Probate services in Essex

Supportive and caring probate solicitors

Comprehensive advice and support on all Probate matters

We’re here to support you, step by step, through a tough time and reduce the burden of being an executor.

We have a highly experienced team who can assist you with every aspect of the probate process, reducing the administrative burden and intervening where you need guidance on a specific issue including:

Applying for a Grant of Probate and Administering the Estate or
Extracting a Grant of Probate only
Applying for Letters of Administration (where there is no Will)
Estate Administration

Our solicitors always provide straightforward advice that accounts for the whole picture. We are distinguished by our friendly and approachable manner, reasonable fees and commitment to exceeding client expectations. Our reviews speak for themselves.

We provide a first-class personal service with one person dealing with the probate throughout. When you work with our team, you will only have one contact who you will be able to build a strong relationship with and who will be on hand to answer any questions you might have.

We are proud to hold the Lexcel Accreditation, issued by the Law Society. This involves the firm undergoing a rigorous audit process which ensures we maintain high levels of client care.

If you need support on Probate matters, get in touch with our specialist team who will explain your options, give you advice on all Probate matters and provide information relating to costs.

Why families trust us with probate

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Dear Catherine and staff, thank you for all of your help, best wishes Mary Campbell

Mary Campbell

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I would like to record a big thank you to Catherine for her professional services and guidance over the last year. Her professionalism was accompanied... Read More

I Parkinson

Get in touch

1. Do I really need a solicitor for probate?

Many people ask this. While some estates can be handled without a solicitor, probate often involves more complexity than expected. We help you understand whether you need support and what level of help is right for you, without pressure.

2. What will probate actually cost me?

We explain costs clearly at the outset, based on your situation. Our pricing is transparent and agreed before work begins, so you are not faced with unexpected bills later.

3. Will my matter be passed between different people?

No. You will have one dedicated solicitor or legal executive handling your probate from start to finish, so you always know who you are dealing with.

4. How long will probate take?

Timescales vary depending on the estate, but delays are common and not a sign something is wrong. We manage the process for you and keep you informed at every stage so you are never left wondering what is happening.

5. I am an executor and worried about getting something wrong. Can you help?

Yes. Many executors feel this way. We guide you through each step and help you avoid common mistakes, giving you confidence that everything is being handled correctly.

6. What happens if there is no Will?

We regularly help families where there is no Will. We will explain what applies in your situation and take care of the legal process so you are not left trying to work it out alone.

7. Will I have to deal with lots of legal jargon?

No. We explain everything in plain English and take the time to make sure you understand what is happening and why.

8. Are there any hidden costs I should worry about?

No. Any additional costs are explained upfront and only arise where extra work is genuinely required. Transparency is important to us, especially at a difficult time.

9. What if the estate is more complicated than expected?

We are experienced in handling complex estates, including those involving property, multiple beneficiaries, or overseas assets. If things change, we talk it through with you before taking any further steps.

10. What happens if I just want an initial conversation first?

That is absolutely fine. Speaking to us does not commit you to anything. We are happy to explain your options and help you decide what to do next.

Probate and administration pricing

Clear, upfront probate pricing.

No hidden surprises, and we’ll explain any costs before we begin. We’ll also explain any acronyms that you may see, so no need to worry about these now.

We understand that losing someone you love is one of the hardest times of your life and can bring a mixture of emotions. The legal side of dealing with a person’s death can be overwhelming and confusing which is why we are committed to offering a well-organised, professional and sensitive service, to make your life easier at a difficult time.

All of our legal advisors are experienced in the probate work they undertake. For a full description individuals experience and qualifications please refer to our ‘Meet The Team’ page.

Grant-only applications

Service	Fee (plus VAT)
Standard Grant of Probate	£2000
Grant with TNRB	£2,500
Grant with TNRB & RNRB	£3,500
Grant with NRB, TNRB, RNRB & TRNRB	£4,000
Backdated Grant	£4,000

*NRB – Nil Rate Band

*TRNB – Transferable Nil rate band

*RNRB – Residence Nil rate band

*TRNRB -Transferable Residence Nil Rate Band

Full estate administration

Estate value	2% – 5% of gross
Below £10,000	£2,600
£10,000 – £100,000	£3,000
£100,001 – £200,000	£4,000
£200,001 – £800,000	2–5% of gross value
Over £800,000	Hourly rate or 2–5% of gross value

Advisor hourly rates are available on request.

Legal Advisor

Legal Advisor	Hourly Rate plus VAT
Sangeet Tatem – Solicitor Liam Gough – Solicitor	£350
Charmaine Wilson	£300
Catherine Page – Legal Executive Joanne Cook – Legal Executive	£275

Hourly Rate plus VAT

Sangeet Tatem – Solicitor

Liam Gough – Solicitor

£350

Charmaine Wilson

£300

Catherine Page – Legal Executive

Joanne Cook – Legal Executive

£275

Whats included:

Providing you with a dedicated and experienced Probate Solicitor or Legal Executive to work on your matter
Identifying the legally appointed executors, administrators and beneficiaries
Accurately identifying the type of Probate application you will require
Obtaining relevant documents required to make the application
Completing the Probate application and relevant HMRC Forms
Drafting a Statement of Truth to be signed by you
Making the application for the Grant of Probate to the Probate Court on your behalf
Obtaining the Probate and securely sending 10 copies to you
Settling any liabilities
Collecting and distributing all assets in the estate
Produce Estate Accounts

Whats not included:

Disbursements are not included and these are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as Land Registry fees or court fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.

Typical disbursements:

Item	Cost (inc VAT)
Probate application fee	£300
Official copies of Grant	£16
Land Registry search (per property)	£7
Bankruptcy search (per beneficiary)	£6
Post in local newspaper	Approx. £80-£120
Post in London Gazette	Approx. £100-£300

Additional costs may arise for:

No Will
Foreign assets
Shareholdings or bonds
Large numbers of beneficiaries
Property transfers or sales (quoted separately)

Timescales

On average, probate for the typical estate will take between 3 – 12 months. Generally, the time taken to obtain the Grant of Probate will take between 3 – 6 months, followed by the collection of assets and distribution of the assets which can take between 4 -12 months.