Probate solicitors and estate administration
Whatever you need to know about wills and probate we can help. Coping with someone’s death is stressful. We’re here to support you with sorting out the estate and getting probate.
Estate administration solicitors: Expert legal advice
Death is never easy to cope with and sorting out the estate can be very stressful. We’re here to make it quicker and easier for you and there's no upfront fee. This is because our bill (known as the probate fee) is part of the costs that the estate must settle before the remaining assets are distributed.
Our specialist services include:
- Probate services – includes sorting out issues associated with money, property, tax, obtaining the Grant of Probate and distributing the deceased person’s money and possessions after paying any taxes and debts.
- Deeds of variation – to enable someone to give money that they have inherited in someone's will, to another person.
- International estate planning – managing any fixed assets you have abroad, such as a house. Our team of international probate solicitors help with: global wills, resealing foreign grants of representation, UK grants of representation of a foreign will and succession planning when you have assets abroad.
Wills, Trusts and Probate FAQ's
Call our specialist solicitors on 0808 231 1320
We’re here to help
Our specialist lawyers are based in:
- Cambridgeshire: Cambridge
- Essex: Brentwood, Chelmsford, and Saffron Walden
- Hertfordshire: Bishop's Stortford and Royston
But we can help you wherever you are in England and Wales.
Talk to an expert
-
Andrea Nicholls
Consultant,
Cambridge office
Meet Andrea -
Helen Cox
Associate, Wills, Trusts, Tax and Probate
Chelmsford office
Meet Helen -
Cathy Izzard
Consultant, Wills, Trusts, Tax and Probate
Bishop's Stortford office
Meet Cathy -
Catherine Mowat
Senior Partner, Wills, Trusts, Tax and Probate
Cambridge office
Meet Catherine
Testimonials
Legal 500 UK 2025
South East - Beds, Bucks, Herts
I have recently been involved in a long and protracted probate involving the estate of my sister. Throughout this three year period I have received help and support of a high order. In particular from Nicola Havers who has been very understanding and sympathetic to my situation. Another stand out member is Andy MacDonald whose integrity and fair mindedness could not be faulted in any way.
Legal 500 UK 2025
South East - Beds, Bucks, Herts
Nicola Havers has exceptional client focus, understanding and listening skills.
Legal 500 UK 2025
Essex
Tees has a broad range of specialists who are available face to face, virtually or by email.
Legal 500 UK 2023
Essex
This is a one-stop shop for all issues relating to wills, probate, tax.
Legal 500 UK 2025
Essex
I can honestly say that I have complete confidence when referring clients or friends. I know they'll be dealt with in a professional and friendly manner whether it be the solicitor or support staff.
Legal 500 UK 2025
Essex
The practice offers an excellent personal service, and they respond quickly to any requests or questions. They have been so helpful in explaining the legal side of probate.
Legal 500 UK 2025
Beds, Bucks, Herts
My wife and I have been dealing with the Will writing team and at all times have been kept posted on progress and all my questions have been answered quickly and been easy to understand.
Legal 500 UK 2025
Beds, Bucks, Herts
I have recently been involved in a long and protracted probate involving the estate of my sister. Throughout this three year period I have received help and support of a high order.
Legal 500 UK 2025
Beds, Bucks, Herts
Tees have consistently delivered prompt advice. They demonstrate empathy in difficult situations and help client navigate towards solutions. Tees work as a team and are able to services of relevant colleagues as and when needed.
Legal 500 UK 2025
Beds, Bucks, Herts
This practice has always had a good reputation in Bishop's Stortford and I have been dealing with them for many years now. I have had excellent advice and help from everyone I have dealt with at the offices in Bishop's Stortford.
Legal 500 UK 2025
East Anglia - Cambridge
I've never found an area where Tees have been unable to help. There is, therefore, considerable strength across the organisation. I wouldn't currently go elsewhere as I suspect that Tees can address most of my needs. The individuals also have good contacts outside of the practice. The people are all very helpful, billing is reasonable and clearly outlined ahead of time. I have always found Tees accessible and helpful.
Legal 500 UK 2025
East Anglia - Cambridge
The service we have received has been everything we hoped for and required for probate.
Legal 500 UK 2024
Beds, Bucks, Herts
Letitia Glaister stands out as very responsive and helpful. Her pragmatic approach and can do attitude are welcomed by clients.
Legal 500 UK 2024
Cambridge
Christopher Claxton-Shirley and Sharon Chan have both been excellent.
Legal 500 UK 2024
Beds, Bucks, Herts
Sarah Walker is exceptional in helping us with wills in France and UK. She listens brilliantly, responds appropriately, and gave clear and simple principles to work to.
Legal 500 UK 2024
Essex
Ian Johnston is a fine example of the firm's ability to deliver a human approach to what can be very serious discussions.
Legal 500 UK 2024
East Anglia, Cambridge
Catherine Mowat is efficient, professional and compassionate.
Legal 500 UK 2024
East Anglia, Cambridge
We have dealt with Catherine Mowat for all our family matters, and she has proved to be personable and helpful. Her knowledge has been extensive. Any associates that we have dealt with have also been pleasant and helpful.
Legal 500 UK 2024
'Tees have been our family’s solicitors for over 25 years. Always setting an exemplary standard, Tees are a well-established, friendly and professional firm that deals with you in a personal manner. You feel confident in their ability to provide sound advice to suit your specific circumstances. I would have no hesitation in recommending Tees'
Legal 500 UK 2024
'A friendly, people-oriented approach to client relations and concise document drafting. They can communicate legal terms in layman’s language and are excellent at teasing out the pros and cons of various alternatives'
Legal 500 UK 2024
'Ian Johnston is a fine example of the ability of the firm to deliver the human approach to what can be very serious discussions'
When someone dies - frequently asked questions
This is a generic term covering official documentation that proves that you have the right to manage the estate of the deceased. If there is a named executor, they usually submit an application for grant of probate. If there is a valid Will but the named executors are unable or unwilling to act, then letters of administration with Will annexed will need to be obtained. If there was no will, then letters of administration will need to be obtained. Letters of administration with Will annexed and letters of administration serve similar function to that of the grant of probate. Grant of representation is the phrase that covers all three phrases.
The document itself, and sometimes the process of getting it from the Court and using it to administer the estate, can often be referred to as probate.
When someone dies, probate is the process of managing and passing on their property, money and other assets to others, once any debts, taxes and other costs have been paid. If the deceased person made a will, they will have named someone to carry out these tasks. That person is known as the Will's executor.
People who may be able to claim against an estate under the Inheritance Act 1975 include:
- wife, husband or civil partner of the deceased
- former wife, husband or civil partner of the deceased
- unmarried cohabiting partner of the deceased
- biological children or grandchildren of the deceased
- anyone who was financially dependent on the deceased.
A Will can be contested on a number of grounds:
- lack of capacity
- undue influence
- lack of knowledge and approval
- invalid execution
- the Will is a forgery or a result of fraud
- mistake or drafting errors.
Once the basis of your claim has been notified to the executors and beneficiaries, the executors of the Will usually take a neutral position in respect of the claim, which is negotiated and progressed with the beneficiaries of the estate.
The basis on which a Will might be contested will depend on the particular circumstances. Evidence might be gathered from witnesses, documents and/or experts. A specialist solicitor will be able to represent you and advise as to how best to proceed.
