Expert Guidance For Probate and Wills. 

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Expert Probate Guidance

At Vault Private Client, we understand that losing a loved one is one of life’s most difficult experiences. Alongside grief, the time-consuming task of dealing with legal and financial matters can feel overwhelming. That’s where our specialist solicitors step in.

Whether you need to apply for probate, deal with wills, or manage the estate of someone who died without a will under the rules of intestacy, we provide clear, compassionate guidance from start to finish.

Our STEP-qualified team has experience with:

  • High-value and complex estates, including trusts, agricultural land, and business assets
  • Estates with overseas property or non-UK domicile considerations
  • Coordinating with accountants, valuers, banks and building societies, and HM Revenue & Customs to complete the process efficiently

We ensure every legal document is handled correctly, deadlines are met, and beneficiaries are supported — giving you confidence and peace of mind at a difficult time.

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Frequently Asked Questions.

  • 1. What is probate?
    It is the process of dealing with a deceased person's estate: clearing debts, paying inheritance tax, and distributing assets according to their will (or intestacy rules if no valid will exists). Executors/trustees named in the will or administrators under the Non-Contentious Probate Rules 1987 can carry out this work independently, but it involves extensive duties and responsibilities requiring a high standard of care to administer the estate. For high net worth estates, probate requires detailed accounts, taxation reporting, and valuations to ensure correct inheritance tax payment. We strongly recommend that you seek legal advice to ensure assets are valued and distributed correctly.
  • 2. Do I need a grant of probate?
    When appointed as executor or administrator, you'll likely need to apply for a Grant of Probate or Grant of Letters of Administration - the court-sealed document granting authority to collect and distribute assets. Grants are required for certain estates, such as when the deceased held solely owned property or investments above certain thresholds. However, simpler, lower-value estates may not require a grant. This is determined case-by-case based on the nature, ownership, and value of assets. Joint assets don't require probate and pass by 'survivorship' provisions, though an IHT return may still be required.

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Our Probate Process

Step-by-step probate support from death registration to final estate distribution.

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Types of Grants

Clear guidance on applying for the correct grant of representation, including grant of probate or letters of administration.

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Inheritance Tax & Estate Planning

Expert advice to manage and reduce inheritance tax liabilities, ensuring your estate remains tax efficient.

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Bereavement & Family Support

Compassionate guidance and resources to support you and your family through grief and loss.

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Deed of Variation

Redirect inheritances to reduce tax, protect assets, and support long-term estate planning.

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Estate Administration Services

Tailored support to apply for probate, collect assets, prepare estate accounts, and distribute funds legally.

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International Probate Support

Specialist probate advice for estates involving overseas assets, Northern Ireland, or non-UK domiciles.

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Estate Distribution

Guidance on who inherits under wills or rules of intestacy, ensuring fair, legal estate distribution.

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Administration Extras

Practical support with house clearance, insurance, valuations, and other estate administration extras.

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Want To Know More?

Contact our team today to discuss our probate services in more detail.

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Testimonials

  • I’ve consistently referred clients and personal contacts to Russ and Lucy at Vault Private Client, and I do so with complete confidence. I trust that anyone I recommend will be looked after with genuine care and professionalism. They’re not just technically sharp, but have the ability to explain complex legal matters in a way that’s clear and easy to understand. Their attention to detail is exceptional and they avoid drowning clients in jargon or unnecessary complexity. That balance of expertise and approachability is what really sets them apart. I wouldn’t hesitate to keep recommending Russ or Lucy to anyone looking for trusted, high-quality legal support

    James

  • My parents were so pleased that you were taking care of their affairs. All your hard work and diligence was very reassuring to both my parents.

    Probate Client

  • "Thank you for your very kind email, I can now have closure and move forward. Thank you so much for always showing compassion, professionalism and kindness. You have made dealing with my aunt's estate easier for me. Wishing you all the very best for the future."

    Probate Client
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BECAUSE WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU.

At Vault Private Client, we combine technical expertise with genuine care.

Whether you’re looking to apply for probate, resolve issues around probate and wills, or simply need guidance through the probate process in the UK, we’re here to give you clarity and confidence.

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"Thank you for your very kind email, I can now have closure and move forward. Thank you so much for always showing compassion, professionalism and kindness. You have made dealing with my aunt's estate easier for me. Wishing you all the very best for the future."

PROBATE CLIENT