Bartlett and Partners is first and foremost a local, independent Twickenham and Teddington business, and community comes first. Our role is to support people with sensitivity, discretion, and clear guidance when life throws a curveball. 

Here is how we help when life takes a turn.

1. Property Appraisals with Care and Consideration

When valuations are needed for divorce, probate, or other difficult circumstances, we provide calm, considerate property appraisals.

We avoid bringing unnecessary attention, which means no branded cars outside your home, no suited-and-booted appearance with clipboard in hand to alert the neighbourhood. Instead, we aim to give you the information you need, in the way you need it.

Our post-consultation report can support Form E in divorce cases or probate paperwork. Courts usually accept an estate agent’s view, but do note that if a Red Book Valuation is required, we can connect you with a trusted, RICS-qualified professional.

2. Respecting Your Privacy

Discretion is often top priority. We promise to only contact you as much as you want us to. If it does later come to the sale of a property, discretion and sensitivity may still be key, and we will always fit our service around your preferences – whether that means no “For Sale” board, weekday-only appointments to avoid upsetting yourselves or your children at home, or whatever it might be. 

We talk to our clients and put the plan in place.

Importantly, we never share the personal reason for your sale with buyers unless the law requires it. A buyer’s curiosity itself is not a valid reason – your private circumstances stay private, unless something in the process makes a material difference to a transaction (for example, if a court order or financial settlement is yet pending, that could delay or prevent a transaction, and so these sorts of matters are issues considered materially important to some buyers – more information on this below).

3. Neutral Guidance and Property Advice You Can Trust

We don’t take sides. We are there to support both parties in a separation or to guide all executors through probate. Our role is neutral. We offer clear, straightforward advice without pressure, always keeping your best interests absolutely front and centre.

4. What the Law Says About Disclosure

Estate agents are legally required to share material information with buyers – things like structural problems or disputes. These rules stem from the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 and are now included in the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024.

But personal circumstances such as divorce or probate are not materially important in themselves – so that means we won’t disclose them.

The only exception is when those circumstances directly affect the transaction – for example, if a court order is needed before a sale can proceed or a financial settlement is pending.

In such cases, buyers must be made aware as there could be a delay that costs them financially.

5. Helping with Divorce and Probate Paperwork

For divorce, Form E requires property valuations and disclosure of assets above £500. A written appraisal from us can help your solicitor prepare accurate documents.

For probate, clear valuations are essential in estate administration. We’re always happy to provide a letter following our property consultation for executors, solicitors, or even for court use, but please do note that your solicitor might ask for a formal, or ‘Red Book’ valuation, and these should be undertaken by a RICS-qualified surveyor, not an estate agent.

Sympathy and Support, Not a Sales Pitch

We know these situations can be emotional and stressful. Our goal is to reduce that stress, not add to it. Whether you want initial advice, a formal appraisal, or support through a sale, we’re here to help – and always with understanding and care.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Red Book valuation for divorce or probate?
Usually no. An estate agent’s appraisal is often sufficient, unless your solicitor, court, or HMRC specifically requests an RICS-qualified surveyor to conduct a ‘Red Book’ valuation.

Do I have to tell buyers if I’m selling because of divorce or bereavement?
No. The reason behind a sale is private. It only needs disclosing if some element directly affects whether the sale can go ahead or the timescale it might take – so, if it awaits a court order or financial settlement, those issues must be disclosed.

Can estate agents provide a written valuation letter for solicitors?
We can prepare clear written appraisal letters for solicitors after our consultation, to help them complete probate or divorce paperwork, helping to keep records accurate and the process straightforward. However, as mentioned, if they require a formal court-recognised ‘valuation’ they should be referring you to an RICS-qualified surveyor.