v AVAILABLE ON ALL DEVICES v 6th August 2026 • The HERALD • Page 71 ASK A PROFESSIONAL Coping With Probate: How TMT Can Help by Kelly Dawkins, Head of Private Client and Probate Practitioner at TMT Legal Services Losing a loved one is never easy. Alongside dealing with grief, there are practical matters that need attention, including managing the person’s estate. This process, known as probate, can involve dealing with property, bank accounts, investments, debts and personal belongings. While it’s possible to handle probate yourself, many people choose to work with a lawyer to make the process more manageable and to ensure everything is dealt with correctly. One of the main bene ts of using a probate lawyer is the experience they bring. Probate can be a complex process with legal and administrative requirements that many people encounter only once in their lifetime. An experienced lawyer will understand what needs to be done, when it needs to be done and how to avoid common issues that can cause delays. ere is also a signi cant level of responsibility involved in administering an estate. Executors and administrators are responsible for collecting assets, settling debts, settling tax a airs, and distributing the estate correctly. If mistakes are made during the process, there can sometimes be nancial or legal consequences. Having a lawyer guide you through the administration of the estate can provide valuable peace of mind. For many people, the biggest bene t is simply reducing stress during an already di cult time. Managing probate while coping with a bereavement can feel overwhelming, particularly when balancing work, family commitments and everyday life. By instructing a lawyer, much of the paperwork and communication can be handled on your behalf, allowing you to focus on supporting your family and dealing with your loss. Although probate can o en take several months to complete, professional guidance can help keep matters moving forward as e ciently as possible. An experienced probate lawyer will understand the process from start to nish and can help identify and address potential issues before they become delays. Probate can also involve other legal matters, particularly where property is involved. You may need advice on a property sale, trusts or wider estate planning issues. Working with a law rm that o ers a range of legal services means you can access additional support whenever it is needed, with di erent teams working together to help progress matters smoothly. While using a lawyer for probate is not a legal requirement, many families nd professional support invaluable during what can be an emotional and challenging time. With the right guidance, you can be con dent that the estate is being administered correctly while easing some of the pressure on yourself and your loved ones. If you need advice about probate or estate administration, TMT Legal Services is here to help, contact our friendly team for an informal discussion on: 0333 188 4758, or pop into one of our o ces in Hythe, Chandler’s Ford or Bitterne Village. For more information visit: www. tmtlegalservices.co.uk Kelly Dawkins, Head of Private Client - TMT Legal Services
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