Probate Assistance Near Me
When you search for probate help near you, what you really want is someone you can trust to handle it properly. I am Ade Oduyemi, and I have spent 35 years doing exactly that for families across Surrey, South London, and throughout England and Wales.
✓ 35+ Years Experience
✓ Fixed Fee Guarantee
✓ No Hidden Costs
What Probate Actually Involves
When someone dies and leaves behind property, savings, or investments, someone must apply for a grant of probate, the legal authority to deal with the estate. After the grant, the real work starts: identifying every asset, calculating inheritance tax, settling debts, and distributing what remains.
For families across Surrey and South London, estates commonly include property that has grown significantly in value, pension funds from multiple providers, and savings spread across different institutions. I have dealt with hundreds of these situations and I get it done correctly.
For families across Surrey and South London, estates commonly include property that has grown significantly in value, pension funds from multiple providers, and savings spread across different institutions. I have dealt with hundreds of these situations and I get it done correctly.
Signs You Could Use Professional Help
In my experience, most families benefit from professional help when any of these apply:
- The deceased owned property in their sole name
- The estate may exceed the inheritance tax threshold
- There are assets held with multiple institutions
- There is no will or it is being disputed
- You are the executor and not sure where to start
If even one of those applies, it is worth having a conversation. There is no obligation.
What I Handle for You
Wills and entitlement. I review the will and confirm legal positions.
Asset identification. I track down and value every asset as at the date of death.
Inheritance tax. I calculate liability, submit HMRC forms, apply reliefs, and arrange payment.
Probate application. I prepare and file the application and handle any queries.
Debt settlement. I place statutory notices and settle all debts from the estate.
Distribution. I distribute the inheritance and provide full estate accounts.
Asset identification. I track down and value every asset as at the date of death.
Inheritance tax. I calculate liability, submit HMRC forms, apply reliefs, and arrange payment.
Probate application. I prepare and file the application and handle any queries.
Debt settlement. I place statutory notices and settle all debts from the estate.
Distribution. I distribute the inheritance and provide full estate accounts.
You Deserve Help You Can Trust
Most families I work with come to me feeling overwhelmed by the process. I take over entirely, handle everything from the application to the final distribution, and keep you informed throughout.
START YOUR PROBATE APPLICATION TODAYWhat It Costs
Fixed fees from £1,880
- Fixed fee quoted after your initial consultation, based on the specific circumstances of the estate, so you know exactly what you are paying before you commit
- Disbursements (external costs like court fees and search fees) are additional and itemised clearly, with no surprises
- Timescales depend on the estate: the grant itself typically takes 8 to 12 weeks, while full administration can take 6 to 12 months for more involved estates
- No hourly billing. The fee I quote is the fee you pay. I do not charge by the hour, and there are no hidden extras
Why Families Choose Me
Personal Service Throughout
You deal with me directly, not a team of assistants. One point of contact from beginning to end.
35 Years of Probate Experience
Successfully administered hundreds of estates ranging from £500,000 to £5 million across England and Wales.
Fixed Fees, Agreed in Advance
Know exactly what you will pay upfront. No hourly billing or surprise charges.
Regulated and Fully Insured
Full professional indemnity insurance and regulatory protection for your peace of mind.
Efficient Administration
I know which forms to file, which institutions to contact, and what information is needed at each stage.
Executor Protection
I help shield executors from personal liability, including statutory advertisements for unknown debts.
How the Process Works
1
Consultation
I review your situation in a free conversation. You tell me about the estate, and I provide a clear quote.
2
Research
I contact banks, pension providers, and insurers to confirm balances and get property valued.
3
Filing
I submit inheritance tax forms to HMRC, arrange payment, and file the probate application.
4
Collection
I collect all assets, place statutory creditor notices, and settle all outstanding debts.
5
Settlement
I prepare final accounts showing every asset and payment, then distribute the inheritance to beneficiaries.
Throughout the entire process, I keep you informed at every stage. You will always know what is happening and what comes next.
What Families Have Said
Feedback from families who have been through probate with me.
The Person Behind the Service
Ade, Probate and Estate Administration Specialist
I have spent 35 years helping families through probate. I know how difficult this time is, and I know that the last thing you need is confusing paperwork and institutional processes that seem designed to slow everything down.
My approach is straightforward: I take over the entire administrative and legal process so you do not have to. I explain things in plain English, I keep you informed at every stage, and I make sure the estate is administered correctly and efficiently.
I work with families across Wallington, Banstead, Cheam, Caterham, Coulsdon, Croydon, Sutton, Epsom, and the surrounding areas of Surrey and South London. I also handle estates throughout England and Wales, because probate does not require me to be physically close to you or the estate. What matters is that you have someone experienced, accessible, and trustworthy handling the work.
