Expert Probate Solicitors in Leeds
Losing a loved one is difficult enough without the extra worry of probate. Our probate solicitors in Leeds provide clear, fixed-fee support so you don’t have to manage everything alone. With over 3,000 five-star reviews, Winston Solicitors are trusted across Leeds and West Yorkshire to handle estates with care and efficiency.
- Get fixed-fee probate in Leeds
- Plan estate administration with ease
- Compare grant-only & full support
- Settle Wills and inheritance disputes
- Trusted by 3,000+ Leeds families
I recently contracted Winston Solicitors to support me in obtaining a grant of probate following the death of a parent. I worked closely with Emily and found her to be supportive, have great communication and be able to navigate the IHT and probate processes very efficiently.
Client, Dewsbury
Fixed fee probate in Leeds
We believe in transparent costs from the start. That’s why we offer fixed-fee grant-only probate services, so you know exactly what to expect. Our probate solicitors in Leeds can guide you every step of the way.
What does probate mean?
Probate is the legal process of dealing with someone’s estate after they pass away. This includes valuing their assets, paying debts, and distributing what’s left to beneficiaries.
- If there’s a valid Will, the named executor applies for probate.
- If there’s no will, an administrator applies for Letters of Administration instead, usually a relative or friend.
Why choose a solicitor for probate?
You don’t have to use a solicitor, but many families in Leeds choose us for peace of mind. Probate can be complex, and mistakes may leave executors personally liable. Our probate solicitors make sure everything is handled correctly, efficiently, and with care.
Common risks when going it alone
- Missing assets or debts
- Incorrect inheritance tax calculations
- Failing to identify all beneficiaries
- Keeping poor records
By working with us, you can avoid delays, stress, and personal liability.
How probate works – step by step
We make probate as simple as possible. Here’s how the process usually works:
- Collect details – We confirm assets like property, savings, pensions and investments.
- Check debts – We identify bills, loans and other liabilities.
- Calculate inheritance tax (if due) – We deal directly with HMRC, submit forms and pay IHT.
- Apply for probate – We submit your application and obtain the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration.
- Gather estate assets – We collect funds, sell property (if needed), and manage accounts.
- Pay debts – Creditors are settled in the correct order.
- Prepare estate accounts – A full record is created for transparency.
- Distribute inheritance – Remaining funds and property are transferred to beneficiaries.
Our role is to take the weight off your shoulders. We’ll guide you through each stage, so you feel supported and informed.
Monika Volsing, Head of Private Client
Local expertise across Leeds & West Yorkshire
Our probate solicitors in Leeds support families across:
Headingley, Roundhay, Moortown, Chapel Allerton, Horsforth, Garforth, Pudsey, Wetherby, Ilkley, Harrogate and Wakefield.
Wherever you are in West Yorkshire, we’re here to help you manage probate with confidence.
Speak to Probate Solicitor in Leeds Today
We’ll handle the legal process so you can focus on what really matters - your family.
No, you can apply yourself. But many families choose a solicitor to avoid mistakes, delays, and personal liability. Our Leeds probate team makes the process faster and less stressful.
On average, probate takes around 4–6 months for straightforward estates. Complex cases with property sales, multiple assets or beneficiaries, foreign assets or beneficiaries, or tax issues may take longer.
Yes. But you’ll need to value assets, calculate inheritance tax, complete forms, and settle debts correctly. Many executors prefer a solicitor’s help to reduce risk.
We offer fixed-fee grant-only probate services. For full estate administration, we can provide a clear estimate based on the information you provide about the estate.
We handle official paperwork, HMRC forms, and asset transfers. We make sure debts and taxes are paid before distributing the estate to beneficiaries.
Inheritance funds are often held for up to 6 months after probate, in case someone makes a claim. After that, money is usually released to beneficiaries.
It depends on the estate. Banks, building societies, or land registries may insist on a Grant of Probate before releasing assets. We’ll check what’s required in your case.
The person who administers the deceased’s estate if they died without a will - usually a relative or friend of the deceased.
We estimate it takes one to two years to fully administer an estate, although it can be quicker or slower. It depends on the complexity of the estate (property sales, tax issues, foreign assets or beneficiaries, long lost family, claims against the estate, etc) which is not always something a solicitor can control and how promptly institutions that are part of the process, like the Probate & Land Registries, HMRC, DWP, banks & building societies, respond. However, a solicitor can investigate fully to make sure no stone is left unturned so an estate is fully administered in accordance with the rules; thereby reducing the chances of the executors or administrators of the estate being liable for mistakes. This may take time but is worth it in the long run.
- A person dies with or without a will.
- Without a will, a friend or relative can apply to be their administrator.
- With a will, an executor will be named.
- The broad term for executor or administrator is personal representative.
- The personal representative must then administer the estate of the deceased according to the Intestacy Rules if there is no will, or by the terms of the will is there is one.
- In some cases, to do this, they must obtain a Grant or Representation (Grant of Letters of Administration if there is no will, Grant of Probate if there is a will) from the Probate Registry.
- The grant allows them to do things like close bank accounts, sell property, pay debts and distribute to beneficiaries.
- They may have to pay inheritance tax to HMRC. This has to be done before they get a grant.
- The process may be as quick as six months if there is no property to sell or may take several years.
- There are rules regarding the timescale in which an estate should be dealt with but depends on the circumstances. Distributing too quickly or too slowly can result in problems for the personal representative in the form of creditors or beneficiaries who haven’t been paid or who they didn’t even know existed!
- Further tax, like income or capital gains tax, may be due to HMRC in the estate.
- To finalise the estate, a full set of estate accounts should be produced to show the estate’s value as at date of death, the assets collected in, debts paid and beneficiaries distributed to.
