Probate

Sorting out the estate of a deceased family member or friend can seem a daunting task at a difficult time often involving legal and tax formalities which are unfamilar to most people. Our team of experts are here to help you, providing cost effective advice and support to lay executors and administrators (those with legal responsibility for administering the estate, sometimes referred to as the 'Personal Representatives'). 

What does administering an estate involve? 

We offer a flexible approach and either can deal with everything from start to finish or with particular aspects of the process such as obtaining the Grant of Representation (the legal document usually needed before the assets in the estate may be dealt with) and calculating any Inheritance Tax due.

The law in this area is not always straightforward and executors or administrators dealing with the administration of an estate may even be personally liable to disappointed creditors or beneficiaries if they make a mistake when settling the deceased's liabilities and distributing the estate.  

Expert input at an early stage of the probate process should ensure that any issues are identified and correctly dealt with.  This is particularly relevant where the estate includes shares in a family business, agricultural property or overseas assets or where there is any potential for a dispute in relation to the estate.  In some cases, there may be an opportunity to rearrange the distribution of some or all of the estate to achieve significant Inheritance Tax savings now or in the future with an appropriately drawn up Deed of Variation. Lay people involved in administering an estate are not allowed to charge the estate for the time they spend in dealing with matters.  They may, however, ask a professional to undertake the work for them and the associated professional fees can be settled out of the estate funds in due course.  

Family disputes over a Will or an estate and disagreements between lay executors and beneficiaries are not uncommon.  Our team of experts are here to help, providing constructive advice and representation for individuals in that difficult situation.  

We are transparent about our fees and can usually offer a no obligation initial consultation to establish how best we can assist you.  Our fees for probate and estate administration are based purely on the amount of work involved (rather than including any charges by reference to the value of the estate) and we will provide you with  a clear indication of the likely fees at the outset.   

To talk with one of our experts about how we may help please call 0800 048 3625.