Probate Solicitors Cardiff - Estate Administration | Berry Smith
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Probate and Estate Administration Solicitors in Cardiff

Our probate solicitors in Cardiff provide clear, dependable legal advice supported by strong professional standards and a commitment to client care. At Berry Smith, we understand that dealing with probate can be complex and often follows a difficult time for families. Our team offers straightforward guidance to help executors and beneficiaries understand their responsibilities and the legal steps involved. Many clients have trusted Berry Smith for many years because of our reliable advice, transparent communication and professional approach.

We support clients through every stage of the probate and estate administration process. This may include reviewing the terms of a will, assisting executors with their legal duties, applying for a Grant of Probate, and ensuring that assets are correctly administered and distributed to beneficiaries. Our solicitors focus on managing matters carefully and efficiently while ensuring that all legal and regulatory requirements are properly met.We recognise that every estate is different, which is why we offer a flexible service depending on the level of support required. Our probate solicitors can manage the entire probate and estate administration process on your behalf, or provide guidance on specific aspects where you may need professional legal advice. Get in touch with us today.

What can we do for you?

We assist executors and families with the full range of legal responsibilities involved in administering an estate.

Our services include:

  • Advising on the terms of the Will
  • Where there is no Will, advising on the application of the intestacy rules in the relevant circumstances
  • Putting measures in place to protect property interests (by arranging insurance, for example)
  • Obtaining valuations of assets of the estate
  • Calculating inheritance tax
  • Providing advice on inheritance tax
  • Obtaining the grant of representation
  • Collecting in the assets of the estate, or transferring them to beneficiaries or trustees (as appropriate)
  • Completing tax returns
  • Taking steps to satisfy all tax and other financial liabilities
  • Preparing the estate accounts

Where an estate includes property that needs to be transferred or sold, our conveyancing solicitors in Cardiff can assist with the legal process. Contact our experts for further support.

What will it cost?

What are the costs involved in instructing us to act in the administration of an estate where a Grant of Representation (Grant of Probate/Grant of Letters of Administration) is required?

Where we have been instructed in the administration of an estate of someone who has died and a Grant of Representation is required, our services involve the following:

  • collate information and advise on inheritance tax implications (if any)
  • prepare the necessary tax return (this is required even if there is no tax to pay)
  • advise or arrange the payment of inheritance tax (if any)
  • prepare the documents necessary for an application to the Probate Registry and submit the application
  • encashing and/or transferring the assets
  • preparing and submitting any necessary tax return for the administration period
  • preparing the final estate accounts
  • arranging distribution

Our minimum costs for acting in the administration of an estate are £1,500 plus VAT.

Our average costs for acting in the administration of an estate are £3,000 plus VAT.

Our average costs, which depend on the value of the estate, are typically as follows:

Value of the estateOur Fees
£0 – £150,000£1,500 plus VAT
£150,001 – £400,000£1,500 plus VAT – £3,500 plus VAT
£400,001 – £750,000£3,500 plus VAT – £6,500 plus VAT
£750,001 – £1,500,000£6,500 plus VAT – £11,000 plus VAT

Whilst the above are averages we will always aim to give you a fixed quotation once we have full details of the estate assets and liabilities.

If we are instructed to obtain a Grant of Representation only, without a full tax return or collating estate information or acting in the distribution of the estate, our fee will be £750 plus VAT.

What is included?

The fees quoted are based on estates where there are:

  • no claims made against the estate;
  • no disputes between the beneficiaries on division of assets.

The fees will increase within the above ranges (or may exceed the range) where:

  • a Deed of Variation is required;
  • there are Trusts;
  • we are appointed as executors of the estate.
  • there is a requirement to trace missing or unknown beneficiaries.

Any disbursements will not be included in the above prices. Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties which may be incurred in the administrative process. Possible disbursements include:

  • Probate fee – £273.00
  • Oath swearing fee – £7.00 (per executor)
  • Bankruptcy search fee – £2.40 per name
  • Statutory Advertisements – £216.00
  • Land Registry registration fees – as set out on the Gov.uk Website (Scale 2)

How Long Does Probate Take?

The time required to administer an estate can vary depending on several factors, including the size and value of the estate, the number and type of assets involved, and whether there are any debts, tax considerations or legal complexities that need to be addressed. Each estate is different, and the overall timescale will depend on how straightforward the administration process is.

As a general guide:

  • Straightforward estates are often completed in around 10 weeks, where there are limited assets and minimal complexities.
  • More complex estates, particularly those involving multiple assets, property, tax matters or additional legal considerations, may take approximately 4–5 months or longer to fully administer.

