What if there is not a Will?

If there is not a Will then the Intestacy Rules apply and dictate who inherits.

Please see our earlier section ‘Obtaining Probate/Letters of Administration’ – it is a document called Letters of Administration that is needed for a family member to have formal authority to sort out the Deceased persons financial affairs.

Should I use my bank/funeral directors/financial advisers?

The short answer is no. They are highly likely to charge you a lot of money for assistance – far more than a solicitor will – and your matter will almost certainly not be dealt with by a solicitor, or even a legally trained person.

How long does it take?

As every estate is different, there is no definite answer to this question. But we always make sure that all matters are dealt with as quickly as they possibly can be, and there are no unnecessary delays.

We will also advise you at the first meeting we have with you as to the likely timeframe for dealing with everything, and if we fall behind this estimate for any reason we will explain to you why.