Wills, Trusts & Estates
Solicitors Chester
Secure your family's future and ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Our expert private client solicitors provide straightforward, tailored advice you and your family can follow.
Looking for help with probate and estate administration after a bereavement? Visit our Probate & Estate Administration section →
Our Expertise
Our Wills, Trusts & Estates Services
Comprehensive private client services handled with sensitivity and expertise.
Will Writing
Although many people are reluctant to think about writing a will, it is essential to be prepared. Our team will listen sympathetically and point out any possible issues so we can write a will that not only reflects your wishes, but can be enforced in court when the time comes.
Get started todayProbate Administration
Sensitive and efficient support to executors navigating the probate process after a bereavement.
Learn moreInheritance Tax Planning
Expert advice to minimise your inheritance tax liability and protect your estate.
Lasting Power of Attorney
Appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity.
Will Trusts
Flexible trust arrangements to protect assets and provide for your family's future.
Contentious Probate
Disputing or defending a will — expert representation in contested estate matters.
Estate Administration
Full estate administration service, handling all aspects of winding up an estate.
Why PDA Law
Plan Your Legacy with Confidence
Our Wills, Trusts & Estates team has successfully dealt with a high number of cases resulting in a high rate of satisfied clients. Whether arranging your own future, or dealing with a loved one's wishes, we will handle your case in a sensitive and respectful manner.
We also handle dispute cases — filing a claim against contentious probate or defending a will against any challenge. Our team includes Laura Kirton, David Stahler, Nikolina Vukovic, and Darren Steele.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I make a will?
Without a will, your estate is distributed according to the rules of intestacy, which may not reflect your wishes. A will ensures your assets go to the people you choose.
What happens if someone dies without a will?
Their estate is distributed under the intestacy rules. This may mean a partner who is not married to the deceased receives nothing, even after many years together.
What is probate and when is it needed?
Probate is the legal process of administering a deceased person's estate. It is usually needed when the estate includes property or significant assets.
How long does probate take?
A straightforward estate can take 6–12 months. Complex estates or those involving disputes can take considerably longer.
Can I update my will after it's been made?
Yes — you can update your will at any time by making a new will or adding a codicil. We recommend reviewing your will after major life events.
Our Fees
Wills, Probate & Estate Planning — Price & Service Information
As a firm regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), we are required to publish transparent pricing information for probate services. The fees below are indicative. Your exact quote will be confirmed in writing before any work begins.
Probate & Estate Administration
| Service | Our Fee |
|---|---|
| Grant of Probate only (no estate administration) | From £750 + VAT |
| Full estate administration (up to £325,000) | From £2,500 + VAT |
| Full estate administration (£325,001–£650,000) | From £3,500 + VAT |
| Full estate administration (over £650,000) | From £5,000 + VAT |
| Intestacy (no will) estate administration | From £3,000 + VAT |
Wills & Lasting Powers of Attorney
| Service | Our Fee |
|---|---|
| Single Will | From £175 + VAT |
| Mirror Wills (couple) | From £295 + VAT |
| Will with trust provisions | From £350 + VAT |
| Lasting Power of Attorney (single, property & financial) | From £450 + VAT |
| Lasting Power of Attorney (single, health & welfare) | From £450 + VAT |
| Both LPAs (property & health) — single person | From £800 + VAT |
| Both LPAs (property & health) — couple | From £1,400 + VAT |
Disbursements (Additional Costs)
Disbursements are costs payable to third parties on your behalf and are in addition to our legal fees.
| Disbursement | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Probate Registry fee | £300 (estates over £5,000) — set by HMRC |
| Copies of Grant of Probate | £1.50 per copy |
| Bankruptcy search | £2 per beneficiary |
| Land Registry search | £3–£6 per title |
| Statutory notices (London Gazette / local press) | Typically £150–£300 |
| LPA Office of the Public Guardian registration fee | £82 per LPA (set by OPG) |
Who Will Handle Your Matter?
Your matter will be handled by a qualified solicitor experienced in private client work. You will be informed of the fee earner assigned to your case at the outset.
How Long Will It Take?
A straightforward probate grant typically takes 3–6 months. Full estate administration can take 6–18 months. Will preparation is usually completed within 2 weeks of your initial meeting.
Client Testimonials
What Our Clients Say
“Darren explained everything clearly and made the whole process straightforward. We now have wills, lasting powers of attorney and a trust in place — and complete peace of mind that our family is protected.”
Richard & Anne B.
Wills & LPA, Chester
* Names and identifying details changed to protect client confidentiality. Testimonials reflect genuine client experiences.
Your Wills & Probate Specialists
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 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.
FAQs
Wills, Probate & Estate Planning — Common Questions
Our Team
Speak to a Member of Our Team
Nikolina Vukovic
Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning Solicitor
Nikolina specialises in wills, trusts and estate planning. She works with clients to understand their wishes and create tax-efficient plans that protect their families and assets. She is particularly experienced in inheritance tax planning and complex trust structures.
- ✓ Wills & estate planning
- ✓ Inheritance tax planning
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- ✓ Lasting Powers of Attorney
Secure Your Family's Future Today
Don't leave it to chance. Our expert wills and probate solicitors in Chester will ensure your wishes are clearly documented and legally enforceable. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
SRA Regulated
Sensitive Service
Fixed Fee Options
374+ 5-Star Reviews