Probate & Estate Administration Solicitors
For some, being the executor of a loved one’s estate is an honour. For others administering their estate while grieving their loss is overwhelming. Not only can this cause more stress and upset, but it can also lead to costly mistakes.
At Rothera Bray, our Probate and Administration solicitors can offer practical support and guidance. We can also take on the responsibility of administering the estate so you can process your loss.
What is Probate?
Probate is the legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate. This involves:
- Identifying and valuing the deceased person’s assets and liabilities
- Paying off any debts and taxes owed by the estate
- Distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries named in the will
- If the deceased didn’t write a will, distributing those assets according to the rules of intestacy
- Carrying out the deceased person’s wishes as far as possible
Do I Need a Solicitor to Apply For Probate?
You do not legally need a wills and probate solicitor to apply for probate. In fact, many people deal with probate and the administration of estates on their own.
However, the process is often complex, time consuming and labour intensive. It can involve lots of complicated legal jargon, tax calculations and paperwork.
As an executor or administrator, you are legally responsible for administering an estate. As such, you will be liable for any mistakes or oversights.
When It is Best to Hire a Probate Solicitor
Dealing with probate is often complicated and hard work. Especially if things do not go according to plan.
You may need a probate solicitor if:
- You do not have the time or expertise to deal with it yourself
- The will features foreign properties or assets
- Where income or capital gains need reporting
- The will features trusts
- If there is no will
- There is disagreement among the beneficiaries or potential beneficiaries
- There are legal challenges to the will or the distribution of the estate
- The estate is insolvent
- The estate is subject to inheritance tax
We can help make the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
Why Choose Rothera Bray Probate and Estate Administration Solicitors?
At Rothera Bray, we can provide as much or as little help as you need. We offer a range of services to help you through the process. These include:
- Advising you on your legal rights and responsibilities as an executor or beneficiary
- Assisting with the valuation and distribution of assets
- Preparing and submitting the necessary paperwork to the probate registry
- Dealing with any legal challenges to the will or the distribution of the estate
- Liaising with HM Revenue and Customs to make sure you meet all tax obligations
- Managing any disputes that arise between beneficiaries or potential beneficiaries
Our estate solicitors have vast experience in supporting executors and estate administrators. We understand how difficult it can be to administer an estate. Especially when you are grieving the loss of a loved one.
We can offer a high level of expertise when you need it and take some of the responsibility away from you.
Send us a message
“We’re upfront about costs – so there’s no hidden surprises”
Kirsten Wood
Head of Wills and Probate
FAQs
There are circumstances when you do not need to apply for probate; These are;
- When an estate is joint owned by a spouse or civil partner as the estate will pass onto the surviving partner
- If the value of the estate is less than £5,000
- If banks or building societies agree to release funds without a Grant of Probate
If you are not sure if you need to apply for probate or not, we can help.
Probate takes a minimum of 6 months. However, on average, probate process takes around a year to complete. This is from the date of death to the distribution of the estate.
Once the Grant of Probate has been issued, it usually takes around six weeks to distribute the estate.
You do not have to wait.
However, under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, claimants have 6 months to start a claim against the estate.
If someone tries to make a claim against an estate that has already been distributed, it could cause huge legal problems.
As a result, it is advisable to distribute the estate 6 months after the Grant of Probate has been issued. This does mean that the estate might be distributed for well over a year.
If the debts of an estate are more than the assets, the estate is insolvent. In this case, you must pay the debts in order of priority.
- Secured debts – these are debts that are secured against a property. If the estate does not have enough money to pay all debts, it must be shared between creditors in proportion to what is owed.
- Funeral expenses – These must be reasonable, considering the total amount of debt.
- Probate costs – These are the costs incurred when executing the will and administering the estate. These include reasonable legal fees.
- Preferential debts – If the deceased employed someone, their wages are a preferential debt.
- Interest – on unsecured loans and credit cards.
- Deferred debts – including debts to family and friends.
In the UK, more than 1 in 5 people die without making a will.
When someone dies without a will, their next of kin usually administer their state according to the rules of intestacy.
When there are not any relatives to administer the estate, the HM Treasury take over and any assets go to the Crown. This means the money goes to paying off the national debt or to charity.
Administering the estate of someone who has died without a will can be extremely complicated.
Our specialist estate administration solicitors can help.
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Posted 25 April 2025
Excellent service from Carol Freeman and her team at Rothera Bray. I'm highly satisfied with her conveyancing work. Highly recommended.
Hui-Ling Kerr
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Posted 23 April 2025
Carol Freeman and her team were simply brilliant in the handling of our sale and purchase when we recently moved down to Suffolk. With their help and support a stressful and at times complicated transaction was made to seem easy.
Rex Coleman
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Posted 22 April 2025
I would highly recommend Marneya who has been a fantastic solicitor, who guided us through the process with great communication, always helpful and very patient.
Rachael Heard
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Posted 18 April 2025
This divorce started off as a very stressful time for me, but the professional support, on a very specialised subject, provided by Rothera Bray, made all the difference... I can only describe Rebecca as my “GUARDIAN ANGEL” who manifested in human form to offer guidance, support and protection. At the very first telephone call I had with Rebecca, I could sense only fantastic positive vibes, that made me feel comfortable.
