Probate Central

Probate Central: probate and estate administration services in England and Wales

Probate Central presents itself as an independent provider of probate and estate administration services, with an exclusive focus on this area. The company operates in England and Wales and works with law firms regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). Its approach centres on managing the entire process, from applying for the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration through to the final distribution of assets, with a qualified solicitor assigned to each case.

A solicitor-led service, with no intermediaries

The firm maintains that each file is managed directly by a single SRA-regulated solicitor, with no referrals to call handlers, paralegals or rotating case managers. The same professional who opens the file is the one who signs it off, from the first documentation through to obtaining the Grant of Probate and the final distribution. The company stresses that cases are not reassigned to junior staff, nor is the client required to repeat their situation to different contacts.

Fixed fees and transparency

Probate Central states that most of its clients pay a fixed, all-inclusive legal fee of £649 for straightforward probate applications, subject to applicable conditions. The company states that it does not apply hidden charges or unexpected costs. It also offers a 100% money-back guarantee if the client is not satisfied with how their application is handled, a guarantee which, according to its own presentation, is not offered by other competitors.

Timescales and scope of service

The service is aimed at obtaining the Grant of Probate and Letters of Administration, with a typical timescale of between 30 and 40 working days. The company states that it prepares and submits the application correctly on the first attempt to reduce the risk of delays or issues. Its comprehensive service, called the One Stop Probate Service, covers the valuation of assets, payment of debts, processing of legal documentation, preparation of accounts and distribution of funds to beneficiaries, as well as communication with the Probate Registry and HMRC.

Exclusive specialisation in probate

The company sets itself apart from generalist firms by pointing out that probate is not a secondary service, but its sole activity. According to its presentation, this specialisation enables faster, more precise and more predictable processes than those of firms that combine probate with conveyancing, family law or litigation. Probate Central also offers legal advice for contentious or complex probate matters, with paid consultations.

Client support and legacy

Probate Central assigns each client a dedicated solicitor who handles all necessary forms for HMRC and the Probate Registry. The company describes its service as designed to remove stress at a difficult time, with clear communication at every stage and an accountable point of contact. It also offers a free bereavement support service and, as a tribute, plants a tree with the National Trust in the name of the deceased person.

Offices and contact

The company has two offices in the United Kingdom: one in London, at Gunnery House, 9-11 Gunnery Terrace, Woolwich, SE18 6SW, and another in Hatfield, at 12 Market Place, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL10 0LN. Probate Central Limited is registered in England and Wales with company number 16053287. The company clarifies that it is not a law firm, but an online service that works with SRA-regulated firms.

Offices and locations

Local London Office: Gunnery House, 9-11 Gunnery Terrace, Woolwich, SE18 6SW

Local Hatfield Office: 12 Market Place, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL10 0LN