Wills, Probate and Administration

	I want to die like my father, peacefully in his sleep, not screaming and terrified, like his passengers.
	- Bob Monkhouse

It's a fact of life, but one which we all have difficulty dealing with, until we have to. People often underestimate the importance of making a Will, but it can be one of the most important Legal Documents that you will ever deal with. We cannot over estimate the peace of mind it will give to you to know that, on your death, your estate and treasured possessions will be administered in accordance with your express wishes. At Redferns Solicitors, we have considerable experience in providing the specialist advice and drafting skills necessary to prepare a Will which meets your individual needs and requirements. We are happy to meet with you to discuss your wishes, whether this be in connection with the preparation of your first Will or the revision of an existing one to address a change in circumstances.

At a time of bereavement, many people find it difficult to address the legal consequences and the action which it is necessary to take as an Executor or an Administrator of an Estate. We are able to help by providing a complete service for Executors/Administrators which includes the work necessary to secure a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration and thereafter to administer the Estate in accordance with the deceased's wishes and/or the applicable law.

Occasionally, disputes may arise between beneficiaries relating to a Will or intestacy. In such cases, we can provide advice and assistance in dealing with such disputes and endeavouring to bring them to a satisfactory conclusion.

In certain circumstances, it may be possible for an individual to make a claim against the Estate under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. We are able to provide assistance in connection with the prosecution or defence of such a claim.

GLOSSARY OF RELEVANT LEGAL TERMS: show | hide

Affidavit: a written statement of evidence confirmed on oath or by affirmation to be true and taken before someone who has authority to administer it.

Estate Executor: is a person appointed by someone making their Will to administer their estate upon their death and in accordance with the terms of their Will.

Estate Administrator: is a person appointed by the Court to administer a person's estate upon death where that person has not made a valid Will.

Intestacy: the condition of having died without a valid will.

(Grant of) Letters of Administration: is obtained where a person has died without leaving a Will and Letters of Administration is the authority given by the Probate Court to the person(s) nominated by law to administer or gather in the deceased's estate.

Grant of Probate: is the authority given by the Probate Court to executors named in a Will.

Will: A legal declaration of how a person wishes his or her possessions to be disposed of after death.

» A full glossary of Legal Terms is also available.