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 is it 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 1 May 2026
The whole process was a delight and I very much appreciate the professional, straight forward way in which you dealt with myself and my sister. May I thank you very much indeed for all your work in this matter and please be assured that Rothera Bray will be my first choice for any further matters of this nature.
Dr Gregg
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Posted 30 April 2026
Great support, always keeping us in the picture. A first rate service at a very competitive price. I would not hesitate to recommend Rothera Bray conveyancing services.
Simon Wilton
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Posted 29 April 2026
Ed, thank you so much for your totally efficient service over this work and especially the speed with which you have turned everything around. You really have starred throughout. We are extremely grateful to you.
Trust clients
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Posted 28 April 2026
Rothera Bray were extremely professional and employed great communication throughout the process. They talked me through the possible scenarios and what the potential outcomes might be. Both the Paralegals and the Solicitor were clear and concise during their representation and achieved the best outcome I could've hoped for. I wouldn't hesitate to use them again.
AC
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Posted 28 April 2026
I cannot recommend Rothera Bray highly enough, and in particular Emily, who is truly outstanding. Emily took on my case again and from the very beginning she showed that she is unlike other solicitors. She took the time to genuinely listen to me, understand my situation, and focus on what was right for both myself and my children. That immediately set her apart. Where other solicitors had previously pushed their own views, suggesting I accept an undertaking or advising against pursuing a non-molestation order and a section 91(14) order, Emily approached things completely differently. She looked at the full picture, put the needs of the family first, and had the confidence and knowledge to push for what was truly necessary. The outcome has made a significant difference to our lives, and I genuinely believe it would not have been achieved without her. Emily is not only highly knowledgeable and professional, but also incredibly understanding. She puts her clients first, not what is easiest or quickest to achieve, and that level of care and commitment is rare. If you are looking for a solicitor who will truly listen, stand by you, and fight for the right outcome, I would recommend Emily and the team at Rothera Bray without hesitation.
Nathan
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Posted 28 April 2026
George picked up my case following an initial telephone conversation with him at Rothera Bray Solicitors. It was quickly established my case could be accommodated and completed in line with the settlement date my former employer was seeking. During the Teams meeting, George took the time to understand the situation. He was extremely thorough and knowledgeable, clearly explained everything and suggested a change be included, that would forewarn me should any future Tax Indemnity demands arise. He communicated and successfully got this accepted by my former employer. George was on hand to answer any questions and did so promptly. He was friendly, efficient and professional throughout the whole process and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend both George and Rothera Bray to expertly handle matters.
Settlement agreement
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Posted 27 April 2026
Will and the team were very supportive and understanding from beginning to end with an excellent client-centred approach. Personable, approachable and easy to work with. I would recommend Will and Rothera Bray.
Shaun Beebe
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Posted 27 April 2026
I cannot recommend Rothera Bray highly enough, specifically Laura and Lisa, who handled my recent property purchase. From start to finish, their communication was exceptional. They were consistently responsive and maintained a level of momentum that allowed the entire process to move quickly and efficiently. What I appreciated most was their pragmatism and flexibility - they were very accommodating. A highly professional and stress-free conveyancing experience.
Jason S
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Posted 25 April 2026
I had a very positive experience with the conveyancing service, particularly working with Sara Odedra. Communication was consistently clear, and Sara provided straightforward guidance on what needed to be done at each stage of the process. Everything was handled efficiently and in a timely manner, which made the experience much less stressful. Sara was always responsive and easy to reach whenever I had questions or needed clarification...Overall, I would highly recommend Sara and her team’s services and would happily use them again in the future.
N A
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Posted 24 April 2026
Dealt with in a very professional manner any queries were explained in detail and with the draft wills. A very likeable and personable young lady. Many thanks
Wills client
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Posted 24 April 2026
We chose Rothera Bray solicitors to deal with the sale of our late father’s bungalow because our parents had always dealt with them in the past. Thank goodness we did! Lucy and Karen were excellent throughout. They were compassionate and understanding and kept us updated at all times. They were also easy to reach and most helpful if we had any queries. We would highly recommend Rothera Bray and will definitely use them in the future should the need arise.
Lynne
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Posted 24 April 2026
Excellent service, provided by Ed Granger. Ed’s professionalism, advise, knowledge and overall understanding of what we required was outstanding. The time line to complete the process was remarkable. We would not hesitate to recommend his services.
Will Soubry

Jeremy Allen
Partner & Head of Trusts and Court of Protection
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 Mapperley office. 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 Loughborough office. She is skilled in Inheritance Tax Planning and the Administration of Trusts and Estates.

