Don't leave your wishes to strangers to decide
Obtaining probate ensures that the administration of your estate is carried out in accordance with the law. It grants the executor of your will the legal authority to distribute your assets, pay any outstanding debts, and manage your estate as intended.
This ultimately simplifies and expedites the process for your beneficiaries.
Probate helps prevent unauthorised access to your estate by confirming the validity of your will and the appointed executor.
This added layer of protection safeguards your assets and ensures that they are distributed according to your wishes, minimising the risk of fraud or mismanagement.
In the event of disagreements or contests over your will, probate serves as a neutral legal process to resolve disputes between parties.
This can help maintain harmony among your loved ones and ensure that your final wishes are honoured, providing peace of mind to both you and your beneficiaries.
At RedLake, we recognise the importance of providing professional and compassionate probate services to help you and your loved ones navigate the complexities of estate administration. Our experienced team is dedicated to offering personalised guidance and support throughout the entire process, ensuring that your estate is managed according to your wishes.
Based in Tamworth, Staffordshire, we offer home visits across the surrounding four counties, making it convenient for you to take control of your estate and ensure your loved ones' well-being.
Don't let the complexities of probate overwhelm you or your family during a difficult time. Trust RedLake's expert probate services to manage your estate with professionalism and compassion. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you secure your legacy and protect your loved ones' future.
Comprehensive Support
Our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way, from the initial consultation to the final distribution of assets. We'll work hand-in-hand with you to navigate the complexities of probate, ensuring a hassle-free experience for you and your family.
Expert Legal Guidance
With years of experience in estate administration, our probate specialists possess the knowledge and expertise to address any legal challenges that may arise during the process. Rest assured that your estate will be managed in accordance with the law and your wishes.
Affordable Pricing
We believe that everyone deserves access to professional probate services, regardless of their financial situation. That's why we offer competitive pricing and flexible payment options to accommodate your needs and budget.
Generally, individuals can create a will if they are at least 18 years old and possess testamentary capacity. While there are a few exceptions to the minimum age requirement in exceptional situations, the standard rule is that the ability to create a will – similar to the ability to own property – commences once an individual attains the age of majority, which is 18.
In the United Kingdom, children can inherit property, which is often placed into an estate trust that they can access at a later stage in their lives.
In England and Wales, you enjoy near-total liberty to bequeath your estate to whomever you desire. After all, it's your property! To determine the beneficiaries of your estate, create a will and explicitly state your wishes. If you don't, the law intervenes and dictates the distribution of your assets.
We understand that creating a legally binding will and securing the future of your loved ones can seem like a daunting task. However, we believe that everyone should have access to affordable estate planning. That's why we offer easy-to-use tools to help you create legal wills, trusts, and probate documents at a fraction of the cost of other providers. When you work with us, you can have peace of mind knowing that your family's future is protected and your wishes will be carried out.
Fantastic Will Writing Service. Simplicity from start to finish. From beginning to end it took 9 working days.
This was my first ever experience of making a Will, and at 70 years of age, I feel a burden has now been lifted off my shoulders. Highly recommended!
I’m very happy with the service provided by Phill and Gaynor at Redlake UK Limited.
I needed a lot of help to make my Will and LAPs which was always provided in a very efficient and friendly manner. I couldn’t ask for more.
Will Writing, Lasting Power of Attorney, Probate & Estate Planning
When it comes to estate planning and wills, the role of an executor is crucial. Whether you find yourself appointed as an executor or are considering whom to choose for your own will, it's important to understand the responsibilities and considerations involved. In this blog post, we'll provide you with a comprehensive overview of what an executor is and address common questions surrounding this vital role.
An executor is an individual designated in a will to manage and settle the estate of the deceased person. The estate encompasses all their possessions, properties, and finances. Acting as the legal representative, the executor carries out various tasks to ensure the orderly distribution of assets and fulfilment of the deceased person's wishes.
When creating a will, selecting the right executor(s) requires careful thought. Since the role involves significant work and responsibility, it's essential to choose someone you trust implicitly and who is willing to carry out the necessary duties. Ideally, you should discuss the responsibilities with your chosen executor(s) beforehand to ensure their willingness to fulfil the role.
Executors can be friends, family members, or individuals close to you. They don't have to be related to you, but it's important to consider their ability to handle the responsibilities associated with the role. Additionally, those chosen as executors may also be beneficiaries of your will.
To distribute the responsibility and provide a backup in case one executor is unable to fulfill their duties, it is recommended to appoint at least two executors. Having multiple executors can help ensure that the process proceeds smoothly and efficiently.
In situations where you lack suitable candidates or have a complex estate, you may choose to appoint a professional executor, such as a solicitor or an accountant. Professional executors have experience in handling intricate estates and can provide valuable expertise. It's important to note that professional executors charge fees for their services, which will be deducted from your estate.
If you find yourself appointed as an executor, you will have various responsibilities to fulfill:
Securing the deceased person's property promptly after their passing.
Collecting all assets, including money and property, belonging to the estate.
Settling any outstanding taxes and debts using funds from the estate.
Distributing the estate's assets to the beneficiaries named in the will.
Probate is the legal process that grants the executor the authority to handle the deceased person's estate. To apply for probate, you will need to complete specific forms, including form PA1 and the relevant Inheritance Tax form. These forms, along with supporting documents, should be submitted to the local probate registry, accompanied by the appropriate fee.
Inheritance Tax may be applicable if the value of the estate exceeds a certain threshold. It is essential to obtain a professional valuation for significant assets like properties or investments and provide detailed information to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
Distributing the estate to the beneficiaries is one of the final steps of the executor's role. This includes honoring any specific bequests mentioned in the will and preparing estate accounts for each beneficiary. It's crucial to keep detailed records of all transactions and activities related to the estate to address any future inquiries.
Whether you've been elected as an executor or are in the process of selecting your own executors, it can be an overwhelming experience.
So if you need assistance with any or all of the above mentioned points, we're more than happy to help. Simply get in touch or schedule a consultation call with us HERE and we'll help you through the process.