Legal 500 Leading Firm 2026 / The Time Best Law Firms 2026 / 40+ Years of Expert Legal Practice in London
Legal 500 Leading Firm 2026 / The Time Best Law Firms 2026 / 40+ Years of Expert Legal Practice in London
Whether a person dies with or without a will, their estate may need to go through the probate process before assets can be collected, liabilities settled and inheritances distributed.
At Lewis Nedas Law, our experienced probate solicitors in London provide practical and compassionate advice to executors, administrators and beneficiaries. With more than 40 years of experience, we help clients navigate probate efficiently, reducing the risk of delays, disputes and unnecessary costs.
If you require assistance with probate or estate administration, contact our team today on +44 20 7387 2032 or complete our online contact form for expert advice and support.
Call +44 20 7387 2032 Arrange a ConsultationProbate is the legal process of administering a deceased person's estate. The process involves:
Identifying and valuing assets
Paying debts and liabilities
Settling Inheritance Tax obligations
Obtaining legal authority to deal with the estate
Distributing assets to beneficiaries
Where there is a valid will, the executor will usually apply for a Grant of Probate. Where there is no will, an eligible family member may apply for Letters of Administration.
Our probate solicitors assist executors and administrators with every aspect of estate administration, ensuring estates are managed accurately and in accordance with legal requirements.
One of the most common questions we receive is whether probate is necessary. Probate may be required where:
The deceased owned property in their sole name
Banks or financial institutions require a Grant of Probate
Investments or shareholdings need to be transferred or sold
The estate contains substantial assets
Whether probate is required depends on the nature and value of the estate and the requirements of the organisations holding the assets. Our probate solicitors can advise whether probate is needed in your particular circumstances.
The probate process can vary depending on the complexity of the estate, but most estates follow the same key stages.
The death must be registered and copies of the death certificate obtained. See our guide on what to do after a death for further detail.
The executor should identify the most recent valid will. If no will exists, the estate will be administered under the rules of intestacy.
Assets and liabilities must be identified and valued, including property, bank accounts, investments, business interests, personal possessions and outstanding debts. Our guide on what is included in an estate covers this in detail.
Inheritance Tax may be payable depending on the value and composition of the estate. HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) requires accurate reporting before probate can be granted.
An application is submitted to the Probate Registry — a Grant of Probate where there is a will, or Letters of Administration where there is no will.
Once probate has been granted, assets can be collected and administered.
Outstanding liabilities, taxes and administration expenses must be settled before any inheritance is distributed.
The remaining assets are distributed to beneficiaries in accordance with the will or the rules of intestacy.
Where the deceased left a valid will, the executor named within the document is usually responsible for administering the estate. Our solicitors can assist with:
Probate applications
Estate administration
Asset collection
Tax reporting
Estate accounts
Distribution to beneficiaries
We provide practical guidance throughout the process to ensure the estate is administered efficiently and in accordance with the deceased's wishes.
If someone dies without leaving a valid will, their estate is administered under the rules of intestacy. An eligible family member may apply for Letters of Administration. The order of priority generally includes:
Spouse or civil partner
Children
Grandchildren
Parents
Brothers and sisters
Nephews and nieces
Other relatives
Our probate team can advise on intestacy rules and applications for Letters of Administration.
Acting as an executor carries important legal responsibilities. Executors are typically responsible for:
Registering the death
Identifying assets and liabilities
Applying for probate
Paying Inheritance Tax
Collecting estate assets
Preparing estate accounts
Distributing assets to beneficiaries
Executors may become personally liable if mistakes are made during the administration process. Obtaining legal advice can help avoid delays, disputes and unnecessary risk.
Before probate can be obtained, a full inventory of the deceased's assets and liabilities must be prepared. This may include:
Residential property
Commercial property
Bank accounts
Investments and shares
Business assets
Valuable personal possessions
In addition to Inheritance Tax, other tax considerations may arise, including Capital Gains Tax and Income Tax. Our probate solicitors can advise on all tax aspects of estate administration and assist in liaising with HMRC where required.
The length of probate depends on the complexity of the estate. Many straightforward estates are administered within six to twelve months. Factors that can affect timescales include:
Property sales
Inheritance Tax issues
Overseas assets
Business interests
Missing beneficiaries
Family disputes
Our probate solicitors work proactively to minimise delays wherever possible.
Probate is not always straightforward. Common challenges include:
Disagreements regarding wills, inheritances or estate administration can cause significant delays and increase costs. Early legal advice can help resolve issues before they escalate.
Where beneficiaries cannot be located before distribution, specialist tracing services or legal applications may be required.
Foreign property and investments may require additional legal procedures and coordination with advisers in the relevant jurisdiction.
Valuation and succession issues involving privately owned businesses can add complexity to estate administration.
Queries or investigations raised by HMRC require careful handling. Our team can advise on responding to HMRC and managing any disputed assessments.
Our team can provide practical advice on resolving probate-related complications and disputes, including through alternative dispute resolution in probate disputes.
The cost of probate varies depending on the size and complexity of the estate. Factors that may affect costs include the number of assets involved, property ownership, Inheritance Tax considerations, beneficiary issues and whether disputes arise.
For detailed information regarding probate costs and fees, please visit our dedicated Probate Fees and How Much Does Probate Cost? pages.
Administering an estate can be time-consuming, complex and emotionally challenging. Our probate solicitors can help:
Reduce delays
Avoid costly mistakes
Ensure compliance with legal obligations
Manage Inheritance Tax issues
Resolve disputes
Protect executors from personal liability
Whether you require assistance with a straightforward estate or a complex probate matter, we can provide practical support at every stage.
For more than 40 years, Lewis Nedas Law has advised executors, administrators and beneficiaries on probate and estate administration matters. We offer:
Experienced probate solicitors
Clear and practical advice
Assistance with straightforward and complex estates
Guidance on Inheritance Tax matters
Probate dispute expertise
Transparent communication throughout
As a Legal 500 Leading Firm 2026 and recognised by The Times Best Law Firms 2026, we are committed to delivering high-quality legal services and exceptional client care.
Probate gives an executor or administrator the legal authority to collect assets, settle debts and taxes, and distribute a deceased person's estate.
Yes. Probate fees are usually paid from estate funds as part of the administration costs before assets are distributed to beneficiaries.
Probate can take several months or longer depending on the estate. Factors such as property, tax issues and disputes can affect timescales. Many straightforward estates complete within six to twelve months.
If there is no valid will, the estate is administered under the rules of intestacy, and an eligible relative may apply for Letters of Administration.
Probate costs vary depending on the estate's size and complexity. Legal fees, court fees and valuation costs may all apply. See our probate costs guide for detail.
No. Whether probate is required depends on the assets involved and the requirements of the organisations holding them.
A Grant of Probate applies where there is a will. Letters of Administration are used where there is no will or no executor can act.
Yes. An executor can renounce their appointment before taking steps to administer the estate, allowing another person to act instead.
Beneficiaries may be entitled to information about the estate and, in certain circumstances, can request estate accounts.
Failure to deal with Inheritance Tax can result in delays, interest charges and penalties during the administration of the estate.
If you require expert advice regarding probate, estate administration, Inheritance Tax or executor responsibilities, contact Lewis Nedas Law today on +44 20 7387 2032 or complete our online contact form.
Our dedicated team of probate solicitors provide practical, responsive and compassionate legal support to clients throughout London and across England and Wales.
Call +44 20 7387 2032 Arrange a ConsultationThis page provides general information about probate in England and Wales and does not constitute legal advice. The appropriate course of action will depend on the facts and circumstances of each estate.
