Andrew & Andrew, probate solicitors in Portsmouth, are aware there are times in our lives when the last thing on our minds are legal matters. After someone has passed away we may let dealing with the legal affairs of the deceased’s estate wait, this is not the right way to move forward and can lead to greater difficulties when you finally start to deal with the estate.

Over its 70 year history, Andrew & Andrew has become one of the leading probate solicitors in Portsmouth, we will treat the affairs of your lost loved one with the dignity and respect they deserve. We aim to relieve you of the stress of legal matters during a time of emotional turmoil, as well as trying to assist you in the making of reasoned decisions for the estate and those left behind.

If you need probate solicitors in Portsmouth, we will ask that you read the following, as we aim to give you a quick outline of the probate process. We are here to help during this time, please contact Andrew & Andrew should you need any further advice or assistance.

The probate process

Definition

This is the starting point of all probate cases. The deceased’s assets are collected using legal and fiscal measures, they are then made ready for an administrator to start making any decisions about their distribution to any benefactors.

Jurisdiction

A ruling is sought from the court to give someone the power of attorney over the estate of the deceased.  Once this is granted to the executor of the estate, along with the necessary documents, they will then be allowed to sell the property and close bank accounts.  The documents are collectively known as grants of representation, the production of which makes up the primary role of the probate registries.

Grants of representation

Keep in mind there are different types of grants of representation, depending on whether the deceased had a will or not. If a will was in place at the time of passing, in most cases of this nature, a grant of probate will be granted. In cases where no will has been left a grant of administration will be required. We would ask you to remember that in cases where the estate of the deceased is valued at £5000 or less, or where the assets of the estate are jointly owned, for example leaving a surviving spouse, a grant is not normally required.

Applying for a grant

It is one of the duties of the executor of any will to apply to the High Courts Probate Division for a grant of probate. The executor can apply to a local probate register themselves for a grant, but we tend to find most prefer to use a probate solicitor.  Where an estate is small, less than £15,000, you may find some banks and building societies may allow the immediate family of the deceased to close accounts.

Distribution

The final step in the probate process sees the executors distribute the assets of the deceased following any instructions as laid out in any will.

Established since 1954, Andrew & Andrew have been providing a high quality, professional and reliable service across the nation for over 70 years.