Losing a loved one is never easy. Grief can be overwhelming, and the added pressure of dealing with legal and financial matters often feels like too much to handle. At SLS Wills and More, we understand how difficult this time can be, which is why we offer compassionate, expert support to help guide you through the process.

Many of our clients come to us feeling lost, unsure of where to start. As Margaret Price kindly shared in her review:

“I didn’t know where to start when my husband passed away – everything seemed to be in a mess, or unfinished! But a friend recommended Sara of SLS Wills, who was an absolute blessing. Nothing was too much trouble for Sara, and with her broad knowledge and experience made light work of my issues. She explained each step and kept me informed of progress all the way. I cannot speak too highly of Sara’s business, and it was all conducted in the comfort and privacy of my own home at a very reasonable fee.”

If you have recently lost someone and are feeling overwhelmed by the legal side of things, we are here to help.

What is Probate?

Probate is the legal process of proving a Will and giving the executor the authority to deal with a person’s estate. If someone has left a valid Will, their appointed executors will need to apply for a Grant of Probate to access assets such as bank accounts, property, and investments.

However, probate is just one part of the process. Many people use the term to refer to everything involved in handling a loved one’s estate, but in reality, estate administration is the wider process of dealing with all assets, debts, taxes, and distributions to beneficiaries. Probate is simply one legal step within this.

When is Probate Needed?

Not every estate requires probate. Whether you need it depends on factors such as:

• The value of the estate. Some banks and institutions will release funds without probate if the amount is below a certain threshold.
• Whether property was jointly owned. If a home was owned as joint tenants, it automatically passes to the surviving owner without probate.
• The type of assets involved. If the deceased owned shares, investments, or property in their sole name, probate will likely be required.

Each situation is different, and we can help you determine whether probate is necessary for your loved one’s estate.

What Happens When Someone Dies Without a Will?

When a person dies without a Will, they are said to have died intestate. This means their estate is distributed according to strict legal rules, which may not reflect what they would have wanted.

Under intestacy rules:

• Only married or civil partners and close relatives can inherit.
• Unmarried partners, even those who have lived together for years, have no automatic right to inherit.
• If there are children, the spouse may not receive everything.
• If there are no close relatives, the estate could pass to the Crown.

Dealing with an intestate estate can be more complicated, and probate (known as Letters of Administration in these cases) will almost always be required. If you are facing this situation, we can help guide you through it and ensure everything is handled properly.

Support When You Need it Most

Many people are perfectly capable of handling probate or estate administration in normal circumstances. However, when grieving, even the simplest of tasks can feel overwhelming. We regularly help clients who might otherwise manage it themselves but find that, in the midst of loss, they need support.

At SLS Wills and More, we take as much of the burden off your shoulders as possible, handling the legal side of things so you can focus on yourself and your family. Whether you need full estate administration or just help with certain steps, we can tailor our support to your needs.

Here to Help Across England and Wales

We are based in Kent but assist clients across England and Wales. We offer face-to-face meetings where possible, but if you prefer, we can guide you through everything via Zoom, making our services accessible no matter where you are.

If you have lost a loved one and need support with probate or estate administration, please get in touch. We are here to help you navigate this difficult time with expert guidance and a compassionate approach.

Call us: 01304 577998
Email us: hello@slswillsandmore.co.uk
Visit our website: www.slswillsandmore.co.uk

You don’t have to go through this alone – let us help lighten the load.