Step 1 - The first 3 days  

What happens?

The documents hand delivered to our offices in Bath by secure courier. 

Staying informed:

A letter is sent confirming the main points of the meeting and the fee agreed.

Moving forward without delay:

After the ‘cooling-off’ period of 7 days, we start work. If you wish us to start at once please call

0800 496 9000  

or      

01225 750 261 

Step 2 - The legal review 

What happens?

Legal department will check all the documents.

Staying informed:

If there are any issues to discuss, you will be contacted.

Moving forward without delay:

Send any additional information as soon as possible using the pre-paid envelopes provided.

Step 3 - Your case manager

What happens?

A specialist case manager appointed. Information entered on our Probate Management system.

Staying informed:

Your case manager will introduce themselves. They will send a letter confirming their details
and receipt of the documents you have sent.

Moving forward without delay:

Please send any additional documents or information about the estate as soon as possible.

Step 4  - The asset and liability holders

What happens?

All asset holders such as banks, investment providers and other professionals will be contacted, as well as companies linked to liabilities such as credit cards or mortgages and the funeral director.  If there is a Will, statutory advertisements are placed at this point. Unknown creditors and beneficiaries then have two months to make a claim.

Staying informed:

Monthly updates are provided by your case manager.

Moving forward without delay:

Please let us know if you discover any new information which may be relevant to the estate.

Step 5 - The tax returns and the Grant

What happens?

Our tax department prepares income Tax Returns to date of death and the appropriate Inheritance Tax Return.  The application for the Grant is made to the Probate Registry.

Staying informed:

Your case manager will notify you that the Grant has been applied for, send a summary of assets and discuss any tax issues.

Moving forward without delay:

Please check the summary of assets carefully and let us know if there is anything missing.

Step 6 - Receipt of the Grant

What happens?

If there is no Will, statutory advertisements are placed at this point. Unknown creditors and beneficiaries then have two months to make a claim.
We advise how any property or Trusts should be handled.

Staying informed:

Your case manager will write to confirm that the Grant has been received. If requested we can prepare and send you draft estate accounts.

Moving forward without delay:

Let us know if you discover any new information which may be relevant to the estate. Please tell us at this stage if you wish to involve any of your professional advisers, e.g Financial Advisor

Step 7 - Payment of liabilities, expenses, legacies and interim distributions

What happens?

All assets collected in and the anti-money laundering identification documents checked.  Once the two month advertising period has passed, liabilities, expenses and legacies are paid. Execution of your instructions in respect of any Trusts created in the Will.

Staying informed:

If insufficient funds are available you will be contacted about how to proceed.
Otherwise, we will arrange payment of liabilities, expenses, legacies and interim payments to residuary Beneficiaries.

Moving forward without delay:

Let us know if you discover any new information which may be relevant to the estate.

Step 8 - Final distributionsand file closure

What happens?

File review by our legal team. Distribution of remaining estate once approved accounts received from you.

Staying informed:

Final estate accounts sent for your approval and statement of any outstanding matters.

Moving forward without delay:

Please check the estate accounts and let us know if you have any queries.
Sign a copy and return it to us so that we can distribute the estate as soon as possible.