I have administered hundreds of estates with values ranging from £500,000 to £5 million. Whether the estate is straightforward or involves complications like inheritance tax, property sales, or disputed wills, my goal is always the same: to get the right money to the right people as quickly and accurately as possible.
If you need probate help, I am here.
BOOK YOUR CONSULTATIONMy approach is straightforward: I take over the entire administrative and legal process so you do not have to. I explain things in plain English, I keep you informed at every stage, and I make sure the estate is administered correctly and efficiently.
I work with families across Wallington, Banstead, Cheam, Caterham, Coulsdon, Croydon, Sutton, Epsom, and the surrounding areas of Surrey and South London. I also handle estates throughout England and Wales, because probate does not require me to be physically close to you or the estate. What matters is that you have someone experienced, accessible, and trustworthy handling the work.
I have administered hundreds of estates with values ranging from £500,000 to £5 million. Whether the estate is straightforward or involves complications like inheritance tax, property sales, or disputed wills, my goal is always the same: to get the right money to the right people as quickly and accurately as possible.
If you need probate help, I am here.
Frequently Asked Questions
I am not sure which probate specialist to use. What makes you different?
That is a fair question, and I think it comes down to three things. First, you deal with me personally. I do the work myself, from start to finish. You are not handed off to junior staff or left waiting for callbacks from people who do not know your case. Second, I have 35 years of experience across hundreds of estates, so there is very little I have not seen before. That means I can anticipate problems before they become costly. Third, my fees are fixed. I quote a clear price after our initial conversation, and that is what you pay. There are no hourly charges, no hidden extras, and no surprises. If you want to see whether I am the right fit, the initial consultation is free and there is no obligation.
What is (the grant of) probate?
A grant of probate is an official document issued by the courts that gives you the authority to manage the financial and legal affairs of someone who has died.
Here’s how it works:
- If the deceased left a will, the people named as executors apply to the court for this permission.
- The grant is typically a single sheet of paper confirming the executors and giving them the power to administer the estate.
- If there is no will, the court issues ‘letters of administration’.
Without a grant of probate no one has the authority to deal with the deceased’s financial matters, property, or assets.
How much does probate cost?
In our discussion I would provide a fixed-fee quote.
Do I always need probate?
You need probate if:
- The deceased held assets in their name
- Financial institutions request it
- There are complex assets or debts
Can I do probate myself?
While possible, DIY probate carries significant risks. One mistake can cost thousands in penalties or delays. Professional assistance typically saves money and stress.
How long does probate take?
Managing an estate and distributing assets to the beneficiaries involves dealing with two government departments – first HMRC and the Court Service – each of those may last a few weeks to several months. And then there’s the disposal of assets, if there’s a house in the estate, well we know how long it can take to sell a house.
What is the Estate?
A person’s estate is every object, or contract that was in the name of the deceased, these include:
- The deceased’s principal private residence,
- other land and buildings,
- cash, shares and similar assets,
- pensions
- life insurance
- business interests
- things you’ve given away in the last seven years
Will I pay inheritance tax?
Whether you pay inheritance tax depends on:
- The value and nature of the assets in the estate
- The identity of the beneficiaries
Inheritance tax is not paid by everyone. It is only due if the estate exceeds a certain threshold (called the “nil-rate band”), and certain exemptions or reliefs may apply, such as spouses inheriting or charitable donations. The responsibility to pay the tax falls on the estate itself, meaning the executor must ensure the tax is paid before distributing assets to beneficiaries.
Who pays estate debts?
Debts are paid out of the deceased’s estate. Relatives do not have to pay for them out of their own pockets.
The estate is bound to make every effort to identify the deceased’s debts. It is only after debts have been met that assets may be distributed.
What if there’s no will?
Without a will (intestacy), assets are distributed according to strict legal rules. Spouses, children, parents, and siblings inherit in specific order. I guide families through these rules.
Can a will be challenged?
Yes, but I support you in defending against or resolving disputes.
Funeral expenses
The funeral is a contract between the person who walked into the funeral directors shop and the funeral director. It has nothing to do with the deceased. Nonetheless, banks and building societies generally meet the funeral expenses out of the deceased’s bank account [if there is cash in the account] .
Let's Talk About Your Situation
Whether you are in Wallington, Banstead, Croydon, Epsom, or anywhere else in England and Wales, I am happy to have a conversation about the estate you are dealing with. The initial consultation is free. I will review your situation, explain what needs to happen, and give you a clear, fixed-fee quote. There is no pressure and no obligation. If you decide to go ahead, I handle everything. If not, you walk away with a better understanding of where things stand.
Call me or book a consultation online.
BOOK FREE CONSULTATIONCall me or book a consultation online.