Probate &
Estate Admin

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Providing legal clarity in difficult times.

Dealing with the death of a family member can be overwhelming, and grasping the legalities at the same time can be daunting.

Our compassionate and experienced solicitors can ease the burden of probate during this difficult time. As independent legal experts, we can navigate the often complex and lengthy legal process with clarity, providing sound judgement and advice in situations where the family disagrees and whether or not a will has been written.

We can advise on the inheritance implications and make sure that the most effective claims are made to HMRC to ensure you only pay the correct amount of inheritance tax. We see too many examples of executors not knowing the rules and making incorrect claims and hence costly mistakes.

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Our services for probate & estate admin include

Grant of Probate Application
Contentious Probate (disputes)
Administration of a Deceased Estate
Beneficiary Rights
Inheritance Tax Returns
Preparing Estate Accounts
Post Death Tax Planning
Preparation of Deeds of Verification
Preparation of Deeds of Appointment

Why Choose SE-Solicitors

Understanding

With our belief that relationships really do matter, we’re focused on understanding you and your world more deeply.

Expertise

By harnessing our collective skills, knowledge, and depth of expertise, we support you to manage the unique complexity of your personal and commercial interests in a smarter way.

Insight

Naturally strategic, we’re able to see the bigger picture, solve problems and realise opportunities more effectively.

Agility

Always responsive, with a solutions orientated mindset, we get to the heart of the matter fast, enabling you to reach positive outcomes more quickly.

Our client testimonials

“The firms offers clients a reliable, efficient and very competent service in relation to contentious probate disputes.”
Client, The Legal 500 2024
“I would have no hesitation in recommending the firm to anyone encountering problems with contentious probate or administration disputes.”
Client, The Legal 500 2024
“Tom McInerney has excellent knowledge of contentious probate and administration disputes.”
Client, The Legal 500 2024

Meet our Team for Probate & Estate Admin

Lucy Gordon, Private Client Director at SE Solicitors, write a will
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Lucy Gordon

Director
01295 204000
David Endicott, Private Client, SE Solicitors, write a will
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David Endicott

Consultant
01295 204023
Tom McInerney, Private Client at SE Solicitors, write a will
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Tom McInerney

Senior Associate
01295 204092
Liliana Tomasulo, Senior Associate at SE Solicitors, Private Client, write a will
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Liliana Tomasulo

Director
01295 204144
Kristina Dunne, Private Client, SE-Solicitors, Bicester, write a will
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Kristina Dunne

Senior Associate
01869 222304
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Isabelle Draper

Paralegal
01295 204132
Julia Routen, Solicitor at SE Solicitors, Residential Property, write a will
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Julia Routen

Solicitor
01295 204012
Aimee Bowles, Private Client at SE-Solicitors, write a will
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Aimee Bowles

Probate Executive
01295 204029
Ore Smith, SE Solicitors, Private Client
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Ayo-oreOluwa Smith

Trainee Solicitor
01295 204042

Get in touch

Let us know your legal needs, complete the form to tell us your requirement and we shall respond to you with how we can help.

FAQs

Your questions answered. Take a look at some our frequently asked questions for more Information.

What is Probate and why is it necessary?
How long does the probate process typically take?
The duration varies depending on the estate’s complexity, but it generally takes several months to a year to complete from the starting date.
What happens if there is no will?
If for any reason a person has not written a will during their life, the estate will be distributed according to the rules of intestacy rather than their wishes. These rules dictate who is entitled to inherit and in what proportion.
Can probate be contested?
Yes, probate can be contested. Someone can contest a will if there are disputes over the will’s validity, concerns of undue influence, for example if there is a new spouse and the original will has been drastically changed, or if dependents were not adequately provided for in line with their needs.
What are the responsibilities of an executor?
An executor is responsible for administering the estate. The first step is ensuring that the death is registered and the death certificate is received. An executor will need to then collect assets, pay debts, VAT and other taxes, and distribute assets to beneficiaries.
Is there a way to avoid probate?
Yes, certain assets like a jointly owned house or another property, a trust, or an account with designated beneficiaries can bypass probate. Proper estate planning can help in minimising the assets that go through probate.

Probate & Estate Admin Posts

What happens when a Will goes missing?

What happens when a Will goes missing?

24 Apr 2025

A well-drafted Will can provide peace of mind for the testator (the person making the Will) and those they will eventually leave behind….

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Rise in Will Disputes Highlights Growing Challenges in Estate Planning

Rise in Will Disputes Highlights Growing Challenges in Estate Planning

4 Feb 2025

Rise in Will Disputes Highlights Growing Challenges in Estate Planning In 2023-2024 the amount of disputes over wills in England and…

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The importance of a legally drafted Will

The importance of a legally drafted Will

31 Jan 2025

The number of reports on probate disputes in the national news is increasing. In December 2024 The Times reported on the case of Leigh…

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Assisted dying – shortening death, not ending life

Assisted dying – shortening death, not ending life

25 Nov 2024

“Assisted dying – shortening death, not ending life?” The recent case of Morris v Morris and the publishing of the Assisted Dying for…

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The Importance of Considering Digital Assets in your Will

The Importance of Considering Digital Assets in your Will

19 Aug 2024

In an increasingly digital age, we lead more and more of our lives online. Despite this, very few people consider their digital assets…

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Assisted Dying – Lord Faulkner’s Private Members Bill and the Forfeiture Act 1982

Assisted Dying – Lord Faulkner’s Private Members Bill and the Forfeiture Act 1982

6 Aug 2024

The ethical debate surrounding assisted suicide is long standing, complicated and immotive and particularly since Esther Ransom’s…

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Lasting Powers of Attorney: Have you protected your future?

Lasting Powers of Attorney: Have you protected your future?

18 Jul 2024

Arranging Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) for Finance and Property and for Health and Welfare helps you prepare for your future. These…

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Probate delays persist

Probate delays persist

31 May 2024

Those of you with experience in this area, whether personal or professional, will know that these significant delays have been a problem…

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Probate – what are the risks of doing it yourself?

Probate – what are the risks of doing it yourself?

7 Mar 2024

When a loved one dies and you have been nominated as an executor in charge of sorting out their property, money and  possessions, you may…

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What do you do when a loved one dies?

What do you do when a loved one dies?

19 Feb 2024

Dealing with the death of a family member is overwhelming, and the emotional aspect can be devastating. These steps can help you to…

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HMRC investigates over 2,000 families for inheritance tax shortfalls

HMRC investigates over 2,000 families for inheritance tax shortfalls

12 Feb 2024

When someone dies it is not always necessary to instruct a solicitor to assist with the administration of their estate. Indeed, many…

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Siblings were mistakenly disinherited by their father because he couldn’t read his will

Siblings were mistakenly disinherited by their father because he couldn’t read his will

20 Oct 2023

A recent High Court judgement found that three siblings were mistakenly disinherited by their  father because he couldn’t understand his…

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