Probate

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Dealing with the administrative requirements of a will while grieving is a significant challenge. Alliotts partner Jane Thackstone is licensed to provide guidance on non-contentious probate matters, offering a range of support tailored to your specific needs. Whether you require a professional to manage the entire legal process or simply need occasional advice to handle it yourself, our service is designed to be flexible and supportive.

Professional Guidance Through the Probate Process

Applying for probate involves following the legal instructions left in a will, which can be technically demanding. Jane combines her technical qualifications with years of experience in managing sensitive family situations. She provides an objective perspective and a calm voice of reason, which is particularly helpful when dealing with complex estates or delicate family dynamics.

When you work with our probate team, we commit to the following standards:

• We explain every step using clear language without complex legal jargon
• You maintain direct personal contact with Jane Thackstone throughout
• We provide regular updates, so you always know the status of the estate
• Our approach remains sensitive to the emotional needs of you and your family

Comprehensive Probate Services

Our team can manage the full lifecycle of an estate or assist with specific tasks as required. Our expertise includes:

• Verifying the validity of the will and identifying the latest version
• Gathering and validating all financial information of the deceased
• Locating and valuing all assets, including property and investments
• Identifying outstanding debts and ensuring they are settled correctly
• Calculating and submitting tax forms for Inheritance Tax and Income Tax
• Managing payments to individuals or charities
• Organising the sale of property and preparing reconciled estate accounts
• Advising on intestate estates where no will was left behind
• Providing tax planning advice for executors and beneficiaries

Indicative timescales and process

Obtaining Grant of Probate can take anywhere between eight weeks and nine months. Although if there any difficulties encountered with the validity of the Will or valuation of the estate assets, then it should take considerably longer.

Once grant of probate has been received, we can assist with realising the value of the estate assets and paying off any liabilities, including all tax liabilities. This stage can take approximately three months however this would be longer if there are properties to sell.

Interim accounts would then be prepared to show the value achieved (less costs and fees).

Then all specific legacies would be paid out followed by an interim distribution which would normally be made to each of the remaining beneficiaries.

After that a final set of accounts would be prepared including all income and expenditure since date of death, and distributions made to date.

Our final fees are agreed with the executors and the balance due to the beneficiaries determined for final distribution.

Transparent fee structure

It is our policy to be transparent in our pricing structure and to agree the basis of our fees with clients in advance of starting work on an assignment.

Timescales at a glace

The following table provides a general guide to the stages of the probate process.

Stage of Process	Estimated Duration*	Key Activities
Grant of Probate	2 to 9 months	Validating the will and submitting HMRC forms.
Asset Realisation	2 months or more	Selling assets and settling all estate liabilities.
Interim Stage	Variable	Preparing interim accounts and initial distributions.
Final Distribution	1 to 2 months	Finalising accounts and paying remaining balances.

*Please note that these timescales can increase significantly if there are disputes regarding the Will, complex valuations, or properties that take longer to sell.

FAQs

What exactly is the Grant of Probate?

This is a legal document provided by the Probate Registry that gives the executors the authority to deal with the assets of the deceased. Without this document, banks and other financial institutions generally cannot release funds or transfer property titles.

Can you help if there is no Will?

Yes, when someone dies without a Will, it is known as dying intestate. In these cases, the law dictates who inherits the estate. We can guide you through the process of applying for Letters of Administration and ensuring the estate is distributed according to the rules of intestacy.

How are your fees calculated?

We believe in a transparent pricing policy. Before any work begins, we agree on a fee structure with the executors. This ensures there are no hidden costs and that the estate can be managed with full financial clarity.

What is the difference between an executor and a beneficiary?

An executor is the person named in the Will who is responsible for managing the estate and carrying out the instructions. A beneficiary is a person or organisation named to receive a portion of the assets. We provide advice to both parties to ensure the inheritance is structured efficiently.

Do I have to use a solicitor for probate?

There is no legal requirement to use a solicitor, but many people find the tax and legal filings overwhelming. Our service allows you to outsource the most difficult tasks while you focus on your family, or we can simply act as a consultant to check your work.

To find out more about how we can assist you during this time, please contact Jane Thackstone for a confidential discussion.

 

Shaw Gibbs Probate Limited (part of the Shaw Gibbs Group)

Probate services are delivered through Shaw Gibbs Probate Limited. Jane Thackstone, a tax partner in Alliotts LLP and director of Shaw Gibbs Probate Limited is authorised to provide probate services.

Alliotts LLP as a firm is not licensed to provide probate services. Your engagement will be with Shaw Gibbs Probate Limited who along with Alliotts LLP are part of the Shaw Gibbs Group. Shaw Gibbs Probate Limited will handle all aspects of client onboarding and set up.

Shaw Gibbs Probate Limited is registered in England and Wales. Company Reg no. 16372819. Registered office is at 264 Banbury Road, Oxford, OX2 7DY.  Regulated for a range of investment business activities and licensed to carry out the reserved legal activity of non-contentious probate in England and Wales by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.