Planning ahead
A will records who you want to benefit and who should carry out your wishes. We can help you make a new will or review an existing one.
Wills & Probate
Wills & Probate Solicitors in Balham
Whether you are making plans for your family or dealing with a death, it helps to have someone explain what comes next. SJS Solicitors in Balham can help you make a will, understand your responsibilities and work through an estate.
Understanding your next steps
Support for you and your family
After someone dies
You may need help obtaining a grant, or support with the wider work of administering the estate. We start by identifying the help your circumstances call for.
When the position is less straightforward
No will, an executor who cannot act or a proposed change to an inheritance can raise different questions. Tell us what has happened so we can explain the next steps.
A clear way forward
What happens next
Tell us what you need
You do not need to know which service name applies. Explain the situation and any pressing dates.
Understand the proposed work
We explain the scope of our help, the information needed and the proposed costs.
Agree your next step
Once instructed, we work through the agreed stages and explain the decisions you need to make.
Planning ahead
Fees and timescales
01 / Fees
Understand the costs
Costs depend on the work involved. We explain professional fees, VAT and expected third-party charges before you decide to proceed.
02 / Timescales
A plan for your circumstances
Will preparation and estate administration follow different timescales. We discuss the stages and likely dependencies once we understand your situation.
Read our published Price Guide, then contact us to confirm the work you need and the costs involved.
View Price GuideUseful to know
Your questions, answered
I am not sure where to start. Can I still contact you?
Yes. Tell us whether you are planning ahead or dealing with a death. If available, have any existing will and relevant correspondence to hand.
Does every estate need probate?
No. The assets and the requirements of the organisations holding them help determine whether a grant is needed.
What is the difference between probate and estate administration?
Obtaining a grant is one possible stage. Estate administration is the wider work of gathering assets, dealing with liabilities and distributing what remains. Agreeing which work you need helps make the instructions and costs clear.
Is a will the same as a lasting power of attorney?
No. A will deals with your wishes after death. A lasting power of attorney appoints someone to help with certain decisions during your lifetime, subject to its terms and the law. They serve different purposes.
Does this guidance apply throughout the UK?
These pages explain the position in England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have different rules and procedures. Tell us about any connection to another jurisdiction so the advice needed can be identified.
Is Inheritance Tax payable on every estate?
No. The value of the estate, who inherits and any available exemptions or reliefs affect the position. A valuation, and sometimes reporting to HMRC, can still be needed even where no Inheritance Tax is payable.
Can I ask for help with just part of an estate?
Tell us which tasks you plan to handle and where you need advice. Grant-only work and full estate administration have different scopes. We can discuss what we would do, what would remain with you and the costs before accepting instructions.
Is the first appointment free?
The firm charges for an initial legal consultation. Ask us to confirm the current fee, VAT, length of the appointment and what is included when you book.
General information for England and Wales. Contact us for advice about your circumstances.
SJS Solicitors · Balham