Probate Lawyers in West Sussex

When a loved one passes away, dealing with probate can feel overwhelming, particularly if you have been named as an executor and are unsure what to do next.

At Bennett Griffin, our experienced legal team in West Sussex provides clear, practical guidance to help you manage the process with confidence.

We support individuals and families across Worthing, Chichester, and the wider West Sussex area, tailoring our advice to your circumstances.

Whether you need full probate and estate administration or help with a specific stage, such as obtaining a Grant of Probate, our specialist probate lawyers are here to support you with care and clarity.

You are welcome to contact our team for a calm, straightforward conversation about how we can help.

What Is Probate and When Is It Needed?

Probate is the legal and financial process of dealing with a person’s estate after they have died.

This usually involves confirming that a Will is valid, identifying and valuing assets, paying any outstanding debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining estate to beneficiaries. If there is no Will, the estate is dealt with under Intestacy Rules, which set out who is entitled to inherit.

In many cases, formal authority is required before the estate can be administered.

This is known as a Grant of Representation, which may be a Grant of Probate where there is a Will, or Letters of Administration where there is not.

Our West Sussex probate lawyers can help you understand whether probate is required in your situation and explain your responsibilities clearly, helping to reduce stress and avoid unnecessary delays.

Read more about what probate is.

The Probate Process

If you are acting as an executor or administrator, probate involves a number of legal and administrative steps to ensure the estate is dealt with properly.

Confirming Legal Authority

If the deceased left a Will, it usually names an executor. If there is no Will, the most entitled person (usually the closest family member) will apply to act as administrator. Legal authority is confirmed through a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration.

Identifying and Valuing the Estate

All assets and liabilities must be identified, including property, savings, investments, and outstanding debts. Accurate valuations are essential, particularly for inheritance tax reporting. If there is a property which is now unoccupied, it is essential to review and contact the home insurers to ensure that the appropriate home insurance is in place. An important consideration is to place a statutory advertisement in the London Gazette and a local paper to protect executors from any future unknown creditors. If there is no Will, administrators should consider insurance to protect themselves if a Will is later found.

Reporting to HMRC

Inheritance tax forms will need to be completed if Inheritance Tax is applicable, or if the estate needs to utilise the Residence Nil Rate Band. Any tax payable is usually settled before probate is granted.

Applying for Probate

An application is submitted to the Probate Registry with details of the estate and, where applicable, the original Will. Once approved, the Grant gives the executor legal authority to proceed.

Administering the Estate

This includes collecting assets, closing accounts, paying debts and expenses, finalising and settling Income Tax (and Capital Gains Tax if necessary) and keeping clear and accurate records.

Distributing the Estate

Once debts and taxes are settled, the remaining estate is distributed to beneficiaries in accordance with the Will or intestacy rules.

Accuracy and transparency are important throughout. Our probate lawyers can manage the entire process for you or provide support at specific stages, depending on your needs.

For practical guidance, you may find our executor checklist helpful.

Why Choose Our Probate Lawyers?

Choosing the right probate support can make a significant difference at a difficult time.

Bennett Griffin is a well-established law firm with a strong reputation across West Sussex.

Our probate lawyers provide a personal, approachable service alongside the depth of legal expertise needed to deal with both straightforward and complex estates.

We offer:

• Clear, step-by-step guidance in plain English
• Practical support with valuations, inheritance tax, and estate distribution
• Transparent costs with no hidden fees
• Support with Grants of Probate and Letters of Administration
• Specialist experience in contested estates and Deeds of Variation

Our team includes STEP-accredited probate specialists and members of the Association of Lifetime Lawyers, reflecting our commitment to high professional standards and client care.

Probate Specialists for Complex Estates

Some estates involve additional complexity, such as property, business interests, trusts, or potential disputes between beneficiaries.

Our probate specialists regularly advise on complex estates and can help with matters including inheritance tax reporting, Deeds of Variation, contested probate issues, and acting as a professional executor where appropriate.

We provide balanced, practical advice to help you move forward with confidence.

Appointing Bennett Griffin as Executor

Many people choose to appoint a firm of solicitors as executor to reduce stress and ensure the estate is administered correctly.

By appointing Bennett Griffin as executor, you benefit from independent and impartial estate administration, professional handling of legal and tax matters, protection from personal liability, and clear communication with beneficiaries throughout the process.

This support can help avoid delays, reduce the risk of disputes, and ease the burden on family members at a difficult time.

Helpful Guide for Executors

If you are unsure what to do after a loved one passes away, you may find our practical guide helpful.

Download and keep our guide: What To Do When a Loved One Passes Away

Contact Our Probate Lawyers in West Sussex

If you need help with probate, our West Sussex probate lawyers are here to support you.

We work with clients throughout the region from our offices in Worthing and Chichester, offering both full probate services and advice on specific aspects of the process.

Worthing Office: 01903 229999
Chichester Office: 01243 781000

Alternatively, you can complete our online contact form, and a member of our team will be in touch.

Probate FAQs