Carrying the Weight of What Comes Next
Trusted guidance on wills, probate and estate matters, for families from the people who have been supporting this community for generations.
Trusted local support and guidance for Wills and Probate.
At HL Hawes & Son, we understand that the days and weeks following a loss bring an enormous amount to manage. Alongside grief, families find themselves navigating death registration, estate administration, and in many cases, an unfamiliar legal process, often for the very first time.
We are here to help make that process clearer. Our team will guide you with patience and connect you with trusted specialists who can take the practical burden from your hands.
Probate Support
Obtaining a Grant of Probate or, where there is no Will, Letters of Administration is a legal requirement before the estate of most deceased individuals can be properly administered.
We have partnered with Laurelo, a team of experienced probate specialists, to give our families access to expert, clear and affordable guidance. Laurelo offers a no-obligation free consultation and a transparent, fixed-fee service for those who choose to proceed. There is no pressure, and no question is too small.
The Importance of Having a Will
A Will is not just a document it is a clear statement of your wishes, a protection for those you love, and one of the most practical gifts you can leave your family. Without one, the law, not your loved ones, determines what happens to your estate.
Many families in Barkingside, Chingford and across London and Essex come to us having never made a Will, often because they assumed the process was complicated, expensive or something to address later. In reality, a straightforward Will can be prepared quickly and at very reasonable cost. Through our partners, we can put you in touch with an experienced will writer who will guide you through your options personally.
Once a Will is in place, we recommend registering it with the National Will Register a searchable national database that ensures your Will can be found when it is needed most. We can help you do this.
Notifying Companies — Making It Simple
Informing banks, utilities, insurers and hundreds of other organisations about a bereavement is one of the most time-consuming parts of administering an estate. Life Ledger is a free service that enables families to notify over 1,000 UK companies from a single online platform—closing accounts, redirecting correspondence, and reducing the volume of unwanted mail that arrives in the weeks after a loss.
Local Knowledge That Makes a Difference
Our teams in Barkingside and Chingford are familiar with the specific registration processes, local authorities and local support services that apply to our families. Whether you have a specific question or simply want someone to sit with you and talk things through, we are here.
Not sure where to begin?
There is no need to take on this process alone. Our team is available to support you
Words from the
Families We’ve Helped