Probate Solicitors

Here to support you through a difficult time for your family.

Probate & Administration of Estates Service

When someone close to you passes away, the last thing you want to deal with is complicated legal paperwork. But if you’ve been named as an executor or need to manage their estate, you might feel overwhelmed by the responsibility. That’s where we come in.

At Dootsons Solicitors, we understand how difficult this time can be. Our experienced probate solicitors are here to guide you through the process, offering clear advice and practical support to make things as simple as possible.

Whether you need help applying for a Grant of Probate, managing the estate, or understanding your legal responsibilities, we’re here to take the stress off your shoulders.

Dealing with Probate Can Be Overwhelming – We’re Here to Help

If you’ve been named as an executor or need to manage a loved one’s estate, you might be wondering where to start. Probate can be a complex process, involving legal paperwork, tax forms, and ensuring all debts are paid before the estate is distributed. It’s a big responsibility, and it’s normal to feel unsure about what to do next.

That’s why we’re here. Dootsons Solicitors have been helping families like yours for over 125 years. We’ll take the time to understand your situation, explain everything in plain English, and handle the legal side of things so you can focus on what matters most.

How We Can Help You?

Every estate is different, and so are the needs of the people managing it. That’s why we offer a tailored service to suit your situation. Here’s how we can help:

  • Applying for a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration: We’ll handle the paperwork and guide you through the process step by step, ensuring everything is done correctly.
  • Managing the Estate: From identifying assets to paying debts and distributing the estate, we’ll take care of the details so you don’t have to.
  • Tracing Beneficiaries: If you’re struggling to locate beneficiaries, we can help with that too, using trusted tracing agents to find the people entitled to inherit.
  • Protecting Executors: As an executor, you have legal responsibilities, including advertising for creditors and checking for bankruptcy orders. We’ll make sure you meet these obligations and avoid any personal liability.
  • Estate Accounts: Before the estate is distributed, we’ll prepare a full account showing all payments, receipts, and how the estate is divided. This ensures everything is transparent and in order.

Our goal is to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible, giving you peace of mind during a difficult time.

Why Families Trust Dootsons Solicitors

Choosing the right probate solicitor can make all the difference. Here’s why families in Wigan, Leigh, and the surrounding areas trust Dootsons:

  • We Put You First: We know this is a difficult time, and we’re here to make things easier for you. Our service is tailored to your needs, and we’ll always keep you informed and supported.
  • 125 Years of Experience: With over a century of helping families through probate, we’ve seen it all and know how to handle even the most complex estates.
  • Local Expertise: As a trusted name in the Wigan and Leigh area, we understand the local community and the challenges you might face.
  • Transparent Pricing: We believe in clear, upfront pricing with no hidden surprises. We’ll provide a tailored quote based on your situation, so you know exactly what to expect.

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    What else do I need to know?

    Probate is the legal process of managing someone’s estate after they’ve passed away. It involves applying for a legal document - either a Grant of Probate (if there’s a will) or a Grant of Letters of Administration (if there isn’t a will) - which gives you the authority to deal with their assets.

    You’ll need probate if the estate includes property, shares, or significant savings. However, some smaller estates may not require it. If you’re unsure whether probate is needed, we can help you assess the situation and guide you through the next steps.

    A probate solicitor helps you manage the legal and administrative tasks involved in dealing with an estate. This can include applying for the Grant of Probate, valuing the estate, paying any debts or taxes, and distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries.

    At Dootsons, we can handle as much or as little of the process as you need. Whether you want us to take care of everything or just need help with specific tasks, we’re here to make things easier for you.

    The length of the probate process depends on the size and complexity of the estate. For straightforward estates, it can take around 3–6 months to complete. However, if the estate is large, includes overseas assets, or there are disputes between beneficiaries, it may take longer.

    The first step - applying for the Grant of Probate - usually takes 3–5 weeks once all the necessary paperwork is submitted. We’ll keep you updated throughout the process and work to resolve any delays as quickly as possible.

    The cost of probate depends on the complexity of the estate and the level of support you need. At Dootsons, we offer clear and competitive pricing, with no hidden fees. After discussing your situation, we’ll provide a personalised quote so you know exactly what to expect.

    In addition to our fees, there may be other costs, such as court fees or payments to third parties (known as disbursements). We’ll explain these costs upfront and ensure you’re fully informed before proceeding.

    If your loved one didn’t leave a will, the estate will be distributed according to the rules of intestacy. These rules determine who inherits based on their relationship to the deceased. For example, a spouse or children are usually first in line, but if there are no close relatives, the estate may pass to more distant family members.

    This process can be more complicated, especially if the family is large or there are unknown beneficiaries. We can help you navigate the rules of intestacy, locate beneficiaries, and ensure the estate is distributed correctly.

    As an executor, you’re responsible for managing the estate and ensuring everything is handled correctly. This includes valuing the estate, paying any debts or taxes, and distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries. You’ll also need to keep detailed records and prepare an Estate Account showing all payments and receipts.

    It’s a big responsibility, and mistakes can lead to personal liability. That’s why many executors choose to work with a probate solicitor. We can guide you through your duties, handle the legal paperwork, and ensure everything is done properly.

    If you’ve been named as an executor but don’t feel able to take on the role, you can choose to step down. This is known as "renouncing probate." However, you must do this before you’ve started dealing with the estate.

    If you’ve already begun the process, you may still be able to appoint a solicitor to act on your behalf. At Dootsons, we can take over the legal and administrative tasks, giving you peace of mind that everything is being handled correctly.

    You’re not legally required to use a solicitor for probate, but many people find it helpful to have professional support. Probate can be a complex and time-consuming process, and a solicitor can ensure everything is done correctly, saving you time and reducing stress.

    If you’re unsure whether you need a solicitor, we’re happy to discuss your situation and explain how we can help. Whether you want us to handle the entire process or just need advice on specific tasks, we’re here to support you.

    Yes, we can assist with calculating and paying any inheritance tax owed. This includes completing the necessary tax forms and ensuring everything is submitted on time.

    Inheritance tax can be complicated, especially if the estate includes gifts made in the seven years before death or assets that need to be valued. We’ll guide you through the process and ensure all tax obligations are met. If you need further advice on tax planning or investments, we can also connect you with trusted financial advisers.

    Disputes can arise for many reasons, such as disagreements over the will, claims from family members who feel they’ve been unfairly excluded, or concerns about how the estate is being managed.

    If you’re facing a dispute, it’s important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. At Dootsons, we can help you resolve disputes through negotiation or mediation, avoiding the need for costly court proceedings wherever possible. Our goal is to find a solution that works for everyone involved.

    If you’re struggling to locate beneficiaries, we can help. Using trusted tracing agents, we can track down missing beneficiaries and ensure they receive their share of the estate.

    It’s important to make every effort to find all beneficiaries, as failing to do so could leave you personally liable if someone comes forward later. We’ll guide you through the process and ensure everything is handled correctly.

    Get to know

    the team

    Meet the team
    rebbeca-wills

    Rebecca Stringfellow - Partner & Head of Department

    Rebecca joined Dootsons in 2014 as a Solicitor in the Newton le Willows branch office. She is a graduate of Manchester Metropolitan University and subsequently completed the Legal Practice Course Programme at the Manchester Law School. She was admitted as a Solicitor in 2007. Rebecca is also a Full Member of STEP – the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, and a Student Member of Solicitors for the Elderly. Rebecca became a Partner in May 2019.