Estate Administration?
SPS - PROBATE SERVICES
See our LPA information videos below
Lasting Powers of Attorney explained - an insight into the benefits of putting in place a Lasting Power of Attorney
- The deceased’s paperwork
- Funeral arrangements
- Managing and closing their bank account
- Securing and insuring their home
- Arranging the sale of their home
- Overseein and distributing the estate in accordance with the Will or intestacy rules
Actions the executor(s) will likely be required to during the administration of the estate:
What happens when there isn’t a Will?
If a person dies without having left a Will, their estate then becomes shared out according to certain rules — these are called the rules of intestacy. The person who died without writing a Will is called an intestate person. Only married or civil partners and certain other close relatives can inherit under rules of intestacy. The rules of intestacy also decide how estates should be shared should a Will not be valid; which is why it is so important to have Wills correctly written and signed in accordance with the legal formalities.
This may seem quite a complicated process, but we have created a comprehensive process to ensure you know exactly how probate works and what is required from you.
OUR SERVICES
What you can expect
Call us for an initial chat, and if you’re happy, we will book an appointment to meet:
• We’ll guide you through each part of the estate administration process
• We’ll advise on matters you might not have considered such as Inheritance Tax
We offer practical and clear advice to assist in all areas of the probate process.
Obtain Grant of Probate
Probate Advice
HMRC Inheritance Tax Account
ABOUT SUFFOLK PROBATE SERVICES
Family Ethos
Client Focused
Daniel and Helen are childhood sweethearts, who have now been married for nearly 20 years. Both from Suffolk they love nothing more than being on the coast or in the countryside at the weekend with their two boys, and dogs.
Meet Helen
Helen’s vision is to help Executors with the estate administration process in a friendly, non-jargon, relaxed manner. “Suffolk Probate Services has a different approach to the traditional law firms. We provide the same professional, high-quality service, but the way we deliver it is slightly different. We really care for our clients. We don’t believe in templates or one size fits all. We get to know our clients, and help them through the process.”
Knowledge & Experience
After 20 years working for law firms in Suffolk, Helen was confident that it was the right time for her to set up her own company, this was the start of Suffolk Will Services. More recently, Helen had been asked by clients to assist them with administrating estates, hence the creation Suffolk Probate Services. Helen works as a consultant of Taylor Rose, enabling her to undertake this aspect of the legal work for clients.
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Suffolk Probate Services is very much focused on the client. Their values are based on client care. This is reflected in the transparent pricing structure, through to the flexible appointment system.
Helen offers appointments in the office or virtually at a time to suit the client. With over 20 years experience in the law sector, Helen’s approach makes, what can be a very emotional and daunting experience, much more relaxed. “I want my clients to feel confident and fully understand exactly what they are doing.”
How much will this cost?
You will appreciate that it is very difficult to estimate a likely fee before we know anything about the nature and complexity of a particular estate, and also the level of support you need from us. Based on your individual circumstances we will advise you on the best option for you.
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Obtaining a Grant of Probate or Grant of Letters of Administration without an Inheritance Tax account – from £950 + VAT (from £1,140 inc Vat)
Obtaining a Grant of Probate with IHT account – from £1,750 + Vat (from £2,100 inc Vat)
Administration of the estate - Our fees for the administration of an estate start at 1.5% of the gross value of the estate, plus Vat, depending on the complexity of your case. Our minimum fee for an estate administration is £2,500 + Vat (£3,000 inc Vat).
Frequently Asked Questions about Probate & Administration
It makes no difference to probate if there is, or is not a Will left. Probate may, or may not be required for estates when there is a Will. Conversely, a Grant of Letters of Administration may or may not be required for estates without a Will.
It depends on:
• How the deceased’s assets were held — whether they’re in joint names or in the deceased person’s sole name.
• The value of the deceased person’s assets.
• Whether the estate comprises of property owned in their sole name.
Generally, for estates worth less than £5,000 probate is rarely required. Saying this, some banks will release more than £5,000 without a Grant of Probate.
On average it takes between 6-12 months for the probate process to be finalised. This is from the date of death to the estate being fully shared. Even small estates can take up to six months to complete the probate process. More complex estates can take longer, especially if there is a property to sell.
There is no time limit for probate. You will not be penalised for late application nor will your application be disqualified. However, there is a time limit if the estate is liable for Inheritance Tax, after which interest will fall due.
Inheritance tax must be paid with six months of the person’s death, regardless of probate. If you do not meet this deadline, financial penalties will be applied, and interest charged by HMRC.
Let’s start your probate process If you have any questions about probate, please do not hesitate to call us
Let’s start your probate process
Our straightforward probate process
- We will explain the terms of the Will (or intestacy rules, if your loved one died without having made a Will).
- Talk the Executors through the process involved with obtaining a Grant of Probate (or a Grant of Letters of Administration in the case of Intestacy) and we will explain duties and procedure the personal representatives should take, to manage the administration of the estate.
- Assist and guide you with the completion HMRC Inheritance Tax account, if it is required.
- Assist and guide you with the completion of the Probate application forms.
- Explain or help the executors with the procedure of calling in the assets; paying the bills and expenses and accounting to the beneficiaries for their inheritance.
Whether you would like help with just obtaining the Grant of Probate, or require the full Probate Administration Service; give us a call to see how we can help
5* recommendation!
'Recently my elderly mother in law needed a will written. After some research online I contacted Helen Algar at Suffolk Will Services. Helen is really nice, made mum feel at ease straightaway, and the whole service was totally professional. We’re happy to pass on our positive experience with Helen, and recommend Suffolk Will Services without hesitation. Hoping this will help anyone who might be needing a Will written and is putting it off (as we all do!)”
Made the process easy
'Highly recommended. Helen met with us at our home to help us make our wills. She was very patient in explaining and advising what we needed. She made the whole process very easy for us.'Wondeful & Understanding
Helen & Daniel are just fabulous. I liked them both immensley. Absolutely worry free & efficient they totally know their stuff. And they made it all seem very straight forward and seamless. Completed LPA & Will for me & i would thoroughly recommend their services to anyone. Thank you so much it was a pleasure working with you both.
Contact
Tel: 01473 808499
Email: mail@suffolkprobateservices.co.uk
Monday to Thursday: 9am - 5pm
Friday: 9am – 2pm
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Suffolk Probate Services Ltd
Norwich Road
Barham
Ipswich
IP6 0NU
SUFFOLK PROBATE SERVICES
