Probate Management

Dealing with the passing of a loved one is never easy. Managing their affairs can seem daunting, especially if it something you have never handled before. Probate is one of the many things that may have to be dealt with. If you have been named as executor in a will, and you are looking for support and guidance in navigating your way through all the responsibilities that lay ahead, Partridge Muir & Warren can help courtesy of a professional probate management service.

For more than 50 years, the experts here at PMW have been taking care of the legal and financial needs of Surrey families, many of whom have retained us as their advisers of choice through many generations.

We are here to assist you through these challenging times, with clear advice, in-depth knowledge and extensive experience in all aspects of probate management and the general administration of estates and trusts.

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A helpful service to relieve the pressure of probate management

When it comes to probate management, Surrey families will find complete reassurance amongst the estate administration specialists at PMW, all dedicated to ensuring your loved one’s wishes are carried out to the letter, and to guiding you step by step through the probate process.

As members of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), we are considered specialists in the areas of estate administration and trust management, as well as inheritance and succession planning. Many of those we assist with probate administration will also request our advice on how to structure their own finances following an inheritance.

In this respect, you will find our service fully comprehensive, with our in-house team of estate planning experts, wealth managers, tax advisers, investment and portfolio administrators and legal specialists poised to provide advice on a wide range of issues, from Inheritance Tax and trusts, to investment and wealth management, and your own estate planning needs.

Watch our video to find out what we can do for you

How can we help you with probate management in Surrey?

Whether you wish to hand over your full responsibilities as executor, or would like professional assistance with one or more aspects of estate or probate administration that you may be struggling with, we are here to assist in the way that suits you best.

Our experts are able to assist with:

• Applications for Grants of Probate and Letters of Administration
• Full probate administration service
• Liaising with the Public Guardianship Office (PGO)
• Preparation and submission of Inheritance Tax return
• General estate administration
• Preparation of Estate Accounts
• Trust set-up
• Professional trustee service
• Inheritance Tax advice
• Estate planning
• Will drafting
• Investments and financial planning

What our clients say

One of PMW’s underlying strengths is that every client is treated as an individual and the company ensures that it offers a specialised service tailored to the client’s needs and not one based on a ‘one size fits all’ approach. I have used PMW for over 35 years and therefore observed, at close hand, the increasing sophistication of their analytical investment approach which has resulted in wise and appropriate choices of suitable investment products, and I have been very pleased with the returns obtained. Indeed, I have recommended them to friends which, of course, is the ultimate test of a client’s satisfaction.

Mr Mayer
Partridge Muir and Warren’s approach has always been a friendly, helpful and informative one. l am very happy to be part of the PMW family.

Mr and Mrs Morriss
I have been with PMW for seven years and they have always been very professional, easy to work with and courteous. Most importantly, they cover every aspect of our financial necessities and have achieved our investment goals and objectives. They are exactly what retired investors need. Very professional but in a most pleasant way. Our meetings are always very enjoyable and I look forward to them.

Mr Keane
I first met Simon Lewis at a pre-retirement seminar run by my employer in mid ‘90s. It was my first experience of wealth management and at that time had little surplus wealth to invest, but I signed up. I retired after a career which included long periods on contract working outside UK, and so I have neither a full state pension, nor a maximum employer’s pension. Management of our savings is thus of great importance, as regular withdrawals provide a top up to our income. Over the years we have learnt more about PMW and Simon, who is now CEO, and have come to trust their investment philosophy. It is completely tailored to our requirements, as a result of in depth and regular discussion with us. PMW have what I regard as an intensive doubting style. They do not take potential investment funds at face value, but dig under the surface to determine whether the fund is sound, before investing. They also ensure that the fund continues to perform. Not only are we able to withdraw a regular income from our savings and achieve an agreed, and satisfactory, capital appreciation, but we have also called on our funds from time to time to buy a larger item such as a new car, and the funds have been released and available quickly. We have no hesitation in recommending PMW to you. Our funds are managed prudently and professionally and we have confidence that they will manage your funds in the same way.

Dr and Mrs Hood
You have looked after me extremely well over the years and have always been approachable, helpful and easy to talk to. Thank you.

Mrs Watts
Many thanks for your continued patience and understanding, which is much appreciated.

Mrs Crump
We can’t thank you enough for this. I know your presence alone has been of great comfort to my mother; your expertise is clearly huge and so useful to us at this difficult time.

Anonymous
Your help and guidance was most invaluable and very much appreciated in this respect, as it was all way beyond my understanding of these matters. You have been extremely patient and understanding throughout the whole procedure. I cannot thank you enough for all that you have done for me – you were wonderful.

Ms Faulkner
“We can rely on PMW’s guidance and knowledge with the various markets. Whilst I take a bird’s-eye view of what is going on in markets, it is reassuring that we know that PMW can deliver an in-depth view – that over time has proved to be successful”

Mr and Mrs Boyd

Partridge Muir & Warren
Aissela
46 High Street
Esher

Opening Hours

Monday – Friday

9am – 5pm

Frequently asked questions

What is a Grant of Probate?

Probate is the entire process of administering the estate and financial affairs of someone who has passed away. It is a common name given to estate administration, which involves organising all the deceased’s money, assets and belongings and distributing them to their rightful beneficiaries once any taxes and debts have been settled.

If a will has been left, then those appointed as executor will be responsible for administering the estate. Before they can begin, they must apply for a Grant of Probate. This is a legal document that gives the executor authority to deal with everything.

The period of Probate will only come to an end once all taxes and debts have been settled, and all the inheritance passed on.

When do I need a Grant of Probate?

A Grant of Probate is not always necessary.

If the person who passed away only left the following, then usually you won’t need to obtain a Grant:

• Cash only (bank notes and coins) and personal possessions such as a car, furniture, and jewellery
• Jointly owned property or shares (these will automatically become wholly owned by the other owner)
• A joint bank account (again, the account will become the sole property of the other account holder)
• A small amount of money
• An insolvent estate (where there is not enough money in the estate to pay all the debts, taxes and expenses)

If a property is held in a sole name, however, or the estate is particularly large, then a Grant of Probate will normally be required. Different financial institutions have different rules about what constitutes a ‘large’ estate, so you will need to contact them all individually to find out whether you will need a Grant of Probate to access the assets they hold.

What are Letters of Administration?

When a person dies and leaves a will, where necessary you will apply for a Grant of Probate to deal with the estate.

If the person has died intestate, that is, without a will, then you will need to apply for Letters of Administration instead of a Grant of Probate.

Who can apply for Probate?

The only people who are authorised to apply for a Grant of Probate are those named as executors in the deceased’s will.

If you have been named as executor, but you decide to appoint a solicitor to handle the probate management for you, then they will be able to apply on your behalf.

How long does Probate take?

This depends on the size and complexity of the estate, and whether there are any disputes. As a general guide, it can take around a year to administer most estates.

How much does Probate cost?

To apply for a Grant of Probate you will need to pay an application fee if the value of the estate is over £5,000. The current fee can be found here

If you are seeking assistance with probate management and estate administration, the cost will depend upon how much work you would like us to do for you. Once we have ascertained what is involved, we will provide you with a fees estimate before proceeding with the work.

Probate Management