Probate Solicitors in Manchester

Probate advice for executors and families

Dealing with an estate can feel demanding while you are grieving. Our probate solicitors in Manchester help executors, administrators and families understand what must happen next, what information is needed and which tasks they can ask a solicitor to handle. We explain the work and costs before you decide how to proceed.

You may need help obtaining a grant, dealing with banks and property, or managing the wider administration of an estate. Tell us what you have already done and whether there are any concerns about the will, beneficiaries or debts. We can discuss a suitable scope of work for your circumstances.

How our probate solicitors can help

• Checking whether a grant is required and who is entitled to apply.
• Advising executors about their responsibilities and the information needed.
• Preparing an application for a grant of probate or letters of administration, where instructed.
• Helping identify estate assets and liabilities and the valuation information required.
• Discussing estate administration, including collecting assets, settling liabilities and preparing estate accounts.
• Explaining the next steps where there is no will, an estate includes property, or a dispute needs separate advice.

Probate and estate administration: what is the difference?

A grant of probate confirms an executor’s authority to deal with an estate where there is a valid will. Where there is no will, the relevant application is usually for letters of administration. Other situations, such as a will with no executor able to apply, require a different form of grant.

Estate administration is the wider work involved after a death. Obtaining the grant is one stage; there may also be assets to collect, property to deal with, debts and taxes to settle, records to keep and beneficiaries to pay. A grant-only instruction and full estate administration involve different work, so it is important to agree which service you need.

The probate process, step by step

1. Understand the estate. Locate the latest will and any codicils, identify the personal representatives and gather information about assets, debts and beneficiaries.
2. Check the grant and tax position. Establish whether a grant is needed and what valuation and tax information must be prepared before applying.
3. Apply for the appropriate grant. Prepare and submit the application and respond to any requests for further information.
4. Administer the estate. Once the necessary authority is in place, collect assets and deal with liabilities, tax and any property transaction within the agreed scope.
5. Account and distribute. Prepare the relevant accounts and arrange distribution when it is appropriate and safe to do so.

What if someone dies without a will?

The intestacy rules determine entitlement where there is no valid will. Being a relative, or being asked by the family to help, does not automatically establish that you are the person entitled to apply. We can discuss the family circumstances, the order of entitlement and the evidence needed. For an initial overview, see the GOV.UK intestacy guidance.

Estate valuations and tax

The estate’s assets and debts must be identified and valued before the probate application. Whether tax is due and what must be reported depend on the circumstances. Tell us about property, investments, gifts, trusts, overseas assets and any business interests at the outset, even if you do not yet know their value. We will explain the information required and whether additional specialist advice is needed.

When an estate includes a Manchester property

A house or flat may be the estate’s main asset. The ownership arrangements, title, mortgage and the authority to sell or transfer it need to be considered. Tell us if the property is empty, occupied or subject to an existing transaction. If a sale or transfer is needed, our conveyancing team can discuss the property work and its separate costs.

Probate costs and timescales

The cost depends on the service you instruct us to provide and the complexity of the estate. Read our published uncontested probate fee information for the charging basis, assumptions, likely stages and exclusions. Ask us for an estimate covering legal fees, VAT and third-party expenses, including applicable application fees. A property sale, dispute or specialist tax work may need a separate quote.

The time needed to administer an estate depends on the information available, the application, tax matters, property transactions and any disputes. Receiving the grant does not mean the administration is finished. We can discuss the likely stages and what may cause delay once we understand the estate; we do not promise a fixed completion date.

Preparing for your first probate appointment

If available, bring the death certificate, the original will and codicils, details of the executors and beneficiaries, and a summary of property, bank accounts, investments and debts. Copies of correspondence from financial organisations and HMRC can also help. You can still contact us if the paperwork is incomplete. Mention any disagreement, overseas connection or urgent deadline when you first enquire.

Your local probate solicitors in South Manchester

MWG Solicitors is based at Colonnade House, 163 Kingsway, Manchester M19 2ND. We welcome probate enquiries from Didsbury, Withington, Burnage, Levenshulme and across Greater Manchester. Our office hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00am–5:30pm. Please arrange an appointment before visiting.

Contact our Manchester office or view our location and directions on Google Maps. If you cannot travel, ask about the appointment options available for your matter. You can also explore our South Manchester legal services.

Related wills and estate-planning services

For planning ahead, explore our will writing service and Islamic wills advice. Our Wills, Trusts & Probate overview explains the wider support available. Probate enquiries about an existing estate can start with the contact details on this page.