Legal and Probate

Our legal specialists understand that probate can be a complex and lengthy process with many rules and regulations that can cause confusion.

From the outset, we explain the timescales and costs involved with our service. We’re friendly, personal and completely confidential.

Our services are also tailored to the needs of every individual we work with and keep you informed throughout the process.

Probate Fee Estimator

Why use our probate services?

We are on hand to help navigate you through the administration of estates and deal with assets as quickly and painlessly as possible - whether we are acting as professional representatives or assisting executors of an estate.

The team takes pride in enabling our clients to better understand Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and probate so they can proceed with confidence.

We can assist with a wide range of probate services, including:

  • Advising executors throughout on matters required to protect them against claims as a result of the estate administration.
  • Applying for a grant of probate or letters of administration
  • Calculating liability to inheritance tax
  • Collecting in of the assets
  • Distribution of estate to all beneficiaries
  • Ensuring completion and submission of inheritance tax returns
  • Estate administration
  • Preparation of estate accounts

Will Writing

Our legal team has the experience and expert knowledge of Will writing to help you either renew or draft your Will.

There are many aspects to consider when it comes to Wills. We can talk you through a range of scenarios that may occur and ensure all eventualities are covered, minimising complications for relatives and business associates following your death.

It is also important to take advice regarding your Inheritance Tax position as there could be ways to mitigate any potential impact on the beneficiaries with some careful tax planning.

Succession Planning

Retaining family wealth and passing on assets to the next generation is a key consideration for many people, but it is not always easy as emotions and financial implications come into play.

We use extensive knowhow and experience of estate planning to help you put in place plans that will ensure your wishes are carried out and your Inheritance Tax liability is minimised.

From the outset, we explain the timescales and costs involved with our service. We’re friendly, personal and completely confidential.

Our services are also tailored to the needs of every individual we work with and keep you informed throughout the process.

Lasting Power of Attorney

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) involves putting plans in place to safeguard your financial and care needs. LPAs come into play should you be unable to make decisions for yourself in the future due to physical or mental incapacity.

Business owners may also consider putting a separate document in place to cover what the arrangements will be for the business should it become necessary.

Our specialists can advise you on the LPA that is appropriate for you and your situation.

Contact Us
  • Duncan & Toplis expands with legal service practice

    Duncan & Toplis expands with legal service practice

    Duncan & Toplis has launched Duncan & Toplis Legal Services, a SRA regulated firm that will be able to undertake regulated activities as part of the Duncan & Toplis Group, which includes accountants and business advisers, wealth management, IT services and business turnaround support. 

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  • Don’t lock away your legacy

    Don’t lock away your legacy

    It’s a natural human instinct to want to provide for your family, not just as your children grow up, fly the nest and start families of their own but after you’re gone too. However it’s often easy to lose sight of how much your money would be worth to your children.

    Read more

  • Duncan & Toplis Appoints New Associate for Probate

    Duncan & Toplis Appoints New Associate for Probate

    Amy Codd has been appointed as private client solicitor and associate of Duncan & Toplis Probate Services.

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  • Dealing with death in the family

    Dealing with death in the family

    Losing a loved one has a profound impact on families and relationships. Not only is death a difficult personal trauma to cope with, but complications can arise when there are no clear instructions left by the deceased. 

    Read more

Duncan & Toplis is a trading name of Duncan & Toplis Probate Services Limited, registered in England and Wales, company number 09687369.

Duncan & Toplis Probate Services Limited is licensed by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales to carry out the reserved legal activity of non-contentious probate in England and Wales. Details of our probate accreditation can be viewed at www.icaew.com/probate under reference number C004351939.