Losing someone close to you is one of life’s most difficult experiences. Alongside grief, there are practical and legal responsibilities that can feel urgent and unfamiliar.
Judge Law provides clear and structured bereavement legal support. We help you understand whether probate is required, what steps need to be taken, and how to manage an estate lawfully and efficiently.
You do not need to navigate this alone. We will explain what is necessary now, what can wait, and what your options are.
If you need guidance following a bereavement, we are here to help.
After a death, the person responsible for the estate, known as the executor or administrator, must deal with several legal and financial matters.
These may include:
Not every estate requires a Grant of Probate. One of the first things we do is assess whether probate is legally required in your circumstances.
If probate is not necessary, we will tell you clearly and explain the next steps.
At Judge Law, we focus on clarity and respect.
We will:
Our role is to reduce uncertainty and give you structure during a difficult time.
Probate is the legal process that gives authority to deal with a deceased person’s estate.
We assist with:
We assist with identifying and valuing assets, calculating any Inheritance Tax due and advising on available reliefs. Where property forms part of the estate, we can support with its transfer or sale as required.
We provide realistic guidance on timescales and costs at the outset.
If someone dies without a valid Will, their estate is distributed according to the rules of intestacy.
These rules determine who inherits and in what order. They do not always reflect what the deceased may have intended.
We can advise you on:
Clear advice at this stage can prevent avoidable conflict later.
A Will allows you to decide who inherits your assets and who will be responsible for administering your estate. If you have children under 18, it also allows you to appoint guardians. It is important to review your Will regularly to ensure it reflects your current circumstances.
Bereavement often prompts people to review their own arrangements.
We assist with:
Having a properly drafted Will provides certainty and reduces the burden on those you leave behind.
A Lasting Power of Attorney allows someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity.
We advise on:
Planning in advance can prevent significant difficulty for families in the future.
These documents allow you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity, and to make your wishes clear in advance.
You are not legally required to use a solicitor. Some estates are straightforward and can be handled independently.
However, professional support can reduce delay, risk and stress, particularly where:
We offer an initial consultation, currently £180 + VAT, to assess your situation and outline the most appropriate route forward.
If you need guidance following a bereavement, we are here to help.
Complete the enquiry form and a member of our team will contact you.
Probate is the legal process that confirms a person’s authority to deal with a deceased individual’s estate. It allows the executor named in a Will, or an administrator where there is no Will, to collect assets, settle debts and distribute the estate lawfully.
Timescales vary depending on the complexity of the estate. Straightforward cases may take several months. Estates involving property sales, tax matters or disputes can take longer. We provide realistic guidance once we understand your circumstances.
No. Some estates, particularly those with jointly owned assets or lower asset values, may not require a Grant of Probate. We can review the position and advise you.
If someone dies without a valid Will, the estate is distributed under the rules of intestacy. These rules determine who inherits and in what proportion. We can guide you through the application process and distribution requirements.
Costs depend on the size and complexity of the estate. During your initial consultation, we will outline likely costs and explain how fees are structured.
Executors are responsible for identifying assets, settling debts and taxes, keeping proper records and distributing the estate correctly. This role carries legal responsibility and must be handled carefully.
Yes, but errors can cause delay or financial risk. Many people choose legal support to ensure the estate is administered correctly and efficiently.
Often yes. A bereavement may change your circumstances and planning priorities. Reviewing your Will ensures your intentions remain clear and legally valid.
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