Probate Solicitors in Bristol

When you have lost someone and you are responsible for sorting out their affairs, probate can feel daunting on top of everything else. Our probate solicitors in Bristol handle the whole process for you on a clear fixed fee: applying for the grant of probate, dealing with HMRC, collecting in the estate, and distributing it to the right people.

We act for executors and families across Bristol and North Somerset, explain each step in plain English, and give you a fixed-fee quote at the outset so you know where you stand.

Get your fixed-fee probate quote

We know two questions matter most when someone dies: how much it will cost, and how long it will take. We answer both up front. Your matter is handled by a qualified probate solicitor or experienced probate practitioner, not passed around, and we agree a fixed fee before any work starts so there are no surprises. Your first consultation is free.

To book a free initial consultation with our specialist probate and estate administration solicitors in Chew Magna, Kingswood or Westbury-on-Trym and the wider Bristol area, please get in touch today.

You can use the contact details for each office or fill in our enquiry form to request a call back.

Our probate and estate administration services

Whether you simply need the grant of probate to deal with the estate yourself, or you would like us to handle everything from start to finish, we can help.

Applying for grant of probate

The grant of probate is the document that gives an executor the legal authority to deal with someone's estate. We prepare and submit the application to the Probate Registry, complete the necessary HMRC forms, and obtain the grant on your behalf. If you are named as an executor in a Will, this is usually the first step before any assets can be released.

Letters of administration (when there is no Will)

If someone dies without a valid Will, there is no executor, and a close relative must apply for letters of administration instead. The estate is then shared out according to the intestacy rules rather than the deceased's wishes. We advise administrators on who is entitled to apply, who inherits under the rules, and we handle the application for you.

Full estate administration

If you would rather not take on the work yourself, we can administer the whole estate: valuing assets and liabilities, dealing with inheritance tax, applying for the grant, collecting in money and property, settling debts, preparing estate accounts, and distributing to the beneficiaries. This is often the right choice where the estate is large, includes property, involves inheritance tax, or where family circumstances are complicated.

Inheritance tax on the estate

Many estates pay no inheritance tax, but where it is due, the forms and deadlines are strict. We calculate what is owed, claim the reliefs and allowances the estate is entitled to, and deal with HMRC. For lifetime tax planning before death, see our inheritance tax advice.

Probate disputes

If there is a disagreement about the Will, the estate, or how an executor is acting, that is a separate area of work. Our contentious probate solicitors advise on contesting a Will, trust and estate disputes, and Inheritance Act claims.

Fixed-fee probate: our pricing

We are upfront about cost. For full estate administration, our fees are based on a percentage of the estate, with a clear minimum, plus the disbursements (third-party costs) set out below.

Our fee: 1.5% of the gross estate (as calculated for inheritance tax purposes) plus VAT.

Minimum fee: £1,950 plus VAT applies to all estates.

What this includes: obtaining the grant, collecting in the assets, and distributing them to the beneficiaries.

Disbursements (paid to third parties):

  • Probate Court fee: £273
  • Bankruptcy searches: £2 per beneficiary
  • London Gazette notice: £169.20 (plus £33.84 VAT)
  • Local newspaper notice: £91.00 (plus £18.20 VAT)
  • Identity checks: £5 per executor or beneficiary
  • Bank transfer fees: £30 plus VAT

For our full schedule of charges across Wills, probate and LPAs, see our Wills, Probate and LPA fees.

What to expect: the probate process and how long it takes

Every estate is different, but most follow the same path:

  • Free initial consultation. We go through what is involved, identify the executors or administrators, and give you a fixed-fee quote.
  • Valuing the estate. We establish the value of all assets and debts and prepare the inheritance tax position.
  • Applying for the grant. We submit the application to the Probate Registry and any HMRC forms, and obtain the grant of probate or letters of administration.
  • Collecting and settling. We collect in the assets, pay any debts, taxes and legacies, and prepare estate accounts.
  • Distributing the estate. We pay the beneficiaries what they are due and close the matter.

How long does probate take?

Obtaining the grant typically takes a few months from application, and administering a straightforward estate usually takes around six to twelve months in total. Estates involving property sales, inheritance tax, or missing information take longer.

Why choose Lyons Solicitors?

  • Fixed fees, agreed up front. You know the cost before we start, with no hidden charges.
  • Local and long established. We have acted for families across Bristol, Kingswood, Westbury-on-Trym, Chew Magna and North Somerset for many years.
  • A named point of contact. Your estate is handled personally by a qualified probate solicitor or practitioner.
  • Recognised expertise. We are members of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).
  • Regulated and accountable. Lyons Solicitors is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (no. 00053512).

Meet the team

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a solicitor to apply for probate?

Not always. For a small, straightforward estate, you can apply yourself. A solicitor is worth using where the estate is larger, includes property, involves inheritance tax, there is no Will, or where you simply do not have the time or want the reassurance that it is done correctly. We can do as much or as little as you need.

How much does probate cost?

For full estate administration our fee is 1.5% of the gross estate plus VAT, with a minimum of £1,950 plus VAT, plus disbursements. We give you a clear quote at your free consultation before you commit.

How long does probate take?

Obtaining the grant usually takes a few months, and administering a typical estate takes around six to twelve months. Estates with property to sell or inheritance tax to pay take longer.

What happens if there is no Will?

The estate is dealt with under the intestacy rules, which decide who can administer it and who inherits. A close relative applies for letters of administration rather than a grant of probate. We can advise you on where you stand and handle the application.

Is probate always needed?

Not in every case. Whether a grant is required depends on what the person owned and how it was held; small estates and assets held jointly often pass without one. We can tell you quickly whether you need to apply.

What is the difference between probate and contentious probate?

Probate is the process of administering an estate. Contentious probate is where there is a dispute, for example, over the validity of a Will or how an executor is behaving. If that applies to you, our contentious probate solicitors can help.

Contact our probate solicitors in Bristol & North Somerset

To book a free initial consultation and get a fixed-fee quote, get in touch today. Call your nearest office or complete the enquiry form and we will call you back.