A Mullath
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Posted 16 April 2025
This house move for us at my age and health conditions could have been highly stressful as well as physically and mentally challenging. I must give all credit to our representative Deepika Vadher. Her communication was swift and sharp. I genuinely felt assured that my interests were a priority. I am most grateful for such a smooth and swift outcome.
Uday Parekh
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Posted 15 April 2025
Outstanding support and customer service from Georgina & specifically Chelsey for her kind attention to every step. If you have speeding ticket issues or any motoring related issues I would highly recommend Rothera Bray!
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Posted 12 April 2025
Excellent service and communication through-out the process. The process is also totally digital thus, gave me that flexibility to conduct the transaction remotely. A target date was set and achieved. Thank you to Rothera Bray and especially Fatima! Highly recommended.
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Posted 11 April 2025
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P Lys
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Posted 11 April 2025
We used Rothera Bray for our recent house purchase. Our solicitor Abbey Freeman was absolutely brilliant and we would happily recommend to anybody. She made the entire process so smooth and stress free. Couldn't be happier with the service we received!
C Roberts
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Posted 11 April 2025
I recently had the pleasure of working with Rothera Bray Solicitors during a challenging divorce process, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. Their guidance and support were invaluable, making a difficult time much more manageable. A special shout-out to Rebecca Hudson, my solicitor, who was exceptional throughout the entire process. Rebecca's expertise, compassion, and dedication were evident from our first interaction. She provided clear, practical advice and was always available to answer my questions, no matter how small. Her professionalism and empathy helped me navigate the complexities of divorce with confidence and peace of mind.
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Posted 10 April 2025
I had an outstanding experience with Rothera & Bray, particularly with Sarrina Mills and Tina Rana. They were both incredibly professional and attentive in addressing my queries. They went above and beyond to ensure the smooth exchange of contracts and successful purchase of my property, all while working diligently to complete the process before the stamp duty increase. This is the second time I’ve worked with Rothera Bray, and once again, they have exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend the exceptional services of Sarrina and Tina.
A Yousuf
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Posted 10 April 2025
Ellie handled with our query so well and communication was great! Will definitely be using her again!
Hannah O'Flaherty
Jeremy Allen
Partner
Jeremy Allen is a Wills, Probate and Trusts specialist at Rothera Bray Solicitors and is based at our Lace Market offices in the heart of Nottingham City Centre.
Russell Dalby
Partner
Russell is a Partner based at our Market Harborough office and specialises in all areas of Private Client work. He predominantly deals with probate administration and estate planning work – such as advising on Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Inheritance Tax planning.
Ann Farnill
Partner
Ann Farnill is a Partner in Rothera Bray‘s Wills, Probate and Trusts department and is based at our Lace Market office in the heart of Nottingham city centre. She specialises in Wills, Inheritance Tax planning, Powers of Attorney including acting for lay attorneys, Estate planning and administration.
Nelissa Hicks
Partner
Nelissa is Partner at Rothera Bray with a demonstrated history of working in the legal services industry. Nelissa has over 20 years’ experience as a Wills, Probate, Tax and Trusts solicitor and is based at our Mapperley office. She is skilled in Inheritance Tax Planning and the Administration of Trusts and Estates.
Andrew Hitchon
Partner
Andrew has specialised in the private client sector for over 10 years. He is also a fully qualified TEP practitioner and deals with a wide range of legal expertise including Trusts and Tax Planning.
Richard Jackson
Partner
Richard is based at our Derby office and has over 25 years of experience dealing with all types of Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Probate / Estate Administration.
Martin Witherspoon
Partner
Martin provides advice and assistance with regard to Wills, Powers of Attorney and administration of estates at our West Bridgford Office.
Kirsten Wood
Partner & Head of Wills and Probate
Kirsten Wood leads the firm’s Wills and Probate department and is a partner with over 18 years’ experience specialising in will drafting, tax, trusts, estate administration and lasting powers of attorney.
James Briggs
Senior Associate Solicitor
James Briggs is a senior associate and private client solicitor at our Lace Market, Nottingham office.
Amelia Carruthers
Senior Associate Solicitor
Amelia Carruthers is a Senior Associate at Rothera Bray’s Derby office and is experienced in drafting wills, lasting powers of attorney, administering estates and providing tax advice and planning.
Sandra Garvey
Senior Associate
Sandra is a Senior Associate in our Wills & Probate department based at our Market Harborough office and has over 35 years in experience in dealing in all areas of Wills & Probate.
Julie Graham
Senior Associate Solicitor
Julie is a Senior Associate Solicitor in our Wills and Probate department and is based at our West Bridgford Office.
Carly Harwood
Senior Associate Solicitor
Carly Harwood is a Senior Associate Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Wills and Probate department and is based at our Derby office.
Melissa Merry
Consultant
Melissa Merry is a Consultant in our Wills and Probate department, with over 30 years of experience in private client work. Melissa is based at our Lace Market office in Nottingham city centre.
