Probate. It’s one of those words you hear when someone has died. It’s often accompanied by frustration and confusion, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Legally, it isn’t necessary to use probate solicitors in Portsmouth when dealing with the estate of someone who has died, but it can make life a lot easier if you do.

There is a lot of paperwork involved with death. Registering the death, informing all the banks and companies, dealing with the will. If you are grieving, the last thing you want to do is go through your loved one’s finances and deal with probate. As probate solicitors in Portsmouth with 60 years of experience, Andrew & Andrew can help you through the difficult experience of dealing with the estate of the deceased.

Is probate required?

If the deceased’s estate is worth more than £30,000, the likelihood is that probate will be required. The personal representative dealing with the estate, also known as the executor in the will, is required to obtain a grant of representation in order to administer the estate.

Our probate solicitors in Portsmouth can help right from the start, ascertaining if probate is required, and collating all the important information necessary. There may be legal documents required to obtain the grant, which we can draw up for you, as well as dealing with any outstanding debts and liabilities.

Inheritance tax

Inheritance tax is another complicated subject we can assist with. Careful handling of the deceased’s estate is required to determine the correct level of inheritance tax owed, and you may even save money by enlisting the help of our experienced probate solicitors in Portsmouth.

What if there is no will?

Not everyone is organised enough to make a will before they die, and in cases where there is no will to indicate the deceased’s wishes, we can guide you through the complex intestacy rules that govern how an estate should be divided.

Disputes and contesting a will

Things do not always run smoothly when dealing with the death of a loved one. Sometimes there is a need to settle a dispute or even contest the will. In these cases, our litigation department can step in and help.