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.

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 Derby city centre branch.

Mark Hopper
Managing Associate
Mark Hopper is a Managing Associate in Rothera Bray’s Wills and Probate team and specialises in the administration of taxable estates and trusts, and the drafting of Wills involving the use of trusts.

Sally Jahangir
Managing Associate
Sally Jahangir is a Managing Associate in Rothera Bray’s Private Client team and is based at our Lace Market, Nottingham office.

Eleanor Robinson
Managing Associate
Eleanor Robinson is a Wills, Probate and Trusts specialist at and is based at our West Bridgford office.

Sarah Soo
Managing Associate
Sarah Soo is a Wills and Probate specialist at Rothera Bray Solicitors and has specialised in private client work since she began her career. Sarah is currently based at both our Beeston and Nottingham offices.

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.

Amy Goodwin
Associate Solicitor
Amy Goodwin is an Associate in Rothera Bray’s Wills and Probate team and is based at our Derby office.

Sam Hardy
Associate
Sam is an Associate in Rothera Bray’s Wills, Probate and Trusts department, specialising in trusts and estates administration. He is based at our Market Harborough office.

Rebecca Lee
Associate Solicitor
Rebecca is an Associate Solicitor in our Wills & Probate team based at our Leicester office.

Jasmin Marshall
Associate Solicitor
Jasmin Marshall is an Associate Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Wills and Probate department and is based at our Mapperley office.

Libby Birt
Solicitor
Libby Birt is a Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Wills and Probate department and is based at our Loughborough office.

Toby Byford
Solicitor
Toby is a Solicitor in the firms specialist Trusts team. He is based at our Lace Market office.

Talita Fantauzzi
Solicitor
Talita Fantauzzi is a Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Wills and Probate department and is based at our Nottingham office.

Ed Granger
Solicitor
Ed is a solicitor in the firm’s specialist trusts team. He 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.

Ria Makwana
Solicitor
Ria Makwana is a Private Client Solicitor specialising in Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning and Administration, and is based at our Loughborough office.

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.

Alison Richardson
Legal Executive
Alison Richardson is a member of the wills, trust & probate team based at our Mapperley branch.

Amanda White
Private Client Executive
Amanda is a Private Client Executive in the Wills and Probate department at our Leicester office. She advises clients on a range of private client services and has been handling her own caseload since 2014.

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.

Morgan Bramley
Trainee Solicitor
Morgan is a Trainee Solicitor in our Private Client department and is based at the Mapperley office.

Isabelle Cartwright
Trainee Solicitor
Isabelle Cartwright is a Trainee Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Wills and Probate department and is based at our Loughborough office.

Sabita Kandel
Trainee Solicitor
Sabita Kandel is a Trainee Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Wills and Probate team and is based at our Beeston office.

Jack Cooper
Senior Paralegal
Jack Cooper is a Senior Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Wills and Probate department and is based in Loughborough, Leicestershire.

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. She’s based at our West Bridgford branch.

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.

Emma Seaton
Senior Paralegal
Emma Seaton is a Senior Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Wills and Probate team 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 in Derby.

Beth Ashton
Paralegal
Beth Ashton is a Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Wills and Probate department and is based at our Derby Office.

Amy Emmerson
Paralegal
Amy Emmerson is a Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Wills and Probate team and is based at our Beeston office.

Brett James
Paralegal
Brett James is a Wills and Probate Paralegal at Rothera Bray Solicitors and is based at our Lace Market, Nottingham office.

Michelle Kingston
Paralegal
Michelle Kingston is a Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Wills and Probate department and is based at our Lace Market, Nottingham branch.

Kathryn Lane
Paralegal
Kathryn Lane is a Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Wills and Probate department and is based at our Loughborough office.

Elaine Langley
Paralegal
Elaine is a Paralegal in the Wills and Probate department based at the West Bridgford 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.

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 Wills and Probate team. She is based at our Market Harborough office.

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