Our probate solicitors will keep you informed at every stage of the process and provide clear updates as the estate administration progresses. We aim to manage each matter carefully and efficiently while ensuring all legal responsibilities are fulfilled correctly.

Department: Private Client

Contact us

If you would like a no obligation discussion, please feel free to contact us either by phone on 02920 345511 or emailing us below.

Contact Us

Guides & Further Information

Key Contacts

Nia Evans

Senior Associate

Probate FAQs

What do probate solicitors do?

Probate solicitors help executors and families manage the legal process after someone dies. This includes applying for probate, valuing assets, settling debts and distributing the estate according to the will.

When should I reach out to a solicitor for support with Probate?

You should contact probate solicitors as soon as possible after a death, particularly if you are named as an executor. Early legal advice helps ensure the estate administration process is handled correctly.

How long does probate take?

The probate process typically takes several months, depending on the complexity of the estate, whether inheritance tax is involved and how quickly assets can be identified and distributed.

What is estate administration?

Estate administration Cardiff refers to the legal process of managing a person’s estate after their death. This includes collecting assets, paying liabilities and distributing the estate to beneficiaries.

Do I need probate solicitors if there is a will?

Even if there is a will, executors often require help from probate solicitors to apply for probate and ensure the estate is administered correctly according to legal requirements.

Contact Us

Our approachable team of dedicated professionals have extensive legal and practical experience. So if you have a legal problem, we can help you out.

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What our clients say

As a neurodivergent client, being represented with this level of respect and care was profoundly significant.

Conor’s approach was calm, precise, and deeply principled.

He provided stability at moments when the process itself risked becoming destabilising. Conor is outstanding with vulnerable and neurodivergent clients, uncompromising on safeguarding and wellbeing, and notable for his integrity and judgement under pressure acting swiftly in his clients best interests. His representation has had a lasting and meaningful impact on our lives.

Family Law Client –

I will not hesitate to recommend Eleanor and Berry Smith Lawyers to anyone in need of legal advice and support.

Eleanor was very professional, put me at ease and I felt very confident that Eleanour understood my situation and would represent me well in my dispute with my employer, the service was very prompt and I felt fully informed at all times, 

L.G –

I have worked with Berry Smith Lawyers on and off for 10 years.

They have sold a 2 of my houses, produced 2 wills for me and some complex legal agreements that I have needed. They have also given me free advice on some issues over the years and helped me deal with some difficult issues. I am most impressed with the partnership and each of the lawyers I have dealt with, all being strong and firm when dealing with my affairs while remaining personable and easy to work with, a very good combination. I will continue to employ their services in the future without any doubt. Highly recommended.

N.H –

Thank you Georgia Evans & Team for your outstanding conveyancing service.

Thank you for your exceptional conveyancing service. Your professionalism, clear communication, and attention to detail make the process seamless. I truly appreciate your support and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend you.

A.M –

Able to explain things

The exceptional Chris Beames has huge experience, is empathetic and able to explain things in a way that is clear and intelligible.

A B –

Very approachable

Christina is very approachable and responds very quickly to my queries.  In the end, I got what I wanted

Gek L –

Couldn’t have done it without you

We are now happily settling into our new home and obviously couldn’t have done it without you, so thanks so much for all your work and help!

Keiran M –

Brilliant experience

Brilliant experience, Georgia and Sharon have been so helpful throughout, responsive to questions and kept me updated. The purchase wasn’t as straightforward as we thought but I was provided with all the advice I needed. Thank you very much!

Sophia L –

They are truly professional

Chris and Sharon have the patience to explain and communicate clearly with any questions. They will pick my calls or return my calls at any point in time and answer my questions. They are truly professionals and I will always use Berry smith LLP.

Alexander D R –

Whole process seemed seamless

Christina was a pleasure to work with – very efficient and the whole process seemed seamless and more importantly painless. I have no hesitation in recommending Christina and Berry Smith for conveyancing work.

Ravi N –

Outstanding from start to finish

Gemma was outstanding from start to finish. No question was too silly and every response was prompt. The estate agent we used even commented to us their happiness with how quickly they got responses from Gemma during this process. She did an excellent job of making it as painless as possible

Dai L –

Would definitely recommend

Christina was brilliant, very friendly and professional and moved very quickly for us. Would definitely recommend to friends and family. Thank you Christina for all of your help.

