Probate Guides & FAQs

Dealing with probate after the death of a loved one can feel overwhelming — particularly at a time of grief. PDA Law's probate team provides compassionate, expert guidance to executors, administrators and families across Chester, Cheshire, North Wales and the Wirral. We handle everything from straightforward grant applications to complex multi-jurisdictional estates.

Probate is the legal process by which a deceased person's estate is administered. It involves obtaining the grant of probate (or letters of administration where there is no will), collecting and valuing assets, paying debts and taxes — including inheritance tax — and distributing the estate to beneficiaries in accordance with the will or the intestacy rules.

Not every estate requires probate. Jointly held assets pass automatically to the surviving owner without the need for a grant. Small estates with limited bank balances may also not require probate. However, if the estate includes a property in the deceased's sole name, or if financial institutions require a grant before releasing funds, probate will almost certainly be needed.

Inheritance tax is a significant consideration in many estates. The standard nil-rate band is £325,000 per person, with an additional residence nil-rate band of up to £175,000 where a family home is left to direct descendants. Careful planning — through wills, trusts, lifetime gifting and other strategies — can significantly reduce the inheritance tax liability on an estate. Our wills and estate planning team can advise on IHT planning as part of a broader estate planning review.

At PDA Law, we offer a fixed-fee service for straightforward probate applications and a tailored service for more complex estates. All fees are confirmed in writing before any work begins. Call us on 01244 757 352 or contact us online for a free initial discussion.