Probate and Estate Administration

Clear, friendly guidance for handling a loved one’s estate, including applying for a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration, valuing assets, paying Inheritance Tax, and ensuring fair distribution to beneficiaries. Martin Shepherd Solicitors supports clients from our Potters Bar, Hertford and North Finchley offices, helping families across North London and Hertfordshire with practical legal advice, transparent costs, and steady support at every stage.

How We Can Help

Dealing with someone’s estate can feel daunting, but you don’t have to manage it alone. Our team can take care of everything for you, or just the parts you’d rather not handle yourself, including:

Applying for a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration
Identifying, valuing and collecting assets; settling liabilities
Preparing HMRC forms, calculating and paying any Inheritance Tax
Communicating with banks, insurers, organisations and beneficiaries
Finalising estate accounts and ensuring correct distribution

Solicitor discussing paperwork with a client representing compassionate legal guidance for executors, administrators and beneficiaries by Martin Shepherd Solicitors in Potters Bar, Hertford and North Finchley.

With Martin Shepherd Solicitors, you get clear advice, careful attention to detail, and steady guidance to help you through each stage.

Understanding Probate and Estate Administration

When someone close to you dies, there are often many legal and financial matters to deal with at a time when you may least feel able to manage them. Probate and estate administration is the process of confirming who can act, gathering and valuing what’s been left behind, settling any debts and taxes, and making sure everything is passed on to the right people. Whether there is a Will or not, we are here to guide you through each step and take as much of the burden from your shoulders as possible.

When probate is needed

Probate is usually required if the person who has died owned property or significant accounts in their sole name. In some cases, organisations may also request it before they release funds. We help you understand whether probate applies to your situation, outline the steps involved, and ensure the application is handled carefully from start to finish.

Executors and administrators

If there is a Will, the named executor applies for a Grant of Probate. Without a Will, a close relative can apply for Letters of Administration and becomes the administrator. Both roles carry similar responsibilities — protecting the estate, keeping accurate records, and making sure assets are shared correctly. We can provide clear guidance on each duty and practical help where needed.

Inheritance Tax and paperwork

Some estates must pay Inheritance Tax, while others benefit from exemptions or reliefs. Accurate valuations and correctly completed HMRC forms are essential to avoid delays. We handle the calculations, prepare the forms, and deal with HMRC on your behalf so everything is completed properly and within the required timescales.

Disputes and complications

Sometimes questions arise over a Will, who should act, or how assets are to be divided. These situations can be sensitive and require careful handling. We work with all parties to find a fair resolution, keep the process moving, and protect the interests of the estate and those it is intended to benefit.

The Probate and Estate Administration Process

Every estate is different, but the general process follows a clear sequence. We guide you through each stage so you always know what is happening and what comes next.

Here to Guide You Through Every Step

Managing a loved one’s estate can feel overwhelming, but it becomes far more manageable when you know what to expect. We break the process down into clear, straightforward stages, handling as much as you’d like us to take on. Over the next six slides, you’ll see the main stages we follow — from the first documents to the final distribution — so you always know where you are in the process.

Step 1: Register the death and gather key documents

This includes the death certificate, the Will (if there is one), and any financial records.

Step 2: Confirm who can act

Identify the executor named in the Will or the person entitled to apply for Letters of Administration.

Step 3: Value the estate

List and assess all assets and liabilities, and prepare any required HMRC forms for Inheritance Tax.

Step 4: Apply for the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration

Submit the application to the Probate Registry to gain legal authority to manage the estate.

Step 5: Collect assets and settle debts

Gather funds, deal with property and investments, and pay any outstanding bills or taxes.

Step 6: Prepare accounts and distribute to beneficiaries

Finalise the estate accounts and ensure everything is passed on correctly and fairly.

We’re Here When You’re Ready

You don’t have to manage an estate on your own. Whether you just want to understand what probate involves or you’re ready for us to take on the full administration, we’re here to provide clear advice, practical help, and steady guidance from start to finish.

Emotional and Practical Support

Dealing with a loved one’s estate is not only a legal process — it is also an emotional journey. We understand that this can be a time of grief, change, and uncertainty, and we aim to make the legal side as straightforward and manageable as possible. You can rely on us to listen, explain things clearly, and take on the tasks you would rather not handle yourself.

Our role is to support you both practically and personally. From completing forms and contacting institutions to answering your questions in plain language, we make sure you always know what is happening and why. We adapt our approach to your pace, so you feel in control without being overwhelmed.

Above all, we are here to put your needs first.

Local, Trusted Solicitors

With many years of experience, Martin Shepherd Solicitors has built a reputation for providing reliable, practical legal advice in probate and estate administration. We work efficiently with banks, insurers, HM Revenue & Customs, and the Probate Registry to keep matters progressing smoothly and without unnecessary delays.

Our offices in Potters Bar, Hertford and North Finchley make it easy to meet in person, and we also offer telephone and video appointments if that is more convenient. Wherever you are, you can expect the same consistent standard of care, attention to detail, and commitment to helping you through every stage of the process.

Let’s talk about what you need

If you’re dealing with a loved one’s estate and want clear guidance, we’re here to help. Speak to one of our probate and estate administration solicitors and get the right support from the start.

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