Ashby

01530 414111

Leicester

0116 2551901

Coalville

01530 834466

Melbourne

01332 863810

Probate and Administration of Estates

Rebecca Taylor

Solicitor and LLP Member
Sorting out the affairs of a deceased can be a complicated and onerous process in a time of sadness and grief.

‘Probate’ is a term used to describe the legal process of dealing with a person’s estate after their death. This includes collecting in the assets (i.e.) closing bank accounts, selling/transferring shares, selling/transferring property and settling debts and liabilities. Any taxes will also need to be settled including possible Inheritance Tax, Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax.

We can help to remove this burden of responsibility with a sensitive and common sense approach. Our lawyers have a wealth of experience of the whole probate process so will guide you from start to finish by taking care of all of the formalities and legal obligation.

If the deceased made a Will, the “Executors” appointed will be responsible for dealing with the estate. If there is no Will, the people responsible are named “Administrators”. Executors and Administrators are often referred to as “Personal Representatives”.

In order to deal with assets in the deceased’s estate, the Personal Representatives will, in most circumstances apply for the Grant of Representation. This is a legal document issued by the High Court which authorises them to collect in the assets. If there is a Will, the Order is called a “Grant of Probate” and if there is no Will, the Order is called a “Grant of Letters of Administration”. Most financial asset providers and institutions will require sight of the Grant of Representation before they will be prepared to release monies and for the transfer of assets to those who benefit from the estate.

We aim to cut through this legal jargon and help the Personal Representatives deal with all the practicalities and formalities of the Probate and Administration process.

Meet the team

Matthew Needham

Solicitor and LLP Member

Rebecca Taylor

Solicitor, LLP Member and Associate Member of Solicitors for the Elderly

Philippa Crane

T.E.P, Solicitor and LLP Member

Laura Doherty

T.E.P, Solicitor and LLP Member

Leanne Cooper

T.E.P, Trust and Estate Practitioner, Solicitor and LLP Member

Rebecca Abraham

T.E.P, Solicitor and LLP Member

With our exceptional knowledge and experience we know you are looking for keen fees and speedy responses.

Accreditations

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

Matthew Needham

Solicitor and LLP Member

I head the Private Client Team and my work involves advising clients on establishing effective inheritance tax solutions to include wills, trusts, administration of estates, deeds of variation and family trusts. I also advise on alternative commercial arrangements in order to maximise the inheritance tax reliefs available.

I am a Corporate Member of Crane And Walton LLP and qualified as a Solicitor in May 1994.

Rebecca Taylor

Solicitor, LLP Member and Associate Member of Solicitors for the Elderly

I am a Solicitor advising on Private client matters including; Wills, Administration of Estates, Court of Protection applications, Powers of Attorney, Trusts, Elderly Client issues and Tax Planning matters. I also have experience in dealing with transfers of property, including Assents and Declarations of Trust.

I qualified as a Solicitor in January 2004.

Philippa Crane

T.E.P, Solicitor and LLP Member

I have over ten years post-qualified experience and specialise in wills, trusts and probate. 

I advise a wide range of clients on their wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney, providing tailored advice in relation to inheritance tax and estate planning for each client’s individual circumstances. 

I assist clients with all elements of estate administration, from probate applications and intestacy to complex inheritance tax matters, post-death variations and estate income and capital gains tax. I have a thorough knowledge of trust law and advise clients on all aspects of trust creation, taxation and administration. 

I am a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. 

Laura Doherty

T.E.P, Solicitor and LLP Member

I advise on matters regarding the drafting of Wills, Administration of Estates, Court of Protection applications, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Trusts, Elderly Client issues and Tax Planning matters. I also have experience in dealing with property transactions to include, Assents, Transfers and Severance of Tenancies.

I am a Member of the Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners.

I qualified as a Solicitor in August 2013.

Leanne Cooper

T.E.P, Trust and Estate Practitioner, Solicitor and LLP Member

I have worked within the private client department of Crane and Walton LLP for over 17 years and have a wealth of experience and knowledge of private client law and procedure. 

I specialise in the administration of estates, drafting and interpreting Wills,  drafting Lasting Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection applications. I also advise clients on trust issues relating to trust administration as well as private client taxation involving inheritance tax, capital gains and income tax.

I offer a professional and supportive service to my clients, providing clear and concise legal advice. 

I am a full member of STEP and cross qualified from a FILEX to a solicitor in August 2021. 

Rebecca Abraham

T.E.P, Solicitor and LLP Member

I have over 13 years of post-qualified experience in private client law and advise on all areas of estate and Inheritance Tax planning and administration including the drafting and interpretation of Wills, creation and management of Trusts, Powers of Attorney and Probate and administration of estates including complex and taxable estates and post death variations.

I work with a wide range of clients with differing needs and backgrounds including high net worth individuals but always with the aim of providing legal solutions tailored to their individual concerns and requirements.

I am a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.