Sourcing Probate Legal Advice

The estate is the assets of the deceased, including any cash held in the deceased's bank and building society, money that is to be paid from a life insurance policy, real property, personal possessions and any shares that might have been held prior to death. Any debts accrued must be paid out of the estate. It is the balance that is shared out among those named in the will, or if no will was made, to the spouse, partner, children or relatives of the deceased under what are known as the intestacy rules..

The estate has to be administered and then shared out. This is done by someone who is known as the executor. The will normally nominates an executor or executors - and probate solicitors are often chosen to perform this task. Anyone who has been named as the executor will have to be given the legal authority to deal with the estate. This is known as probate.

Dealing with probate and sharing out the will can be a lengthy process. This could pose a problem for someone not used to dealing with legal and financial matters, or who has little time to spare. However there is good probate legal advice available for those who need it from specialist probate solicitors.

Probate legal advice will, of course, have to be paid for. It is possible to check what the fees for the service are when first enquiring with probate solicitors. If a solicitor has already been named as executor of the deceased's estate then he or she will be able to deal with probate.

The assistance of specialist probate solicitors is particularly advisable if the terms of the will are not clear, any of the estate is in trust and anyone under the age of 18 is named as a beneficiary - and above all, if there is any suggestion that the will is going to be contested. Other reasons why specialist probate legal advice is particularly recommended include is if the deceased owned land or property overseas or owned a business - or if the probate is likely to be unusual or particularly complex some reason.

In order to secure probate legal advice contact it is advisable to contact specialist probate solicitors - either locally or online. Probate solicitors can also be identified by visiting the Law Society website.