Probate Practitioner

What is a probate practitioner?

A probate practitioner is someone who specializes in handling the legal and administrative processes involved in managing and distributing a person's estate after they pass away.

What does a probate practitioner do?

Usually, a probate practitioner does the following:

• Assisting the family and beneficiaries in understanding and carrying out the deceased person's wishes as stated in their will or as per legal requirements
• Gathering and organizing all the necessary documentation, such as the will, death certificate, and financial records
• Applying for a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration from the relevant authority
• Valuing the estate, including all assets and liabilities, and preparing the necessary tax forms
• Handling the distribution of assets to the beneficiaries as stated in the will or according to the law
• Managing any legal disputes or challenges that may arise during the probate process

What does the day-to-day life of a probate practitioner look like?

A probate practitioner usually works between 9am and 5pm, though this may vary depending on the specific firm or organization they work for. Their day-to-day tasks may include:

• Meeting with clients to discuss their probate needs and providing guidance and advice
• Researching and interpreting legal regulations and procedures related to probate
• Drafting legal documents and correspondence
• Communicating with beneficiaries, financial institutions, and other relevant parties
• Collaborating with solicitors, accountants, and other professionals involved in the probate process
• Attending court hearings if necessary

Where does a probate practitioner work?

Probate practitioners can work in a variety of settings, including:

• Law firms: Many probate practitioners work in law firms that specialize in probate and estate planning. These firms may have multiple offices across the UK, with opportunities for both city-based and regional work.
• Private companies or banks: Some larger private companies or banks have dedicated probate departments to handle the estates of their clients.
• Local authorities: In certain cases, probate practitioners may work for local authorities, handling cases where the deceased had no known relatives or where the estate is under the care of the state.

What tools/software/hardware does a probate practitioner use? (Don't mention those not relevant to the job)

A probate practitioner uses a variety of tools including:

• Probate software: Software specifically designed for managing the probate process, such as Probate Plus or Smee & Ford's Probate Manager.
• Legal databases: Online resources for researching and accessing legal regulations, cases, and precedents.
• Office equipment: Common office equipment such as computers, printers, and scanners.

What do I need to become a probate practitioner?

To become a probate practitioner, you can consider the following options:

• Law degree: A Bachelor's degree in Law is a common pathway to becoming a probate practitioner. This usually involves three years of undergraduate study followed by further professional qualifications.
• Legal apprenticeship: Some law firms and organizations offer apprenticeship programs, allowing you to learn the necessary skills while working under the guidance of experienced practitioners.
• Legal executive qualification: You can become a Chartered Legal Executive and specialize in probate by completing the necessary qualifications and gaining relevant work experience.

What career paths are available?

There are several career paths available for probate practitioners, including:

• Senior Probate Practitioner: With experience, you can take on more complex cases and handle higher-value estates. This may involve managing a team of probate practitioners or working in a more senior role within a law firm or organization.
• Private client solicitor: With further qualifications, such as obtaining a Solicitor's Practicing Certificate, you can become a solicitor specializing in probate and other areas of private client work.
• Estate planning consultant: Some probate practitioners choose to focus on estate planning and offer specialized advice and services related to wills, trusts, and inheritance tax planning.

What jobs are similar to a probate practitioner? (Include those with transferable skills that a probate practitioner usually has)

• Estate Administrator: Performing similar tasks of managing and distributing assets but without the legal qualification requirements.
• Probate Paralegal: Assisting probate practitioners with legal research, drafting documents, and managing the administrative tasks involved in the probate process.
• Estate Agent: Although not directly related, an estate agent deals with properties and transactions, which can require similar organizational and interpersonal skills.

What made you want to become a probate practitioner?

How did you get your first probate practitioner job?

What was the one thing that surprised you the most about being a probate practitioner?

Are you a probate practitioner? We want you to share your experiences with those looking to start or change their careers to probate practice. If you're interested, contact us at mail@calumchilds.com.