Bianca W –

Thoughtful balanced and clear

Georgia is extremely good at keeping me informed and her explanations are thoughtful balanced and clear.

Kate M-B –

Experts in the field.

They are very responsive, experts in the field and very good to deal with. They are commercial minded as well and make the transaction very smooth.

S D – Business Client

Professional, friendly legal team.

Professional, friendly legal team. Good responsiveness and sound advice throughout the process

S B – Client

Really great people.

Excellent professional advice, really great people.

M J – Business Client

All round an excellent experience.

Excellent advice – flexible and responsive with timings and availability to reach a tight deadline – reassuring in tone and delivery. All round an excellent experience.

N J – Business Client

They never fail.

Our main reasons are the easy relationship with partners and the never-failing promptness of their response to our queries. Personal contact at all times. The considerable reliance we came to place on their general legal advice. The firm’s approach and method of working was at all times conscientious and professional

J J – Client

Never had a bad experience with them.

Always use Berry Smith for all Legal work, have done for over 15 years & will continue to do so. Never had a bad experience with them.

S P – Business Client

Very easy to understand.

I found the lawyer dealing with my case was able to assess the content of the dispute quickly and then gave easy to understand options together with risks associated with each option.

S P – Business Client

Much better than any other solicitors

Excellent service by a friendly and proactive team. From the start the guidelines clarity of the process and the team communicated well regarding updates. A much better than any other solicitors I have dealt with and a thoroughly professional team to deal with.

M J – Client

Totally professional

Whilst the contact was totally professional, I enjoyed the friendly, “down-to-earth” approach, we could talk on a human-to-human level without the technical speak that you sometimes meet with legal representatives. I also considered that there was a business like, practical attitude

S N – Business Client

Very easy to work with.

Impressed with speed of responses and overall experience. Although a relative straightforward matter, processes completed quickly and efficiently. Easy to work with.

C M – Client

Professional, great communication and very supportive

Really professional, great communication and very supportive. Email and telephone calls were always replied/returned promptly. Very knowledgeable and guidance was always readily available. I have already recommended Berry Smith to a number of friends.

S Z – Client

Friendly, polite and extremely prompt

Everyone I’ve dealt with during the process has been friendly, polite and extremely prompt, and managed to complete the conveyancing on a purchase and sale just before the end of the stamp duty holiday- couldn’t be happier!

E H – Client

Clear, concise, professional

The lady that dealt with my case, was clear, concise, professional and kept me informed at every stage. She was excellent.

A C – Client

Customer care and attention was very thorough

Customer care and attention was very thorough; there was a strong sense that the firm was determined to achieve the best outcome for its clients.

P M B – Client

All meetings were friendly and professional.

I felt communicated with and always in the loop. Any questions I had were answered promptly. All meetings were friendly and professional.

R P – Business Client

Very responsive, knowledgeable and facilitative

It was such a relief to have representation through what is otherwise a very isolating process of undergoing a MBO. Communication was great, very responsive, knowledgeable and facilitative.

C P – Business Client

Advice given was clear and concise

The advice given was clear and concise, the response to the initial contact was prompt and this has been reflected in all the work carried out. I am transferring some property between two SIPP’s and l was very pleased to find the new SIPP had appointed Berry Smith to act on my behalf.

E A – Client

High levels of experience

High levels of experience and technical ability were employed to deliver a comprehensive solution.

P F – Business Client

First class service

A first-class service. Good advice, prompt responses to all enquiries and very good value.

S W – Client

Thanks for all your support.

Thank you so much for all the help, understanding and support to reach this point, it’s been very much appreciated

A M – Business Client

Felt at ease during the process.

Very clear advice, felt at ease during process. I would be happy to use again when I require legal advice.

N R – Client

Professional & Responsive

Professional service, dealing with a single point of contact who is helpful and responsive. Also, having the weight of the Berry smith brand behind us, adds credibility to our business.

A M – AM – Business Client

Very Approachable

We felt that you had an immediate understanding of our requirements. Your response was illustrated in a way whereby we were not clouded by “Legal” jargon. Your team are very approachable.

L C – Client

I couldn’t fault the care and attention.

I couldn’t fault the care and attention given by Berry Smith Lawyers. Their attention to detail and professionalism resulted in a successful outcome to my claim, despite a few setbacks along the way.” I hope I won’t need their help again but wouldn’t hesitate to contact them should the need arise.”

A B – Client

Service provided was excellent.

First solicitor I have ever had any confidence in! I loved how easy my claim was and the service provided was excellent!

T M – Client