Personal Legal Services / Specialised Wills, Trusts and Probate Service / Probate Solicitors Manchester

Simplifying the Complex Journey of Probate

Probate is the legal right to deal with someone’s property, money, and possessions when they die. This includes the process of proving that a will is valid and confirming who has the authority to administer the estate of the person who has died. mlplaw is one of the leading probate solicitors Manchester residents trust when handling the affairs after a family member has passed away.

Before the next of kin, or executor, named in the will can claim, transfer, sell, or distribute any of the deceased’s assets they might have to apply for a grant of probate.

A grant of probate is a legal document that is needed to get access to bank accounts, sell assets, and settle debts after someone has died and left a will. Where no will was left, a grant of letters of administration is used instead and both documents serve the same purpose. When probate is granted, the next of kin or executor can begin to deal with the deceased person’s assets.

Our team of probate solicitors is here to assist with the probate process and getting legal affairs in order.

Request a consultation with our team to discuss how we can help you to navigate through the complex journey of Probate

Request a consultation

What is the Probate process?

The process is dependent on the complexity of the estate and the will. It can vary depending on the instructions left. There are six aspects of the probate process:

Gathering information on the estate’s assets and debts
Applying for ‘Grant of Probate’ which gives the executor permission to administer the estate and pass out inheritance
Complete an inheritance tax return and pay any tax due
Receive a ‘Grant of Probate’
Repay any of the deceased’s outstanding debts
Distribute the rest of the estate according to the instructions left in the Will

Our services include:

Contentious:

Contesting a Will
Claims against the estate under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependents) Act 1975
Executor/Trustee disputes

Non-contentious:

- Obtaining the Grant of Probate/Letters of Administration
- Inheritance Tax advice
- Transferring the ownership of and selling estate assets
- Distributing the estate to beneficiaries including advising you on any Will trusts
- Varying the estate

Speak to our Probate Solicitors

0161 926 9969

FAQs

What does a Probate Solicitor do?

A probate solicitor does a range of things when administering an estate. This includes looking through all of the relevant estate papers, carrying out a full investigation into the value of the estate assets and any liabilities and making direct contact with the relevant institutions, preparing Inheritance Tax Returns if necessary, applying for and obtaining a ‘Grant of Probate’, settling any estate liabilities identified, setting up any trusts created by the will if necessary, and more.

The legalities surrounding estate administration and obtaining a ‘Grant of Probate’ can be complex and daunting, especially during times of grief. Instructing a probate solicitor will prove very useful to ensure compliance with legal requirements and to ease the burden on the bereaved family. Probate solicitors have expert knowledge and insight on the complexities of estate administration, and they are equipped with current developments on any changing legislation. Hence, working with a solicitor will ensure that there is a lesser likelihood of making mistakes.
How long does Probate take?

The time varies and is conditional on the size and complexity of the estate. Usually, most estates take about a year. If issues, such as disputing a will, arise between the executor, beneficiaries, creditors, or tax authorities, it can become more complicated and delay you in administering the estate.

Why choose the mlplaw team?

Our team has extensive experience in dealing with a full range of estate administrations with expertise in Inheritance Tax, Agricultural Property, Business Assets, Foreign Assets, and making or defending claims against an estate. We’re here to assist you with all personal legal services

Situated in the heart of Manchester and Altrincham, we are the leading probate solicitors in Manchester. With a wealth of experience in probate law, choosing our probate solicitors is an investment in peace of mind during this difficult time in your life. We believe in our ability to navigate complex family dynamics and sensitive issues, foster amicable resolutions, and uphold the integrity of the deceased person’s wishes.

As a Top 500 Law Firm in The Legal 500, our team includes STEP-qualified lawyers, the highest level of qualification for a Wills, Trusts, and Probate practitioners, and some of our lawyers are members of Association of Lifetime Lawyers. This makes us well-placed to also help with other different services, ranging from lasting powers of attorney to creating a will.

We understand that every family is unique and so are the challenges they face. We are transparent about our costs, offer fixed fees, and prepare pricing options for you to choose from, never leaving you confused.

Testimonials

“My late mother’s estate unexpectedly went into probate after her death and the solicitor handling it was very old, very ill and his company was going under (unbeknownst to us!) When MPL Law took it over, Doris was our point of contact for the probate process. She took control of the situation, established a friendly but professional working relationship with me and helped me manage the stress I was under from family pressure to resolve the situation with humour and practical steps that her predecessor had been unable to achieve. I was never so glad to have someone on my side like Ms. Raggatt. I felt listened to and frankly, Doris made things happen. I was hugely impressed and would recommend her to anyone.”

Paul

“Mlp Law and their fantastic solicitors Doris Raggatt, Victoria Hands and Chloe Linsley have provided excellent integrated probate and conveyancing services to handle my late mother’s estate and the sale of her flat. They have dealt with everything efficiently and smoothly and have kept me updated at every step of the way. This is not the first time I have required these types of services, but I can safely say their service offering is by far the best I have experienced. I would highly recommend these solicitors and Mlp Law.”

Dr Shaun Abeysinghe, Review Solicitors

“I would have no problem with recommending this solicitor or using them myself again. They provided an excellent service throughout. The solicitor handling my request was Doris Raggatt and I found her straight forward and easy to deal with.”

Barbara

“Jane Hunter was both helpful and accommodating. Communication was swift and my questions were always answered. Many thanks.”

Joanna

I recently worked with Doris at MLP Law on legal matters relating to my late brother’s estate. She handled the legal matters with great professionalism and empathy, making a tough time easier for my family and me. Doris ws always available to answer questions and responded to questions promptly. I highly recommend Doris and MLP Law for their outstanding service and support.

Frank, Review Solicitors

MLP Law were asked to deal with my brother’s estate as he died intestate and with a few complex issues amongst his paperwork. The team went above and beyond to help me understand and complete the necessary formsalong the way. It was an arduous process but they made it so much easier. Their friendly and professional approach really took the pressure off at a very emotional time. Thank you!

Mr Cox

Must read Wills, Trusts and Probate team's blogs

Liam Payne’s Intestate Estate: A Stark Reminder of the Importance of Making a Will

8th May 2025

Probate Solicitors Manchester

Simplifying the Complex Journey of Probate

What is the Probate process?

Our services include:

0161 926 9969

FAQs

Why choose the mlplaw team?

Testimonials

Request a consultation

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