AHJ Wills & Estates

Probate and Estate Administration.

Dealing with an estate

Probate

AHJ Wills & Estates can help with many aspects of the probate and estate administration process.

Lost mum or dad?

Let us answer some of the most common questions regarding probate and estate administration.

The Probate process explained...

Read Andrew’s article about the probate process and hear about how the experienced team here at AHJ WIlls & Estates can help.

Probate and Estate Administration

Losing a loved one is never easy, and dealing with their estate can feel overwhelming at such a difficult time. Probate and estate administration is the legal process of collecting assets, paying any debts and taxes, and distributing what remains to beneficiaries.

At AHJ Wills & Estates, we provide compassionate and efficient support with probate and estate administration. Whether you are named as an executor in a Will or are responsible for dealing with an estate where no Will exists, our team can guide you through the process or take care of everything on your behalf.

What does probate involve?

The probate process in England and Wales usually includes:

Applying for the Grant of Probate (if there is a Will) or Letters of Administration (if there is no Will).
Identifying, valuing, and collecting the deceased’s assets.
Paying any outstanding debts, liabilities, and taxes, including inheritance tax.
Distributing the estate to beneficiaries in line with the Will or intestacy rules.

What our clients say…

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 20 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
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   Elisabetta Barbazza 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent service from Julie Booth. She was extremely helpful, professional, and took the time to explain everything in simple terms. Julie helped sort out both my partner’s and my will, and made the whole experience straightforward and reassuring.
  
 
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   Darren Harwood 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. An excellent service - Julie Booth was very knowledgeable and made the whole process of sorting both my wife and myself Wills a simple process and has now given us peace of mind that we have everything in place for the future - I would highly recommend this service to others
  
 
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   Richard Roebuck 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thanks Julie, great support and patience with us!!
  
 
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   Glyn Stanton 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Julie Booth of AHJ Wills was so helpful and professional in the service they provided. Everything was explained in simple terms that made the process easy and stress free. Highly recommended.
  
 
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   Jane Gregory 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Andrew Askwith,  along with his colleagues Victoria and Josh,  have ensured that the making of our Wills and arranging POAs has been stress free.  They have given us excellent guidance throughout the process and have always been available whenever needed to answer queries.   We have no hesitation in recommending AJH Wills & Estates Ltd
  
 
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   Paul Grainger 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. From my first consultation meeting with Andrew I was immediately impressed with his extensive knowledge, integrity and excellent customer service. I was completley satisfied with the service that was provided and I wouldnt hesitate in recommending AHJ Wills & Estates Ltd to anyone looking for help writing a will or Lasting Power of Attorney.
  
 
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   Amir Goni 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Andrew and his team have been outstanding throughout all our dealings with them. They are very knowledgeable, professional and courteous as well as being excellent communicators and keeping us updated regularly which makes the process so much better from a customer perspective. I would definitely recommend them to family and friends.
  
 
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   Andrea Driscoll 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I chose Andrew of AHJ Wills to produce my will as there were certain clauses which I needed including. Andrew talked me through the whole process and listened to my requirements.  I would be more than happy to recommend Andrew as your trustworthy Will Writer
  
 
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   Lisa Booker 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can't recommend Andrew enough! He took the time giving us face to face guidance, explaining everything clearly and answering any questions that we had. He put us at ease when discussing personal information and is very knowledgeable and personable. Definitely five stars! Thank you Andrew for all your help getting the wills and LPA's in place 😊
  
 
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   Ashley Towler 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Andrew, Victoria & the team at AHJ Wills were fantastic from the get go. Fast and efficient with great personal touch. Thanks again guys.

Get in touch with AHJ Wills & Estates

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Probate and Estate Administration

How can AHJ Wills & Estates help you?

What does probate involve?

The probate process in England and Wales usually includes:

Applying for the Grant of Probate (if there is a Will) or Letters of Administration (if there is no Will).
Identifying, valuing, and collecting the deceased’s assets.
Paying any outstanding debts, liabilities, and taxes, including inheritance tax.
Distributing the estate to beneficiaries in line with the Will or intestacy rules.

Why professional help matters

Probate can be complex, particularly where property, trusts, or inheritance tax are involved. Executors and administrators are legally responsible for managing the estate properly, which can feel like a heavy burden. Mistakes may delay the process or even create personal liability.

By working with AHJ Wills & Estates, you benefit from expert guidance and the reassurance that every step is handled correctly. We can take on as much or as little of the administration as you need, from providing initial advice to managing the entire estate.

Our approach

We understand that every family is different. Our service is designed to ease the pressure during a difficult time, giving you the space to focus on what matters most. With a combination of legal knowledge and a caring approach, we make the probate process clear, efficient, and stress free.

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Information downloads

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Considerations When Making Your Will

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Disabled Discretionary Trust

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Discretionary Trusts

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Executors and Trustees

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Flexible Life Interest Trust

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Nil Rate Band Discretionary Trust

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Protective Property Trusts

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Understanding Your Estate

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Why Make a Lasting Power of Attorney?

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Why Make a Will?

More than 50 years combined experience

Assisting clients with their hard earned wealth

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Get in touch with AHJ Wills & Estates

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Probate and Estate Administration FAQs

What is probate?

Probate is the legal process of proving a Will and giving executors the authority to deal with the estate. If there is no Will, the process is called estate administration and involves applying for Letters of Administration.

When is probate needed?

Probate is usually required if the person who has died owned property in their sole name or held significant assets, such as savings or investments. Smaller estates, particularly those with joint assets, may not need probate.

Who applies for probate?

If there is a Will, the named executors apply for probate. If there is no Will, the next of kin can apply to be the administrator of the estate.

How long does probate take?

The timescale varies depending on the complexity of the estate. On average, straightforward estates take between six and twelve months to complete. More complex estates involving property sales, trusts, or inheritance tax can take longer.

What are executors responsible for?

Executors are legally responsible for collecting assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing the estate to beneficiaries. They must keep clear records and act in the best interests of the estate at all times.

Can I deal with probate myself?

Yes, but it can be complex and time consuming, particularly if there are tax liabilities or disputes between beneficiaries. Many executors choose professional support to reduce stress and ensure the process is completed correctly.

What are the costs of probate?

There is a government fee for applying for probate, and additional costs if inheritance tax is due. Professional fees vary depending on the level of support required. At AHJ Wills & Estates, we provide clear information on costs from the outset.

How can AHJ Wills & Estates help?

We can provide advice, help with specific parts of the probate process, or manage the full administration on your behalf. Our role is to make the process as straightforward as possible, easing the pressure at a difficult time.

What is the difference between Probate and Estate Administration?

The terms are often used together, but they are not exactly the same.

Probate is the legal process of proving a Will and confirming that the executors named in it have the authority to deal with the estate. If a Will exists, an application is made for a Grant of Probate.
Estate Administration is the wider process of dealing with everything in the estate. This includes applying for probate (if required), collecting assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing what remains to beneficiaries.

If there is no Will, probate cannot be granted. Instead, the process is called estate administration, and a close relative applies for Letters of Administration to be appointed as the administrator.

In short, probate is often just one part of estate administration.