Grant of Probate
✓ Specialist Grant of Probate Solicitors
✓ Quality legal advice and support when dealing with the loss of a loved one.
✓ As a full-service law firm, we provide joined-up support on probate applications, property transfers, inheritance tax.
Grant of Probate Solicitors
At Farnworth Rose, our Grant of Probate Solicitors provide clear, personal advice to help you apply for probate with confidence.
A Grant of Probate is the legal document that confirms your authority to deal with someone’s estate after they’ve died. It’s often needed before banks will release funds, or before property can be sold or transferred.
You don’t always need a solicitor to apply for probate. But in more complex situations, working with experienced probate solicitors can save time, reduce stress, and help you avoid costly mistakes.
We help individuals, executors and families across Lancashire and beyond complete the Grant of Probate Application accurately and efficiently. Whether you need help with the application only, or full legal support to administer the estate, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Call us on 01282 695 400 or complete the form below to speak with a Grant of Probate Solicitor about applying for probate.
Why Choose Farnworth Rose for Probate Applications?
When you choose Farnworth Rose, you’re placing your trust in probate solicitors who are dedicated to making the process as clear, supportive and stress-free as possible. Our team brings decades of experience helping families apply for probate, with calm, expert guidance from start to finish.
We understand that managing a loved one’s estate can feel daunting, especially at an already emotional time. That’s why we take the time to listen, explain everything in plain English, and provide practical advice that gives you clarity and confidence. Clients choose us because:
You’ll have direct access to your solicitor throughout
We offer clear fixed-fee options for straightforward estates
We handle all correspondence with HMRC and the Probate Registry
We manage complex estates and inheritance tax with precision
We act quickly to minimise delays and keep things on track
We provide honest advice with no hidden costs
We’re approachable, responsive and easy to talk to
Our focus is always on making things easier for you. We’ll explain what needs to be done, take care of the legal formalities, and support you in making informed decisions, giving you peace of mind when you need it most.
What Is a Grant of Probate and When Is It Needed?
A Grant of Probate is a legal document issued by the Probate Registry that confirms an executor’s authority to administer the estate of someone who has died leaving a valid will. It serves as official confirmation that the named executor has the legal right to manage the deceased’s assets in accordance with their wishes.
Once the Grant has been issued, the executor can collect the deceased’s assets, settle any outstanding debts or tax liabilities, and distribute the remainder of the estate to the beneficiaries named in the will. It provides the legal protection many organisations require before they will release funds or disclose information — including banks, pension providers, and HMRC.
To apply, the executor must submit the original will, the death certificate, and detailed information about the estate’s assets and liabilities. The application is made to the Probate Registry and often requires inheritance tax forms to be completed and submitted to HMRC first.
A Grant of Probate is usually required when:
The person owned property in their sole name
There are substantial funds held in bank accounts or investments
Asset holders request sight of the Grant before releasing funds
The estate is complex or includes business interests
You may not need a Grant of Probate if the estate is very small or all assets were jointly owned, but it’s always worth checking before taking any action.
If you're unsure whether probate is needed in your situation, our probate solicitors can provide fast, clear advice to help you move forward with confidence.
Do You Need a Solicitor for a Grant of Probate?
Applying for a Grant of Probate can seem simple on the surface — especially when there’s a will and the estate appears straightforward. But once you begin gathering information, completing forms, and dealing with banks or HMRC, the process can quickly become time-consuming, stressful, or legally uncertain.
That’s where having a solicitor can make a real difference.
At Farnworth Rose, we regularly advise clients who start the probate process themselves, then realise they need help navigating legal questions, inheritance tax, or paperwork they weren’t expecting. Others come to us at the outset, knowing they’d prefer peace of mind from the beginning. You may benefit from working with a solicitor if:
The estate includes property, multiple accounts, or investments
There is no valid will, or the will is unclear or disputed
Inheritance Tax needs to be calculated or paid
There are disagreements between executors or beneficiaries
You’re unsure how to identify all the estate’s assets and liabilities
There are foreign assets or cross-border estate issues
The estate includes trusts or business interests
You’re concerned about making a mistake or becoming personally liable
You simply don’t have the time or confidence to manage it all alone
There’s no shame in asking for help. Acting as an executor carries legal responsibilities and mistakes can lead to penalties or delays, even if unintentional. Our job is to take that pressure off you, explain your duties clearly, and ensure every step is handled with care and accuracy.
Whether you need help with the Grant of Probate application only, or full legal support to administer the estate, our solicitors are here to guide you with practical advice and calm professionalism.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Grant of Probate
+ What does a Grant of Probate allow me to do?
