What is Probate?

When a person dies it is often necessary to obtain a grant of probate if the person has left a Will. In the case that there is not a Will in place, a grant of letters of administration will need to be obtained through the court. This document enables the Personal Representatives to deal with the affairs of the deceased, for example, close accounts and sell or transfer any property and shares.

Our team of experts can take you through this complicated process at what is often a very difficult and emotional time. We can assist with all aspects of the estate, including:

Preparation of inheritance tax forms

Obtaining the grant of probate or letters of administration

Selling and transferring assets

Arranging payment of any liabilities

Preparing estate accounts

Dealing with final distribution to beneficiaries

Yes, we can.

Trusts are a very useful tool whether made during a lifetime or in a will to come into effect after death. They can be used to protect your assets for future generations of your family. The makeup of families today can be complicated with second marriages and step-families.

Trusts can be used to ring-fence assets for the benefit of the family members you want to ensure benefit from your estate in the future. Trust law can be complicated especially in relation to the taxation consequences of setting up a trust. Our dedicated team can help to guide you through these processes.

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Yes, we can. Our experts, David Denovan-Smith and Guy Salter, are regularly called upon to handle contested wills, trusts, probates and related professional negligence litigation.

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At SME Solicitors, not only do we have the specialist knowledge to guide you through the entire estate administration process, but we can also assist beyond that. We can consult with and refer you to our residential property and commercial teams for further advice, should you need it.

Our Private Client team were recently recognised as 'Private Client Team of the Year' at the Worcestershire Law Society Awards 2025 - a testament to the high-quality, client-centric service that they provide. Additionally, our Head of Private Client, Samantha Lloyd, is a STEP-qualified lawyer and can advise on estates involving high-value assets, business assets and trusts.


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Our Private Client team.

Why choose our Private Client team?

Our award-winning Private Client team can provide a comprehensive suite of tailored advice to suit yours and your family’s individual circumstances and specific needs. It’s important to consider everything you can when planning for the future - which our advisers can help with.

Our central location in Worcester makes it easy for you to visit our offices, but we are more than happy to arrange home visits if this is more convenient for you. We can often be found offering free, accessible legal advice at the various clinics that we run in partnership with local communities, such as those in Clent or at Worcester Cathedral.

Our team's accreditations, including STEP membership and Association of Lifetime Lawyers, as well as our recognition as ‘Team of the Year’ at the Worcestershire Law Society Awards, demonstrate our expertise and commitment to excellence. Samantha Lloyd, Head of the Private Client department, was a recipient of the Worcestershire Law Society’s President’s Award in 2022, showcasing her dedication to her work and the community. Recently the team has expanded to include new support staff, which has enhanced the level of service that we can provide to our clients.

SME Solicitors’ ultimate aim is to build a long-standing, trusting relationship with you and your family - both in Private Client matters and beyond. Many of our long-standing clients have been with us for generations, with most of our work coming from existing clients. SME Solicitors is proud to have its foundations in Worcestershire and takes pride in knowing the area well.

Our specialist team of Wills, Probate, Court of Protection, Trusts and Estates experts bring valuable, comprehensive support that is unmatched by many general practitioners. With in-depth knowledge of estate planning, inheritance tax regulations and years of experience handling emotionally sensitive matters, we anticipate potential issues and provide solutions tailored to your unique family circumstances.

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Our award-winning Private Client team. Winners of the WLS 'Team of the Year' Award 2025.

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