Probate Solicitors in Norwich & Norfolk
At Hansells, our probate team in Norwich, Aylsham and North Walsham guides families through probate and estate administration. Whether a will exists or someone dies without one, we'll manage the process smoothly, legally and with compassion. Call us on 01603 615 731 or get in touch online.
Probate & Dying without a Will
Losing a loved one is never easy, and dealing with probate and estate matters on top of that can feel completely overwhelming - especially if they didn't leave a will. At Hansells Solicitors in Norwich, we understand how tough this time can be. Our friendly and experienced wills and probate team is here to guide you through every step, offering support with empathy, care, and professionalism.
Whether you've been named as an Executor in a will or you're unsure what to do when someone passes away without one, we're here to help you make sense of it all.
What Happens If Someone Dies Without a Will?
If someone dies without a will in England and Wales, their estate is distributed according to the rules of intestacy. This means:
- Spouses or civil partners usually inherit first.
- Children and other relatives may also be entitled to a share.
- Unmarried partners and close friends have no automatic right to inherit.
Our probate solicitors in Norwich can explain exactly what applies in your situation and ensure the estate is distributed legally and fairly.
How Our Norwich Probate Solicitors Can Help
We provide full support with every stage of the probate and estate administration process, including:
- Registering the death and helping with funeral arrangements, where there's no family to do this and we're appointed as Executors
- Applying for the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration
- Valuing the estate and handling inheritance tax issues
- Distributing assets to beneficiaries
- Advising on disputes or complications in probate
Even when a valid will exists, probate can be complex. Having an experienced solicitor helps you avoid mistakes, reduce stress, and protect the rights of beneficiaries. On average, a straightforward estate is dealt with within 3 to 6 months of the grant being issued.
Why Choose Hansells Solicitors?
- Local knowledge: We have been serving Norwich and Norfolk for generations.
- STEP members: Our team includes full members of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).
- Association of Lifetime Lawyers: Our team includes an Accredited Member of the Association of Lifetime Lawyers (formerly Solicitors for the Elderly), trained to support older and vulnerable clients with sensitivity.
- Transparent costs: We provide a clear breakdown of probate fees and timescales from the outset. See our probate pricing.
Our Probate Team
Our probate team is led by Craig Gosling, a solicitor, and Lauren Cotton, a Chartered Legal Executive and full STEP member, joint heads of our Wills, Trusts & Lifetime Planning department. They work alongside solicitors Clare van Poortvliet, who has over 17 years' experience in private client law, Deividas Kivyta and Mel White, and our experienced estates practitioners, Leigh Crowden and Jane Mansell.
Frequently Asked Questions
If a person dies without a will, their estate is distributed according to the intestacy rules. This usually means assets pass to a spouse, civil partner, or children, but unmarried partners and friends are not entitled.
While you can apply for probate yourself, many Executors choose a solicitor to avoid mistakes, delays, and disputes. Hansells’ probate solicitors in Norwich can guide you through every stage of the process.
Contact our probate solicitors in Norwich for tailored advice
Probate costs depend on the size of the estate and the work required. You’ll also need to pay the probate application fee, which is £526 for estates over £5,000, plus £2 for each extra copy of the grant. Hansells offers transparent pricing and will provide a clear estimate at the outset. See our probate pricing for full details.
An Executor is responsible for managing the estate, paying debts and taxes, and distributing assets. Hansells can advise Executors and, if needed, take on the responsibility to ease the burden.
Once the papers are lodged, the probate registry is currently taking around 4 to 8 weeks to issue the grant. Collecting in the assets usually takes another 2 to 3 months, and then we can distribute the estate. On average, a straightforward estate is dealt with within 3 to 6 months of the grant being issued. It can take longer if there’s property to sell, complex assets, or dealings with HMRC.
Speak to a probate solicitor in Norfolk
To find out more or to get started, contact our friendly team: Norwich 01603 615 731, Aylsham 01263 734 313, North Walsham 01692 404 351, or send us an enquiry online.
