Probate

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At Butcher & Barlow, we appreciate that probate can feel daunting, especially during an already difficult time.

Probate is generally needed when someone passes away, leaving assets held solely in their name or above a certain value.

If most assets were jointly owned (for example, joint bank accounts or property held jointly), these usually pass automatically to the surviving owner, meaning probate may not be needed.

Our experienced Probate Solicitors can advise whether probate is needed in your situation and guide you through the process.

Get expert advice on probate today from Butcher & Barlow

For specialist probate advice, please contact our Wills, trusts and estate solicitors at Butcher & Barlow.

You can call us on +44 (0)161 7644062 or email enquiries@butcher-barlow.co.uk.

Butcher & Barlow – Experienced Probate Solicitors

Understanding the probate process

Probate is the legal process to authorise the executor, named in the deceased’s Will, to manage and distribute the estate. If there is no Will, an application for “Letters of Administration” may be needed instead.

Our specialist Probate Solicitors understand that navigating the probate process can be overwhelming, particularly after the loss of a loved one.

Our friendly and experienced team will take the time to listen to you, understand your circumstances and explain how the probate process works in a straightforward, reassuring way.

Whether you would like help with one stage of the probate process or prefer us to manage everything on your behalf, we are on hand to offer specialist legal advice.

Our Probate Solicitors aim to make the process as smooth and manageable as possible. For more information, please see our probate pricing and probate process flow chart to help you understand what is involved.

How our Probate Solicitors assist executors

Executors carry out important responsibilities, and our Probate Solicitors can provide comprehensive support throughout the probate process.

We can help with:

Interpreting the Will
Applying for the Grant of Probate
Valuing the estate
Calculating and reporting Inheritance Tax
Ensuring assets are distributed correctly and in line with the deceased’s wishes

Whether you are handling a straightforward estate or facing more complex issues, our experienced team will guide you throughout with practical advice, reassurance, and sensitivity at every stage.

Navigating estate administration efficiently

The support of an experienced Probate Solicitor can make the estate administration process far more straightforward.

We ensure that all paperwork is completed accurately and submitted on time, helping to avoid delays and reduce the risk of disputes. If any issues arise, our team will be on hand to provide clear advice and practical solutions to help resolve matters quickly and fairly.

Our focus is on making sure your loved one’s wishes are respected, while easing the stress of administration for you.

What to expect when applying for a grant of probate

Applying for a grant of probate involves several key steps, including:

Valuing the estate.
Calculating and paying any Inheritance Tax due (within six months of death to avoid HMRC interest).
Submitting the probate application either online or by post.

At Butcher & Barlow, we have extensive experience supporting clients through this process.

We will prepare the paperwork, explain each stage clearly and ensure that all legal requirements are met, reducing the risk of unnecessary delays.

Dealing with intestacy: When there is no Will

If a loved one has died without a Will, the estate will be dealt with under the Rules of Intestacy, which set out who is entitled to inherit.

At Butcher & Barlow, our specialist Probate Lawyers can apply for Letters of Administration on your behalf.

We will ensure the estate is valued, debts are settled, Inheritance Tax is dealt with, and assets are distributed correctly.

We also help you avoid common pitfalls that could lead to disputes or personal liability.

Handling probate disputes and contested estates

Our Probate Lawyers understand that disputes over a loved one’s estate can be complex and emotionally draining.

Our Contested Probate team can assist executors and beneficiaries with:

Claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.
Challenges to the validity of a Will.
Disagreements over the distribution of assets.

Why Choose Butcher & Barlow as your Probate Solicitors?

At Butcher & Barlow, we have extensive experience supporting clients through every stage of the probate process.

Our dedicated team includes Probate Solicitors with specialist accreditations and in-depth knowledge of estate administration, allowing us to offer a reliable and comprehensive service.

We efficiently and meticulously manage all aspects of the process, helping to ease the burden during a difficult time.

Above all, we pride ourselves on being compassionate and approachable, while handling matters with efficiency and attention to detail.

Whether you need help applying for probate or would prefer us to handle the entire process on your behalf, we can assist in the way that works best for you.

