Probate and Administration of Estates in Liverpool

Probate is a type of legal authority granted to an executor (if there’s a will), allowing them to deal with someone’s estate after they die.

It gives them the right to deal with the deceased’s assets, including property, money, and possessions.

Probate is typically required when the deceased’s estate includes solely-owned property or other assets in just their name or if the total value of the estate exceeds a certain threshold.

Estate administration involves the recording of an estate’s assets and debts, including any fees, administration expenses, and income that’s been generated during the administration of the estate.

Handled by the executor, estate administrator, or an appointed professional, it can involve:

• Obtaining the Grant of Probate (where there is a will)
• Obtaining Letters of Administration (where there isn’t a will)
• Income tax work
• Postal redirection
• Completing Inheritance Tax forms
• Valuing assets
• Cancelling or transferring utilities
• Dealing with shares and investments
• Selling property
• Distributing funds to beneficiaries

Probate is just one piece of the broader process of estate administration.

While probate grants an individual the legal authority via a Grant of Probate (if there’s a will) or Letters of Administration (if there isn’t a will) to deal with someone’s assets, it isn’t always necessary.

Estate administration, on the other hand, must always take place to settle the deceased’s affairs and often involves collecting assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing what’s left to the rightful beneficiaries.

Banks and financial organisations have their own rules, so there’s no set UK probate threshold. However, probate is typically required for estates worth more than £5,000.

The average cost of a probate solicitor in the UK is between 1%-5% of the estate value, plus VAT.

For example, if an estate is valued at £250,000, the solicitor can receive anywhere between £2,500-£12,500 (+VAT).

Bereavement is already a difficult time, and the complex process of estate administration can make it even tougher.

With many legal, financial, and administrative steps involved, many people inadvertently make costly mistakes, such as overlooking creditors, misinterpreting the will, or letting misunderstandings arise with beneficiaries.

That’s why many choose a comprehensive estate administration service. With the right support, you can focus on making funeral arrangements, remembering your loved one, and finding peace, rather than wrestling with paperwork or legal risk.

Eager to talk to our expert solicitors about our probate and estate administration services in Liverpool?

Dial 0151 268 1898 or email your enquiry to info@fjsolicitors.co.uk.

The Liverpool office is in the heart of the city and is open Monday to Friday, from 8:30am to 17:30pm, except on Bank Holidays.