A Grant of Probate gives you the legal authority to act as the executor of someone’s estate. It allows you to access bank accounts, sell property, deal with tax matters, and distribute money or assets to the beneficiaries named in the will.
Without the grant, most institutions, including banks and pension providers won’t speak to you or release any funds. Our Grant of Probate Solicitors can help you obtain the grant quickly and with minimal hassle.
+ What information do I need to apply for a Grant of Probate?
To apply for a Grant of Probate, you’ll need a combination of legal documents and detailed information about the deceased’s estate. This includes:
- The original will (if there is one)
- The official death certificate
- A full list of the deceased’s assets — including bank accounts, property, pensions, investments, and any business interests
- Details of any outstanding debts, mortgages, loans, or liabilities
- Information about gifts made in the last 7 years (for inheritance tax purposes)
- A completed Inheritance Tax return (IHT205 or IHT400), submitted to HMRC
The Grant of Probate application cannot be submitted until the estate has been valued and any inheritance tax position confirmed. Gathering this information can take time — especially if there are missing records, complex finances or institutions that are slow to respond.
Our experienced Grant of Probate Solicitors can help you collect everything you need, liaise with banks and asset holders, prepare the necessary forms, and ensure the entire application is accurate and legally compliant. That way, you can move forward with confidence and avoid unnecessary delays.
+ When is a Grant of Probate needed?
A Grant of Probate is usually required when the person who died owned property or had financial assets solely in their name, such as savings, shares, or life insurance. Most banks and institutions will ask for the grant before they allow access to the funds. If everything was owned jointly or the estate is very small, probate may not be necessary.
Our Probate Application Solicitors can review the details of the estate and confirm exactly what’s needed.
+ Can I get help if I’ve already started the probate application myself?
Yes, we often assist clients who’ve started the process but then realise they need legal support. Whether you’re unsure about inheritance tax, stuck with the paperwork, or simply want reassurance, our Probate Application Solicitors can step in at any stage. We’ll review what you’ve done, correct any issues, and guide you through the rest of the application confidently and efficiently.
+ How long does it take to get a Grant of Probate?
In most cases, once the Grant of Probate application is submitted, it takes around 8 to 12 weeks for the Probate Registry to issue the grant. However, delays can occur, especially if inheritance tax is involved, documents are missing, or the estate is complex.
As experienced Probate Application Solicitors, we make sure everything is submitted accurately and without delay, helping you avoid unnecessary setbacks.
+ What is the difference between a Grant of Probate and Letters of Administration?
A Grant of Probate is issued when the person who died left a valid will and named executors who are willing and able to act. It gives the executor the legal authority to manage the estate in line with the instructions in the will.
Letters of Administration are issued when there is no will, or if the named executors are unable to act. In these cases, someone close to the deceased, usually a spouse or adult child, can apply to administer the estate under the rules of intestacy.
Both documents are known as Grants of Representation, and they serve the same basic purpose: to give legal authority to deal with the estate. Our Grants of Representation Solicitors can advise you on which type of application is needed and take care of the process on your behalf.
Contact Our Probate Team Today
Applying for a Grant of Probate can feel daunting, especially when you're grieving the loss of a loved one. Whether you’re the executor of a will or acting as next of kin where no will exists, our specialist solicitors are here to guide you through the process with care, clarity and expert legal support.
Our experienced Grant of Probate Solicitors in Lancashire are based in Nelson, near Burnley. We’re committed to making this difficult time easier by handling all the legal responsibilities on your behalf, ensuring that the estate is administered correctly and efficiently from the very start.
With over 35 years of experience, the team of probate solicitors at Farnworth Rose is trusted by individuals and families across the UK to help secure Grants of Probate or Letters of Administration with minimal stress. Whether the estate is simple or complicated, we’ll manage the paperwork, deal with HMRC, and support you with collecting and distributing assets.
As a full-service firm of Solicitors in Burnley & Nelson, our estate planning solicitors draw from their expertise in all legal matters, ensuring that every legal aspect is carefully considered and addressed.
We’re award-winning at what we do. Our Grant of Probate solicitors are recognised across the Northwest for their efficient service, empathetic approach and technical excellence. Our years of success make us the perfect choice for Grant of Probate Solicitors in Preston, Manchester, Blackburn, Rochdale and Bolton, as well as across the Pennines in Leeds, Sheffield, Huddersfield, Skipton, Keighley and beyond.
Wherever you are in England or Wales, we’re here to provide accessible, cost-effective legal advice that gives you peace of mind during one of life’s most challenging times.
To speak with one of our specialist Grant of Probate Solicitors at Farnworth Rose, call us now on 01282 695 400 or complete the form below, and we’ll be in touch.
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