Losing someone close to you is never easy and dealing with legal processes like probate can make an already difficult time even more stressful.
When someone dies, their estate often needs to go through probate: the legal process that confirms who can deal with their property, money, and possessions. For families coping with grief, this can feel overwhelming.
With some forward planning and the right legal advice, you can make things much easier for those you leave behind. Erin Clarke, Associate and Solicitor in the Wills and Probate Team at Bromleys, shares practical steps to help you prepare.
What Is Probate and Why Is It Important?
Probate gives someone the legal authority to manage a person’s estate after they die. Administering the estate during the Probate process usually involves:
- Confirming the validity of the will (if there is one)
- Valuing the estate and calculating any Inheritance Tax
- Paying debts and taxes
- Distributing what’s left to beneficiaries
If there’s no will, the process follows strict intestacy rules and can be more complicated. Even straightforward estates can take many months to complete, and mistakes can cause costly delays.
How Can You Make Probate Easier for Your Family?
The best way to reduce stress is to plan ahead:
- Write a valid will – Make sure it’s signed, witnessed, and kept up to date.
- Organise your financial records – Keep a clear list of assets, accounts, debts, and insurance policies.
- Consider joint ownership – Assets held as joint tenants often pass directly to the surviving owner.
- Name beneficiaries – For pensions and life insurance, ensure your nominations are current.
These steps can save your family time, money, and unnecessary worry.
Common Probate Pitfalls to Avoid
Many families face delays because of:
- Missing or invalid wills
- Incorrect estate valuations
- Unpaid debts or taxes
- Disputes between beneficiaries
To avoid these issues:
- Keep your will and estate plan updated
- Communicate your wishes clearly
- Seek legal advice if your estate is complex
Do You Need a Solicitor for Probate?
While it’s possible to handle probate yourself, using a solicitor can:
- Speed up the process – Avoid delays caused by errors or missing information
- Prevent costly mistakes – Incorrect paperwork can lead to penalties or disputes
- Reduce stress – Let an expert handle the legal and tax requirements
- Help with complex estates – Especially if there’s property, business assets, or overseas accounts
How Long Does Probate Take?
Online probate applications can now be processed in as little as 6 – 12 weeks to obtain the Grant of Probate from the Probate Registry, but the full administration of an estate often takes at least 6–12 months, especially if property needs to be sold or there are tax issues involved.
Plan Ahead with Bromleys Solicitors
Probate doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By writing a clear will, organising your finances, and seeking expert advice, you can lift a huge burden from your family’s shoulders.
At Bromleys Solicitors, we understand how emotional this time can be. Whether you’re planning ahead or dealing with probate now, our friendly team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Call us today on 0161 884 0905 or email bromleys@bromleys.co.uk and see how we can help.