Eleanor Robinson
Senior Associate Solicitor
Eleanor Robinson is a Wills, Probate and Trusts specialist at Nottingham-based law firm Rothera Bray Solicitors and is based at our West Bridgford office.
Sarah Soo
Senior Associate Solicitor
Sarah Soo is a Wills and Probate specialist at Nottingham-based law firm Rothera Bray Solicitors and has specialised in private client work since she began her career. Sarah is currently based in our Beeston office.
Amy Goodwin
Associate Solicitor
Amy Goodwin is an Associate in Rothera Bray’s Wills and Probate team and is based at our Derby office.
Rebecca Lee
Associate Solicitor
Rebecca is an Associate Solicitor in our Wills & Probate team based at our Leicester office.
Ed Granger
Solicitor
Ed Granger is a Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Wills and Probate department and is based at our Lace Market office.
Rebecca Holmes
Legal Executive
Rebecca is a Legal Executive in our Wills & Probate team. She is based at our Lace Market office.
Jasmin Marshall
Solicitor
Jasmin Marshall is a Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Wills and Probate department and is based at our Mapperley office.
Charlotte Pinkham
Solicitor
Charlotte Pinkham is a Solicitor in our Wills & Probate department. She is based at our Leicester office.
Alison Richardson
Legal Executive
Alison Richardson is a member of the wills, trust & probate team based at our Mapperley office.
Rebekah Royles
Legal Executive
Rebekah Royles is a Legal Executive in Rothera Bray’s Wills and Probate department and is based at our Lace Market office.
Sarah Singh
Solicitor
Sarah Singh is a solicitor within Rothera Bray’s Wills and Probate Department and is based at the firm’s West Bridgford office.
Laura Windsor
Chartered Legal Executive
Laura Windsor is a Chartered Legal Executive in Rothera Bray’s Wills and Probate department and is based at our Beeston office.
Libby Birt
Private Client Executive
Libby Birt is a Private Client Executive in Rothera Bray’s Wills and Probate department and is based at our Derby office.
Lacey Glover
Private Client Executive
Lacey Glover is a Private Client Executive in Rothera Bray’s Wills and Probate department. She is based at our Beeston office but can visit clients across the East Midlands.
Sallie Poultney
Private Client Executive
Sallie is a Private Client Executive in the Private Client Department at our Market Harborough office. She advises clients on a range of private client services including Wills, Probate and Lasting Powers of Attorney.
Amanda White
Private Client Executive
Amanda is a Private Client Executive in the Private Client Department at our Leicester office. She advises clients on a range of private client services and has been handling her own caseload since 2014.
Toby Byford
Trainee Solicitor
Toby is a Trainee Solicitor in our Wills and Probate department and is currently based at our Lace Market office.
Talita Fantauzzi
Trainee Solicitor
Talita Fantauzzi is a Trainee Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Wills and Probate department and is based at our West Bridgford office.
Jack Cooper
Senior Paralegal
Jack Cooper is a Senior Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Wills and Probate department and is based at our West Bridgford office.
Anna Guy
Senior Paralegal
Anna Guy has over 10 years’ experience of working in law firms, and 7 years’ experience of dealing with Wills and Probate matters.
Rochelle Hutton
Senior Paralegal
Rochelle works in the private client team at the Market Harborough office, having joined the firm in November 2024.
Hollie Moore
Senior Paralegal
Hollie Moore is a Senior Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Wills and Probate department and is based at our Mapperley office.
Lisa Warren
Senior Paralegal
Lisa Warren is a Senior Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Wills and Probate team and is based at our Derby office.
Beth Ault
Paralegal
Beth Ault is a Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Wills and Probate department and is based at our Derby Office.
Morgan Bramley
Paralegal
Morgan is a Paralegal in our Private Client department and is based at the Lace Market office.
Brett James
Paralegal
Brett James is a Wills and Probate Paralegal at Rothera Bray Solicitors and is based at our Lace Market office.
Michelle Kingston
Paralegal
Michelle Kingston is a Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Wills and Probate department and is based at our Lace Market office.
Elaine Langley
Paralegal
Elaine is a Paralegal in the Wills and Probate department based at the West Bridgford office.
Jordan McBallantine
Paralegal
Jordan McBallantine is a paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Wills and Probate department and is based at our Mapperley office.
Morgan McGahan
Paralegal
Morgan is a Paralegal in our Wills and Probate department and is based at our West Bridgford office.
Janet Prentice
Paralegal
Janet Prentice is a Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Wills, Probate and Trusts department and is based at our Lace Market office in the heart of Nottingham city centre.
Jessica Redden
Paralegal
Jessica Redden is a Paralegal in our Wills & Probate department and is based at our Beeston office.
Sarah Simpson
Paralegal
Sarah is a Paralegal in our Wills & Probate department based at Market Harborough office.
Gill Subbarao
Paralegal
Gill Subbarao is a Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Wills and Probate department and is based at our Mapperley office.
Georgia Weller
Paralegal
Georgia is a Paralegal in our Private Client team. She is based at our Market Harborough office.
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Triple win at Nottinghamshire Law Society Awards
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