With a long-standing reputation across Greater Manchester and Cheshire, our team is here to provide clear, practical support to ensure your loved one’s estate is administered in line with their wishes.

Why choose Butcher & Barlow as your Probate Solicitors?

At Butcher & Barlow, we have supported families and individuals through the probate process for many years. We know that this is not simply about paperwork and legal requirements but about helping you through one of life’s most difficult times with care and understanding.

Frequently asked questions about probate

When is probate required?

Probate is usually required when someone passes away, leaving assets in their sole name, such as property, savings or investments. It gives executors the legal permission to manage and distribute those assets.

If their property was jointly owned or the estate is of low value, probate may not be necessary.

Each case is different, and it is advisable to seek specialist legal advice before starting the probate application process.

How long does the probate process usually take?

The probate process typically takes from six to 12 months, depending on the size and complexity of the estate.

More straightforward estates may be resolved sooner, while complex cases can take longer, sometimes up to two years if there are disputes, overseas assets or HMRC delays.

Can I handle probate myself without a Solicitor?

It is possible to manage probate yourself, especially if the estate is simple and there are no disputes.

However, the process involves detailed paperwork, strict deadlines and legal responsibilities.

You will need to value the estate, report tax, apply for probate, and ensure everything is distributed correctly.

Executors can be held personally liable for mistakes, so many people prefer professional support.

What responsibilities does an executor have?

An executor must:

Identify and value the estate
Apply for probate
Pay debts and tax
Distribute assets to beneficiaries
Keep accurate records

It is a role that carries legal duties and requires care and accuracy.

What happens if there is no Will?

If someone dies without a Will, the estate is shared out according to the intestacy rules. These rules set out a fixed order of who can inherit.

A close relative usually applies for authority to deal with the estate. Without a Will, decisions may not reflect what the person might have wanted, and the process can be more complicated.

How can I contest a Will or probate decision?

A Will or probate decision can be challenged if there are concerns about its validity, such as a lack of mental capacity, undue influence, or improper signing.

It may also be possible to make a claim if you believe reasonable financial provision has not been made. Contested probate matters can be complex and are usually subject to time limits.

Frequently read legal insights

7th Aug 2025
By Benjamin Davenport-Lawton,

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Probate Insights

7th Jan 2026
By Benjamin Davenport-Lawton,

What our clients say about our Probate Service

Butcher & Barlow were very helpful in organising a Will and Lasting Powers of Attorney for my disabled father. Arranging home visits and making a complicated and potentially stressful situation simple and worry free. I would recommend Butcher & Barlow to others.

Lucy was excellent. Really professional and efficient. Would highly recommend!

A friendly and professional service. Helpful at every stage. No doubt, I'll be back.

Both of my visits were conducted in a relaxed manner. I was at ease on both occasion. Thank you.

My brother and I appointed Butcher & Barlow as our solicitors to advise and support during the administration of probate on our late father's estate. Our parents had previously used this company for approximately 25 years and had full trust in the firm. Butcher & Barlow, and in particular Samuel Dale and Jenny Brown, along with the rest of the team, proved to be knowledgeable, helpful and very supportive at such a difficult time. I have no hesitation in recommending Butcher & Barlow and will use them in the future, should the need arise. Their help was very much appreciated.

Thank you for your excellent service and for the efficient and friendly way you dealt with things.

I could not give enough compliments about my Solicitor, Helen Chadderton, whom always makes you feel relaxed and covers the making of a Will in such a thorough way. Everything is explained to you and I appreciate every bit of her professional expertise and guidance throughout the whole process.

I was extremely happy with the level of support and advice that I was given by Samuel Dale of Butcher & Barlow LLP at what was an extremely trying time for me and my family.

Could not have asked for better service. I would not hesitate to recommend, as the help and service we received from Helen Chadderton was beyond expectation.

Our first meeting with Emily established a good rapport, she was informative and knowledgeable of the subject matter which made it easier for is to decide how best to move forward with our Wills. On completion of the meeting, we were fully aware of our actions moving forward. The second meeting was quite focused with Emily explaining each section of our Wills, so that we could sign them with confidence that the Wills would meet our needs and requirements. It was a pleasure to have met Emily and we are grateful for her advice and professionalism in supporting our objective.