Free AI help for wills, trusts & probate law

Yes, using our AI legal assistant is completely free of charge. You can ask questions, receive information, and explore your options without any costs whatsoever. There are no hidden charges, subscription fees, or obligations. We believe in making wills, trusts and probate information more accessible, particularly when you're beginning to navigate these important legal matters.

Our AI assistant provides information based on publicly available UK wills, trusts and probate law and is regularly updated to reflect current legislation and legal principles. However, every situation has unique aspects that may affect how legal principles apply. While the information is designed to be helpful and informative, it cannot account for every detail of complex situations. For definitive guidance on your specific circumstances, a qualified solicitor can provide personalised advice.

Probate is the legal process that confirms a will's validity and grants the executor authority to administer the deceased's estate. In the UK, you apply to the Probate Registry for a grant of probate, which allows you to access bank accounts, sell property, pay debts, and distribute assets according to the will. Not all estates require probate - it depends on the value and types of assets involved. Our AI assistant can help you understand whether probate is needed in your specific situation.

Yes, you can write a will without a solicitor, and it can be legally valid if it meets certain requirements including being in writing, signed by you, and witnessed by two independent witnesses. For complex estates or family situations, professional legal advice is often recommended to ensure your will is valid and achieves your objectives.

When someone dies without a valid will (called dying "intestate"), their estate is distributed according to intestacy rules set out in law. These rules determine who inherits and in what order - typically spouses, children, parents, and other relatives in a specific hierarchy. The process is administered through letters of administration rather than probate. Our AI guide can explain how intestacy rules apply and who might be entitled to inherit.

Probate is granted when someone dies leaving a valid will, giving the executor authority to administer the estate according to the will's terms. Letters of administration are granted when someone dies without a will or when the will doesn't name an executor, giving an administrator (usually the closest relative) authority to distribute the estate according to intestacy rules. Both are grants that provide legal authority to deal with the deceased's affairs.

Yes, wills can be contested in the UK on several grounds including lack of mental capacity when the will was made, undue influence, fraud, or improper execution. Family members and dependants may also make claims under the Inheritance Act if they believe the will doesn't make reasonable provision for them. However, will contests can be complex and costly, so it's important to understand the legal grounds and prospects of success before proceeding.

Our AI assistant can help you identify situations where speaking to a solicitor may be beneficial. While it’s not a substitute for legal advice, it can guide you through common questions and help you understand when professional support might be the right next step. In general, we recommend consulting a solicitor for more complex matters such as inheritance tax planning, setting up trusts, contested probate, or if you're unsure about the legal requirements. Simple wills and straightforward probate matters might not require professional help, but solicitors can provide peace of mind and ensure everything is handled correctly.