Probate Solicitors
Losing someone is hard enough without the legal complexity. Aaron provides compassionate, hands-on support through every step of estate administration.
When someone dies, their estate usually needs to go through probate — the legal process of confirming the executor's authority, valuing the assets, paying any debts and taxes, and distributing what's left to the beneficiaries.
It's a process that most people only encounter once or twice in their lives, often during one of the most difficult periods they'll face. Aaron provides compassionate, hands-on support through every step — whether you just need the legal paperwork handled, or you want someone to take care of the entire administration.
Who Is This For?
If you've been named as an executor in someone's Will — or you're the next of kin when someone dies without a Will — you'll likely need probate support. Aaron's probate services are designed for:
Executors who need the Grant of Probate but are happy managing the estate themselves. Executors who want a professional to handle the entire administration from start to finish. Families dealing with complex estates — property, business assets, debts, or inheritance tax. Anyone who simply wants the reassurance that a qualified solicitor is making sure everything is done correctly.
What Aaron Offers
Aaron offers two levels of probate service. Grant Only Probate (from £950) covers the legal application — Aaron prepares the paperwork, submits the inheritance tax forms, and secures the sealed Grant so you can access the estate. Full Estate Administration (from £3,000) means Aaron handles everything — valuations, tax returns, asset collection, debt settlement, property sales, and final distributions to beneficiaries.
Both services come with a fixed fee agreed upfront, compassionate communication throughout, and Aaron's personal attention from start to finish. He understands that this is a difficult time, and he'll handle things at a pace that works for you.
Common Questions
How long does probate take?
Grant Only Probate typically takes 4-8 weeks. Full Estate Administration takes 6-9 months for a straightforward estate, though complex cases can take longer. Aaron will give you a realistic timeline at the outset.
How much does probate cost?
Grant Only starts from £950 (fixed fee). Full Estate Administration starts from £3,000. The court fee for the Grant itself is £300 (or free for estates under £5,000). Aaron will confirm your exact fee before any work begins.
Do I definitely need probate?
Not always. Small estates, jointly held assets, and some pension or insurance payouts can sometimes be dealt with without a Grant. Aaron can advise whether your situation requires probate or if there's a simpler route.
Our Probate Services
Choose the service that matches your needs. Everything comes with a fixed fee and Aaron's personal service guarantee.
Why Choose Safe Harbour for Probate
One Solicitor Throughout
You work directly with your solicitor from first call to completion. No call centres, no being passed around.
Fixed Fee Clarity
Know your costs upfront. Our fixed fees mean no surprises—the price we quote is the price you pay.
SRA Regulated
Full protection of the Solicitors Regulation Authority, including professional indemnity insurance and client account rules.
Aaron Johnson
Consultant Solicitor & TEP
“I believe legal planning should feel straightforward, not stressful. That's why I handle everything personally — from our first conversation through to the final signature. No hand-offs, no jargon, no surprises. I'm a full member of the Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners (STEP), which means I bring specialist expertise in inheritance tax, trusts, and estate planning. But I explain everything in plain English, because that's what you deserve. Every matter is on a fixed fee. You'll always know what you're paying before you commit. And if something takes longer than expected, that's my responsibility — not yours.”
Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority
Learn more about AaronHow Our Probate Process Works
A clear, step-by-step journey from your first call to completion
Free Discovery Call
We understand your situation and explain the probate process clearly.
Document Collection
We gather the death certificate, Will, and asset/liability information.
Estate Valuation
We value the estate for probate and inheritance tax purposes.
Grant Application
We prepare and submit the application for Grant of Probate.
Estate Administration
We collect assets, pay debts, and prepare estate accounts.
Distribution
We distribute the estate to beneficiaries according to the Will.
Your matter is complete. We'll send you copies of all final documents and store the originals where appropriate.
What Our Clients Say
“Aaron makes the complex feel simple. He is genuinely approachable, and for the first time, I have total confidence that my affairs are in safe hands”
Mr M
North Yorkshire
“I first contacted Aaron Johnson in 2020 during one of the most difficult periods of my life, and from the very beginning he demonstrated exactly the qualities you hope to find in a solicitor. Aaron handled my late husband Paul's estate with exceptional care, professionalism and attention to detail. He was thorough, consistent and always kept Paul's wishes at the forefront of everything he did. Throughout a complex and emotionally challenging process he remained calm, trustworthy and genuinely supportive — never making me feel rushed or overwhelmed. He finalised the matter in 2023 to my complete satisfaction. Aaron is not just technically excellent — he is a solicitor who truly looks after his clients as people. I would recommend him without hesitation to anyone seeking a solicitor who combines professional expertise with real human compassion.”
C. de Bondt
“Aaron advised and supported (plus actually wrote) my Will. Clearly explaining everything so I fully understood potential risks and could avoid them. Very willing to arrange meetings at a place and time to suit me as I worked full time. Would highly recommend 😁”
Chrys M.
Your Protection is Guaranteed
Safe Harbour Legal is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). This means you have the full protection of:
- Professional indemnity insurance
- Client money held in regulated client accounts
- Strict professional conduct rules
- Access to the Legal Ombudsman if needed
Probate — frequently asked questions
Straight answers to the questions we hear most. If yours isn't here, a free 30-minute call with Aaron will sort it — no obligation.
Not always. Whether you need a Grant of Probate depends on what the person owned and how it was held. Smaller estates, or assets held jointly that pass automatically to a surviving spouse, can sometimes be dealt with without a Grant. Larger estates, property held in the deceased’s sole name, or certain bank balances will usually need one. We can tell you quickly, at no cost, whether probate is required in your case.
Ready to discuss your Probate needs?
Book a free 30-minute discovery call with Aaron — no obligation, no commitment. We’ll talk through your situation, answer any questions, and quote you a fixed fee before you instruct us.