Probate Solicitors in Chester
Compassionate, expert probate solicitors in Chester, Cheshire and North Wales. We guide you through every stage of the probate process — from applying for the grant to full estate administration.
Our probate services include:
- Applying for probate
- Letters of administration
- Full estate administration
- Inheritance tax advice
- Executor support & advice
- Disputed estates
- Selling property in probate
- Overseas assets
Why Use a Probate Solicitor?
Dealing with a loved one's estate is one of the most difficult tasks many people face — often at an already emotional time. The probate process involves legal, financial, and administrative responsibilities that can be complex and time-consuming.
A specialist probate solicitor will take the burden off your shoulders, ensure the process is handled correctly, and protect you from the risk of personal liability as an executor. We deal with HMRC, the Probate Registry, banks, and other institutions on your behalf.
We work on a transparent, fixed fee basis wherever possible — so you know exactly what you are paying before any work begins.
Protect yourself
Executors can be personally liable for errors. We ensure the process is handled correctly.
Save time
We handle all correspondence with HMRC, the Probate Registry, banks and other institutions.
Minimise tax
We identify all available reliefs and exemptions to minimise the inheritance tax burden.
Reduce stress
We take the burden off your shoulders at an already difficult time.
Our Probate Services
From straightforward grant applications to complex estate administration and disputed estates — we cover the full range of probate services.
Applying for Probate
We handle the entire probate application process — from valuing the estate and completing inheritance tax forms to obtaining the grant of probate.
Full Estate Administration
We take on the full administration of the estate — collecting assets, paying debts, dealing with HMRC, and distributing to beneficiaries.
Disputed Estates
Specialist advice on contentious probate — challenging or defending wills, Inheritance Act claims, executor disputes and contested estates.
Inheritance Tax & Probate
Expert advice on inheritance tax in the context of probate — reliefs, exemptions, and strategies to minimise the tax burden on the estate.
Executor Advice
Practical guidance for executors on their duties, responsibilities, and potential personal liability — at every stage of the probate process.
Selling a House During Probate
Advice on selling a property that forms part of an estate — including timing, legal requirements, and coordination with the conveyancing process.
The Probate Process
A clear, step-by-step guide to how we handle probate — from initial consultation to final distribution.
Free Initial Consultation
We listen to your situation, explain the probate process, and provide a clear costs estimate — before any commitment.
Value the Estate
We help you identify and value all assets and liabilities in the estate, including property, investments, bank accounts, and personal possessions.
Inheritance Tax
We complete the relevant inheritance tax forms, advise on available reliefs and exemptions, and liaise with HMRC on your behalf.
Apply for Probate
We prepare and submit the probate application to the Probate Registry and obtain the grant of probate or letters of administration.
Administer the Estate
We collect assets, pay debts and liabilities, deal with any property sales, and prepare estate accounts.
Distribute to Beneficiaries
Once all debts are paid and accounts agreed, we distribute the estate to the beneficiaries in accordance with the will or intestacy rules.
Our Probate Team
Specialist probate solicitors with the expertise and sensitivity to guide you through every stage.
Our Probate Team
Speak to a Member of Our Team
Nikolina Vukovic
Legal Executive — Wills, Trusts & Estates
Nikolina specialises in probate, wills, trusts and estate administration. She supports clients through what is often one of the most difficult periods of their lives — from straightforward administrations to complex estates involving property, inheritance tax and sensitive family circumstances.
Darren Steele
Senior Private Client Executive · STEP Member
Darren has worked in the legal sector since 1998 and has been a STEP member since 2011. He specialises in wills, trusts, lasting powers of attorney and probate — with particular expertise in inheritance tax planning and complex estate structuring.
Laura Kirton
Wills & Probate Solicitor · 10 Years Qualified
Laura is a qualified solicitor with ten years' post-qualification experience, specialising in wills, probate, and lasting powers of attorney. Known for her calm, methodical approach, she brings both legal expertise and genuine insight to every matter — particularly in emotionally complex family situations.
David Stahler
Wills, Trusts & Estates Executive
David is our first point of contact for clients enquiring about probate and estate planning. He brings a warm, personable approach to what can be a sensitive subject — and clients consistently remark on how at ease he makes them feel. Discreet, approachable, and thorough.
Speak to a Probate Solicitor Today
Compassionate, expert probate advice in Chester, Cheshire and North Wales. Costs explained clearly before any work begins.
Free initial consultation. No obligation.
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Probate Solicitor FAQs
What do probate solicitors do?
Probate solicitors assist with the legal process of administering a deceased person's estate. This includes applying for the grant of probate (or letters of administration), valuing the estate, completing inheritance tax forms, collecting assets, paying debts, and distributing the estate to beneficiaries. They can also advise on disputed estates and contentious probate matters.
Do I need a probate solicitor?
You are not legally required to use a solicitor for probate, but professional advice is strongly recommended in most cases. Probate can be complex — particularly where the estate includes property, business assets, foreign assets, or inheritance tax issues. Errors can be costly and can expose executors to personal liability. A probate solicitor will ensure the process is handled correctly and efficiently.
How much do probate solicitors charge?
Probate solicitor fees vary depending on the complexity of the estate. Some solicitors charge a percentage of the estate value; others charge by the hour or on a fixed fee basis. We provide a clear, transparent costs estimate before any work begins. For straightforward estates, fixed fees are often available. Contact us for a personalised quote.
How long does probate take with a solicitor?
The time taken to obtain probate depends on the complexity of the estate and current Probate Registry waiting times. A straightforward grant of probate typically takes 3–6 months from instruction. Full estate administration — including collecting assets, paying debts, and distributing to beneficiaries — typically takes 9–12 months for a straightforward estate, longer for complex ones.
What is the difference between probate and estate administration?
Probate refers specifically to the process of obtaining the grant of probate (or letters of administration) from the Probate Registry — the legal document that authorises the executor to deal with the estate. Estate administration is the broader process of collecting assets, paying debts, and distributing the estate to beneficiaries. Probate is one step in the estate administration process.
Can probate solicitors help with disputed estates?
Yes — we have specialist expertise in contentious probate, including challenging or defending wills, Inheritance Act claims, executor disputes, and contested estates. If you are involved in a probate dispute, seek advice as soon as possible — time limits apply to some types of claim.
Explore Further
Related Probate Services
Related: Lasting Power of Attorney
Dealing with a loved one's estate often prompts people to put their own affairs in order. A Lasting Power of Attorney ensures someone you trust can manage your affairs if you ever lose capacity — avoiding the need for a costly Court of Protection application.
Related: Wills, Trusts & Estates
Probate is closely connected to will writing, trust planning and inheritance tax. Our wills, trusts and estates team can help you plan ahead — so that when the time comes, the administration of your estate is as straightforward as possible.