0161 434 0600
Family Law Services
Probate
Probate Solicitor in Manchester
Experienced Support for Estate Administration
If you’ve lost a loved one, dealing with probate can feel overwhelming — especially when legal processes and paperwork add to the emotional weight.
At Didsbury Family Law, our solicitor Sara Chanan has over 25 years’ experience helping individuals and families navigate probate calmly and efficiently. Whether you’re an executor named in a Will or managing an estate without one, we’ll guide you through each step with care.
What Does Probate Involve?
A typical probate case involves three main stages:
- Distributing the estate – collecting assets and distributing them to the beneficiaries
- Valuing the estate – identifying and confirming the assets, debts, and overall value
- Applying for the grant of representation – including submitting documents to HMRC
What Does It Cost?
We offer a transparent pricing structure based on the complexity of your case. Our hourly rate is £220 + VAT, and most matters fall between £800 – £5,000 + VAT in total legal fees.
The final cost will depend on the size of the estate and how many parties are involved. Once we understand your circumstances, we’ll provide a tailored quote.
Typical factors that affect fees include:
- Number of properties and bank accounts
- Presence of shareholdings
- Number of beneficiaries
- Whether there’s a valid Will
- Complexity of inheritance tax matters
We do not handle disputed estates — our probate service is designed for estates where all parties are in agreement.
Disbursements (Third-Party Costs)
These are costs paid to others as part of the process. We’ll request these from you only when needed:
- Probate court fee: £273 + £1.50 per copy
- Bankruptcy searches: £2 per beneficiary
- Trustee Act Notices: Around £350 + VAT (optional, but often recommended)
Please note: property transfers or sales require a separate conveyancing solicitor, and are not included in our probate fees.
How Long Does Probate Take?
While each case is different, the following timescales are typical:
| Stage | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Valuing the estate | 1–2 months |
| Grant of representation | ~2 months |
| Asset collection & distribution | 1–2 months |
Most cases are completed in around 6 months from start to finish.
Why Choose Us?
- Expert legal advice from a named solicitor — no call centres or case handlers
- Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
- Personal service, delivered with care and clarity
- Trusted by families across Didsbury, Chorlton, Withington and South Manchester
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always — but many executors prefer the support of a solicitor to avoid mistakes, especially when dealing with tax forms, property, or multiple beneficiaries. We’ll make sure everything is done correctly and in the right order.
Our legal fees typically range from £800 to £5,000 + VAT, depending on the estate’s complexity. You’ll also need to pay court fees and any necessary third-party disbursements.
Yes. We can assist whether there’s a valid Will or not. The process is slightly different, but we’ll guide you through what’s required.
Not at all — although we’re based in Didsbury, we work with clients from all over South Manchester and beyond. If you’d prefer to meet in person, we can arrange an appointment that suits you.
Get in Touch
To speak with a solicitor about probate, or to get a personalised quote, please call Sara Chanan on 0161 434 0600 or email info@didsburyfamilylaw.com.
We’re here to help — with practical advice, personal service, and complete peace of mind.