Wollaston Associates
Experts in Estate Planning:
Wills, Trusts, Probate, Lasting Power of Attorney.
Call now: office 0161 526 6262 / mobile 07757 546 893
Call now: office 0161 526 6262 / mobile 07757 546 893
At Wollaston Associates, we offer clear, compassionate probate support in Stockport to help families navigate the complex probate process with confidence and care.
When someone passes away and leaves a Will, their property, money, and possessions (known as their estate) must be distributed according to their wishes. The legal process of proving that a Will is valid and confirming who has the authority to administer the estate is called Probate.
In England and Wales, probate is usually required when the deceased owned property or significant assets in their sole name. The person named in the Will as responsible for managing the estate is called an executor.
A Grant of Probate (or a Letter of Administration if someone dies without a Will) gives the executor the legal right to manage the estate, including selling property, paying debts, and distributing assets to beneficiaries.
Probate is overseen by the Court of Probate, which operates local offices throughout England and Wales.
The process typically involves:
Our probate services in Stockport guide you through each step, ensuring all legal obligations are met while reducing stress at an already difficult time.
You can apply for probate yourself online or by post. While this may be cheaper, it can also be time-consuming and complex, especially when dealing with larger estates.
For many families, working with a specialist probate practitioner such as Wollaston Associates ensures the process is handled efficiently and correctly from start to finish.
We provide practical probate support for Stockport and the wider North West, handling the paperwork and legal formalities so you can focus on what matters most.
How much does an estate need to be worth for probate to be required?
There is no fixed national threshold. Each bank or financial institution sets its own limit, which can range between £5,000 and £50,000.
If the estate includes property or significant savings, probate will almost always be necessary.
What documents are needed for probate?
Typically, you’ll need:
Are all inheritances subject to Inheritance Tax?
No. Some gifts and bequests are exempt — including Trusts, charitable donations, and transfers to a spouse or civil partner. It’s advisable to seek professional guidance to ensure your estate is structured efficiently and to minimise unnecessary tax liabilities.
What happens if nobody applies for probate?
Without probate, no legal authority exists to manage the estate.
Bank accounts cannot be closed, property cannot be sold or transferred, and pensions or investments cannot be accessed. This can leave assets in limbo and delay beneficiaries from receiving their inheritance.
If you’re dealing with the estate of a loved one and need professional probate assistance in Stockport, Wollaston Associates can help. We’ll take care of the legal formalities, handle communication with the courts and financial institutions, and ensure the process runs smoothly.
Call 07757 546 893 or visit wollastonassociates.expert to arrange a confidential consultation with our local probate experts today.