After a person dies, someone must deal with their money, property and possessions (which are jointly known as their Estate). The deceased person’s taxes and debts need to be paid, and their money and property must be distributed to the people entitled to it.
If the deceased person left a will, the person who deals with the Estate is called the deceased person’s Executor. Otherwise, they are called an Administrator. An Administrator must usually be appointed by the court before they can deal with the deceased person’s Estate.
‘Probate’ is a term commonly used when talking about applying for the right to deal with a deceased person’s affairs (called Administering the Estate). If the deceased person left a will, one or more Executors may be named in the will to deal with the person’s affairs after their death. The Executor applies for a ‘grant of probate’ from a section of the court known as the probate registry.
The Grant is a legal document which confirms that the executor has the authority to deal with the deceased person’s assets (property, money and possessions). They can use it to show they have the right to access funds, sort out finances, and collect and share out the deceased person’s assets as set out in the will.
If there is no will, a close relative of the deceased can apply to the probate registry to deal with the estate. In this case they apply for a ‘grant of letters of administration’. If the grant is given, they are known as ‘administrators’ of the estate. Like the grant of probate, the grant of letters of administration is a legal document which confirms the administrator’s authority to deal with the deceased person’s assets.
In some cases, for example, where the person who benefits is a child, the law states that more than one person must act as the administrator.
In some cases the administration of an estate can be relatively straightforward, but equally it can become complex, and in those circumstances you may find it helpful to seek specialist advice.
For that reason, we are happy to work in conjunction with Glanvilles Solicitors in Fareham, who are experts in the administration of estates, whether the deceased has died leaving a will or not.
Like Freemantles, Glanvilles is a long established company, having been founded in 1884 and having evolved over the passage of time to the firm they are today.
Although certain aspects of estate administration are procedural, every estate is unique and so Glanvilles pride themselves in offering a bespoke service. Some clients instruct them to deal with the administration in its entirety, while others prefer to deal with certain aspects themselves so that the administration becomes more of a team effort.
Where Glanvilles are instructed to deal with an estate in its entirety, their charges are calculated on the basis of the time they are required to spend. Their hourly rates depend on the level of qualification and experience of the professional concerned, which will be dictated by the complexity of the matter.
We appreciate it is difficult for this to mean very much to you in the absence of a discussion about your personal circumstances. It is for this reason Glanvilles offer an initial free no obligation consultation.
However, if you already know that you would like to deal with the majority of aspects yourself, the fee for simply obtaining the Grant of Representation starts from £750 plus vat.
I would like to thank both James and Jane for the courtesy and respect shown to me and my family. They appreciated the tragic circumstances and were able to guide us gently through the Church service and subsequent committal at Wessex. You were as a company stars that day, showing us the way.
From my first phone call to the completion of the funeral the staff at A H Freemantle gave outstanding service. They were professional and compassionate, taking time to listen to our requests and discuss the options. They made a difficult time easier and I knew I could trust them absolutely with the arrangements.
James was incredibly understanding and dealt with a difficult situation with care and attention. Nothing was too much trouble.
James and his team were extremely kind, thoughtful ad professional. As a family we appreciated the help and advice that was given.
Sarah's kindness, genuine warmth, understanding of the personal character of how people say goodbye to a loved one, and inclusive approach, together with her knowledge and professionalism made me feel 'held' throughout the process of organising and being at my mum's funeral. It made such a difference at a difficult time. Highly recommend this company to anyone.
Having had experience with this company earlier in the year they were the natural choice when my wife died. Clair was absolutely brilliant from the initial enquiry and compassionately and clearly explained the whole process. Nothing was too much trouble and the whole range of options clearly laid out and explained. We really didn’t have to do anything ourselves. I would gladly recommend when the the time comes to anyone else.
Extremely kind & considerate. Very professional. I felt supported throughout a very difficult process. Jane was fantastic, sensitive and caring and made me feel that she truly understood and cared about us all.
James and the team really are who you need by your side when you are facing your most challenging times in life. I've been in need of the services of A H Freemantle twice in a year having lost both my mother and father. Honestly I couldn't recommend them enough, at such a challenging time they really did do everything to make it as bearable as possible. I can not recommend James and the team enough, they were truly incredible from start to finish.
I can’t praise Claire at the Botley branch enough, who looked after my husband’s funeral. She was very professional, but more than that she was kind, caring, and nothing was too much trouble. Going above and beyond, which made this very difficult time so much more bearable for my family and I.
Although my review is simplistic it comes from the heart. Without A H Freemantle's Park Gate & Titchfield offices I could never have got through what was and always will be my darkest hour. Thank you for looking after my beautiful mother, Gwen. Special thanks to Jane and Dawn. And thank you Jane for recommending the wonderful Rev. Boggust. My brothers, sister, and myself will always remember the kindness, respect, and compassion shown by all at A H Freemantle.
James and the team at A H Freemantle did the most fantastic job for us when my brother died suddenly and unexpectedly. They were very clear about the things I had to make a decision on - not there and then but in my own time - but they also completely took over and seamlessly managed all those other things that have to be booked and paid for. They also gave me great advice about how to handle the things I needed to handle. They contributed hugely to giving my brother the send off that he deserved and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend A H Freemantle to anyone else when that time comes and you need a funeral director.
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