Feb 25, 2026
Why You Need a Wills Solicitor to Write Your Will
Fiona Ward
Why You Need a Probate Solicitor in Kendal
Losing a loved one is hard enough, without a complex and often confusing legal minefield to deal with as well. That’s where a probate solicitor from Holdens Law can be a real asset.
Once the funeral has been held and the family starts to deal with the estate, they might be asked to produce the Grant of Probate. But not everyone knows what this is or why it is needed.
What is the Grant of Probate?
A Grant of Probate is simply a one-page court document which proves that the Will was made validly and confirms the names of the Executors. Having sight of the Grant of Probate gives an organisation the reassurance that they can legitimately deal with the Executors.
However, a Grant of Probate is not always needed, such as when a loved one’s assets simply pass automatically to their surviving spouse or civil partner.
What’s more, while a death certificate only proves that someone has died, many organisations holding up to a certain amount of funds will readily release them having only seen this document. Each organisation will have its own threshold for the release of funds with just a death certificate, with the range being between £5,000 and £50,000.
Holdens Law Helps Make Complex Procedures Simpler
If the estate is liable for Inheritance Tax the process for applying for the Grant of Probate is a bit more convoluted than if no tax were liable. However both processes require the Executors to know what the deceased both owned, and owed, at the date of their death.
For this reason, having an organised record of your affairs is one of the best things you can leave behind. It is sensible to maintain an up-to-date list of your financial assets including pensions, outstanding debts and loans, and any gifts you have made in the last 7 years. You should also list your beneficiaries and your marital history. Trust us; your Executors will thank you for it.
Even if your affairs are left in an orderly fashion, your Executors may still want a probate solicitor to assist them with the legal procedures. Applying for the Grant of Probate is not an everyday task, and professional help can be useful, especially during a time when you are not at your best following a loss.
About Fiona Ward TEP
Fiona Ward is Holdens Law’s probate solicitor for our Kendal office. She is an expert in helping Executors to apply for the Grant of Probate.
Fiona qualified as a solicitor aged 42, having been prompted to retrain because of the experience of dealing with her Father’s death at the age of 61. She remembers the myriad of procedures and paperwork, and recalls the ups and downs of the emotional journey while dealing with both his estate and a grieving mother.
Fiona prides herself on communicating clearly to clients and is highly organised and efficient - a benefit of having been a management consultant in her previous working life.
The TEP in her title stands for Trust and Estates Practitioner, which is an additional qualification gained by passing rigorous STEP exams. Fiona came top in the country in one of the STEP exams and enjoys keeping up to date with all the latest changes in the law.
Holdens Law Your Local Legal Experts
Because Holdens Law is a local firm, owned and run by local people, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities of the area. We aim to provide an efficient and professional service which delivers real value for money to the people of Cumbria and the surrounding area. Ourprobate solicitor charges fair hourly rates for her work and we do not charge admin fees for things like regulatory ID checks, or ask you to pay for storing your documents.
Holdens’ experience and expertise could make a big difference at the most testing of times, following the death of a loved one. Our specialist probate solicitor, Fiona Ward, is on hand to help you when you need it most, combining a highly qualified, professional approach, with real empathy and understanding.
To find out more about how a probate solicitor from Holdens Law could help you to navigate the probate process, get in touch with our Kendal office today on 01539 720629, email Fiona.Ward@holdenslaw.com or visit our offices at Grosvenor House on Stramongate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Grant of probate is a legal document that confirms that a will is valid and confirms the names and legal authority of the executors of the estate.
No. If the estate passes directly to a spouse or civil partner a Grant of Probate is not required. You may not require a Grant of Probate if the deceased’s estate is of low value (around £5,000 or less) or if their bank or building society are willing to release funds based on a death certificate alone.
No, but it can be extremely helpful to have expert advice and guidance through this complex legal process, especially at a time when you are under extreme duress following the death of a loved one.
A Grant of Probate proves you have the right to access funds in banks and building societies, to sell property and other assets, to settle debts and to distribute any remaining proceeds according to the wishes outlined in the will. Grant of Probate is a legal requirement for HM Land Registry for property transactions and may be required by financial institutions, especially for larger withdrawals.
Top