Losing someone is hard. Probate can feel like a mountain of forms, deadlines, and unfamiliar terms—especially during a bereavement. At Kearney Legal, we provide clear, practical probate advice and can manage the legal process for you from start to finish.
How we can help
We support executors, administrators, and families in Stratford and beyond with:
Applying for a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration
Full estate administration (collecting assets, paying debts, and distributions)
Clear guidance for executors and personal representatives
Estates involving property (transfer or sale support, and coordination with conveyancing where needed)
Support where there is no will (intestacy)
Preparing clear estate accounts and distribution schedules
Sensitive, straightforward communication throughout
If you’re unsure what you need, we can start with a short call and map out the options.
Do you need probate
You may need probate if:
the person owned a property in their sole name
there are bank accounts, investments, or other assets in their sole name above the institution’s release limit
financial institutions request a grant before releasing funds
the estate is complex (multiple assets, beneficiaries, or debts)
You may not need probate if:
most assets were held jointly and pass automatically to the surviving joint owner
assets are modest and institutions are prepared to release funds without a grant
We’ll help you confirm what’s required and avoid unnecessary delays.
Our probate process
1) Initial consultation
We listen first, then explain the likely route forward in clear language—no jargon.
2) Clear quote and plan
We’ll confirm the scope (grant-only or full administration), likely third-party costs, and what we need from you.
3) Information gathering and valuations
We help you pull together the estate information needed for the application and any tax reporting.
4) Probate application
We prepare and submit the application and handle queries that arise.
5) Estate administration (if instructed)
We deal with collecting assets, settling liabilities, preparing accounts, and distributing the estate properly.
Where possible, we provide transparent, straightforward fees and explain any third-party costs before you commit. In many cases, fees can be paid from the estate once funds are available (subject to the estate’s circumstances).
Why choose Kearney Legal?
Clients choose us for:
Direct access to a qualified solicitor
Clear, compassionate guidance at a difficult time
Transparent fees and practical advice
A responsive, personal service focused on moving matters forward
No need for a visit — appointments can be handled by phone or Zoom, with face-to-face meetings available if you prefer.
Probate FAQs
How long does probate take?
It depends on the estate. Some grants are issued within weeks to months, and full administration can take several months (or longer for complex estates). We’ll give you a realistic estimate once we understand the assets and any tax reporting required.
What if there is no will?
You may still be able to administer the estate under intestacy rules. We can advise who can apply and guide you through the process.
Can you help if there’s a property to sell?
Yes. We can manage probate and coordinate the legal work around a property transfer or sale, including conveyancing support where needed.
Do I need probate for a jointly owned house?
Often, no—if it was owned as “joint tenants”, it usually passes automatically to the surviving owner. Other ownership arrangements may require additional steps. We can check this for you.
Am I personally liable for estate debts as an executor?
Executors should take care to identify and settle liabilities correctly before distributing the estate. We help you reduce risk with the right process and clear record-keeping.
Can probate costs be paid from the estate?
Often, yes—depending on available estate funds and timing. We’ll explain the practical options.