Probate
Expert probate support from start to finish
When someone close to you passes away, dealing with their financial affairs can feel daunting. Alongside the emotional impact of bereavement, there are often complex administrative and legal responsibilities that must be managed carefully and within specific timescales.
Sumer Probate specialists provide practical, professional support to executors, administrators and families, helping to ease the burden during what is often a difficult and stressful time. Whether you need assistance with a specific aspect of the process or would like us to manage the estate administration on your behalf, we offer a service tailored to your needs.
We work closely with families to ensure estates are administered efficiently, assets are accurately valued, tax obligations are dealt with correctly, and beneficiaries receive their inheritance as smoothly as possible.
How we can help
Our probate team can support you with:
- Applying for Grants of Probate or Letters of Administration
- Identifying and valuing estate assets and liabilities
- Preparing estate accounts
- Calculating and reporting Inheritance Tax liabilities
- Liaising with HMRC, financial institutions and other third parties
- Collecting and distributing estate assets
- Advising executors on their duties and responsibilities
- Managing estate income and tax matters during administration
- Supporting beneficiaries throughout the process
- Handling complex estates involving businesses, trusts, investments or property portfolios
- Probate with a personal approach
Every estate is different, and so is every family. We take the time to understand your circumstances, explain each step clearly, and provide the guidance you need to make informed decisions. Our goal is to remove as much of the administrative burden as possible, allowing you to focus on what matters most.
With specialist expertise in tax, estate administration and family wealth matters, we provide a joined-up approach that helps minimise delays, manage risks and ensure the estate is administered efficiently and accurately.
Why choose Sumer Probate Services?
- Dedicated specialists with extensive probate and estate administration experience
- Clear, practical advice without unnecessary jargon
- Flexible support, from specific probate tasks to a fully managed service
- Expertise in inheritance tax and estate planning matters
- Compassionate guidance throughout the entire process
- Part of a wider team of tax, accounting and advisory specialists
Losing a loved one is never easy. Having the right support can make all the difference. Our experienced probate team is here to guide you through every stage of the process with sensitivity, professionalism and care.
Trusted probate expertise with compassionate support every step of the way.
Sumer Probate is licensed by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales to carry out the reserved legal activity of non-contentious probate in England and Wales. Details of our probate accreditation can be viewed at https://www.icaew.com/
Our regulator, the ICAEW, provides support for consumers and have launched a useful hub, with lots of helpful information. To see the consumer hub, please click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is probate?
Probate is the legal process of administering a person's estate after they have died. This may involve obtaining a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration, gathering assets, settling debts and taxes, and distributing the estate to beneficiaries.
Do I always need probate?
Not always. Whether probate is required depends on the nature and value of the assets involved and how they were owned. We can help determine whether probate is needed in your circumstances.
What is the difference between a Grant of Probate and Letters of Administration?
A Grant of Probate is issued when there is a valid will and named executors. Letters of Administration are typically required when there is no will or no executor is able to act.
How long does the probate process take?
Every estate is different. Timescales depend on factors such as the size and complexity of the estate, the assets involved and any tax matters that need to be resolved. We work to ensure the process is handled as efficiently as possible.
What support can you provide during probate?
We can assist with every aspect of estate administration, including obtaining probate, valuing assets, preparing estate accounts, calculating inheritance tax liabilities, dealing with HMRC and distributing assets to beneficiaries.
Can you help if I only need support with part of the process?
Yes. Some clients require help with a specific aspect of probate, while others prefer a fully managed service. We tailor our support to your individual needs.
What are an executor's responsibilities?
Executors are responsible for administering the estate, identifying assets and liabilities, settling debts and taxes, and ensuring beneficiaries receive their entitlement. We provide guidance and practical support throughout the process.
Can you help with inheritance tax?
Yes. Our specialists can calculate any inheritance tax due, prepare the necessary submissions and advise on available reliefs and exemptions where appropriate.
What happens if there is no will?
If someone dies without a valid will, their estate is distributed according to intestacy rules. We can guide administrators through the process and ensure legal requirements are met.
Can you deal with HMRC on my behalf?
Yes. We can correspond directly with HMRC regarding inheritance tax, estate income, tax clearances and other estate-related tax matters.
How are beneficiaries kept informed?
We provide clear communication throughout the administration process and can support executors with beneficiary enquiries and updates.
Can you help with complex estates?
Absolutely. We regularly assist with estates involving businesses, agricultural assets, trusts, overseas property, investment portfolios and significant inheritance tax considerations.
What does probate cost?
The fees for our services are charged on the basis of the time spent at hourly rates for the individuals involved on your assignment (the cost is dependent on the seniority of the person carrying out the work).
We will provide you with an estimate of our fee for the work that we have agreed to undertake on your behalf, prior to work starting. Additional services will be charged at the relevant hourly rates and agreed in advance.
Invoices will be raised throughout the assignment unless otherwise agreed. We do not usually demand settlement of fees until after you have obtained probate and have access to funds in the estate.
Costs incurred on your behalf such as the probate application fee will be added to our charges but are not subject to VAT.
We do not charge fees based on the value of the estate.
Why should I use a probate specialist?
Probate can involve complex legal, financial and tax responsibilities. Professional support helps ensure the estate is administered efficiently, deadlines are met, risks are managed and executors are supported throughout the process.
How soon should probate be applied for after a death?
While there is no fixed deadline, it is generally advisable to begin the probate process as soon as practical to avoid delays in administering the estate.
Can probate be completed without a solicitor?
Yes, probate can be handled personally, but many executors choose professional support to reduce the administrative burden and ensure legal and tax obligations are met correctly.
What documents are needed for probate?
Typically, documents may include the death certificate, original will (if applicable), financial information relating to assets and liabilities, and details of beneficiaries.
How is a property dealt with during probate?
Property forms part of the estate administration process and may need to be valued, transferred or sold before proceeds can be distributed.
Can Sumer Probate act as executor?
In certain circumstances, our probate specialists may be able to act as professional executors or support appointed executors throughout the administration process.
How do I get started?
Simply contact our probate team for an initial conversation. We'll explain the process, discuss your circumstances and recommend the most appropriate level of support.