Probates and Will Services in Surrey

Hamlyns treat me as an individual. I don’t feel like “just another client” to be processed.

Diana Boulter

MD, DBA Speakers

Chris and his team gave us precisely the advice our business needed, even before we knew we needed it!

Mike Higgins

Managing Director, Hawkmoor Limited

It’s great that I always get to speak to the same Partner who knows our situation, so I don’t need to keep repeating things.

Johnny Richards

Finance Director, Normandy Garage

When we came to Hamlyns, we were a start up business. In a few years, they’ve really helped us become a major player in our sector.

Frank Pawley MBE

Chairman, Global Travel Management Ltd

We have been working together for over 10 years and our relationship is vital to the success of our business; I would not hesitate to recommend them.

Angela Hall

Partner, Occupational Health Professionals LLP

I appreciate Hamlyns expert and informed guidance and helpful approach.

Managing Director, Arcom IT

Hamlyns took the stress away by anticipating and understanding what I needed.

Managing Director, PromoLogistics Limited

Hamlyns gave me great advice and hand-holding to ensure my exit from the company was quick and clean. I am also thousands of pounds better off. Thank you, thank you.

Douglas Cooke

Former Director

At Hamlyns, we understand that losing a loved one is one of life’s most challenging experiences. Managing their financial affairs and navigating the probate process shouldn’t add to your burden during this difficult time.

Our experienced probate accountants in Surrey provide compassionate, professional support to help you through every step of the journey.

Probate Services in Surrey

What is Probate?

Probate is the legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate, ensuring their assets are distributed per their will, codicils and letters of wishes. This includes gathering assets, settling any outstanding debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining estate to beneficiaries.

Hamlyns’ professional probate accountancy experts will assist with this often complicated and confusing process to ensure everything is administered as it should be.

When is Probate Required?

Probate is typically necessary when:

The deceased owned property in their sole name
They held significant financial assets in their sole name
Certain insurance policies are payable to the estate
Financial institutions require it to release funds

However, probate may not be required for smaller estates or when assets are held jointly with a surviving spouse or civil partner.

Types of Grants

There are two main types of grants:

Grant of Probate: Issued when there is a valid will
Letters of Administration: Required when someone dies without a will (intestate)

Most estates are settled within 6-12 months, though complex cases may take longer.

Our Probate Process

We’ve developed a clear, structured approach to guide you through each stage of probate administration:

1. Initial Consultation

- Personal meeting to understand your situation
- Review of the will and estate documentation
- Clear explanation of the process ahead

2. Asset Valuation

- Comprehensive assessment of estate assets
- Identification of liabilities (including house(s), bank accounts, shareholdings, debts, etc.)
- Professional valuations where required

3. Inheritance Tax Assessment

- Detailed inheritance tax calculations
- Identification of applicable reliefs and allowances
- Preparation of necessary tax returns

4. Grant Application

- Preparation and submission of legal documents
- Liaison with the Probate Registry (using form PA1P when a will is present, or form PA1A when there is not)
- Management of any queries or complications

5. Estate Administration

- Collection and management of assets
- Settlement of outstanding debts and Capital Gains Tax (CGT) liabilities
- Preparation of estate accounts

6. Distribution

- Final distribution to beneficiaries
- Clear documentation of all transactions
- Completion of closure procedures

Will Writing Services

A will is a legal document that sets out your wishes for what should happen after you pass away or are no longer able to make decisions due to illness. Without a will, there is no guarantee that your assets will be distributed as you intended.

A professionally written will ensures your wishes are clearly documented and followed, providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones. If someone dies without a will, the law decides who inherits your estate.

Our will writing service in Surrey is available to private clients who use our other services, allowing us to take a comprehensive approach to your estate planning.

Our Approach to Will Writing

We consider your entire financial situation, including:

Who inherits your estate and at what age
Who acts as executor(s) for the estate and/or trustee(s) for any trust which may be present
The most tax-efficient method of passing wealth (such as business relief or trusts)
How spouses, partners and children are provided for in the event of remarriage or divorce

Your will forms part of our complete private client service, ensuring:

Regular reviews and updates
Coordination with personal and business tax planning
Integration with business succession planning
Consideration of inheritance tax implications

Related Services

Inheritance Tax Planning

Structured approach to minimise tax liability
Understanding of current legislation
Regular reviews and updates
Consideration of Lifetime Gifts

Trust Services

Creation and management of various trust types
Tax-efficient trust structures
Ongoing trust administration
Regular trustee support

Lasting Power of Attorney

Preparation and registration of LPAs
Both financial and health welfare options
Professional guidance and support
Integration with overall estate planning

Our Personal Services

We put into practice the promise of an individual, tailored service for the complete range of our clients’ accounting and business development requirements.

Personal Tax

We can advise on trusts and estates, company benefits, salaries and dividends. Changes in legislation can complicate tax matters, but with our expert up-to-date advice we ensure you will be made fully aware of any tax planning opportunities.

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Tax Advisors

Our team of chartered accountants has years of experience providing expert advice on tax and planning services for various aspects of businesses.

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Estates & Probate

Our tax specialists can help with all aspects of trust administration, including preparing annual accounts and trust Self-Assessment Tax Returns.

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Why Choose Hamlyns for Probate?

Local expertise: Deep understanding of Surrey and London markets

Professional qualifications: Fully qualified chartered accountants

Relationship-focused: We take time to understand your specific needs

Transparent pricing: Clear fee structure based on estate complexity

Probate and Wills FAQs

How long does probate typically take?: Most straightforward estates are administered within 6-12 months. Complex estates, particularly those involving inheritance tax or overseas assets, may take longer.
Do I need probate if there's a will?: Having a will doesn’t automatically eliminate the need for probate. The requirement depends on the types and values of assets in the estate.
What happens if there's no will?: When someone dies without a will (intestate), the law determines who inherits the estate. We can guide you through the intestacy rules and help you obtain Letters of Administration.
Can you act as executor?: Yes, we can act as professional executors or assist appointed executors with their duties.
How much does probate cost?: As a guide, simple probate case charges are between £5,000 and £12,000; for more complex assignments, fees will be £12,000+. However, our fees reflect the complexity and size of the estate. We provide detailed estimates after reviewing each case, ensuring transparency throughout.

Hamlyns: Professional Probate and Will Accountants in Surrey

For expert probate and will writing services in Surrey, contact Hamlyns today. Our experienced team is here to provide the support and guidance you need during this challenging time.