The legal experts in our probate team have many years of experience in administering estates of all sizes and complexities and are able to steer a clear and logical path through the administration maze.

what is probate?

Probate is the legal process in which your estate is correctly administered after you die. In practice, this means that when a person passes away, those named in their Will as Executors are left with the responsibility of organising and managing the deceased's possessions. This is known technically as 'Estate Administration'. If there is no Will, or an Executor has either not been appointment or refuses to act, then an Administrator is selected to fulfil the necessary duties.

Our team of legal experts will guide you through the complex and complicated area of administering the estate and reduce the pressures and worries of being an Executor. We can help you to apply for a Grant of Probate, where there is a Will or a Grant of Letters of Administration, where there is no Will and the deceased has died intestate. Whether you choose to administer the estate yourself with our guidance or ask us to take on the complete administration of the estate, we will explain clearly what is involved and offer advice on all aspects of probate.

dealing with the estate

We can deal with all aspects of the administration of the estate on your behalf, including:

• Settling the tax affairs of the deceased
• Arranging valuations of assets in the estate
• Obtaining the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration
• Calculating inheritance tax on assets
• Settling any tax liabilities arising during the winding up of the estate
• Advising whether any tax savings are possible
• Arranging sales, auction or disposal of assets
• Arranging payment of any debts and legacies
• Advising on and dealing with the sale of any property
• Collecting in and distributing the assets amongst the beneficiaries

administration

• Corresponding with the person representatives and beneficiaries of the estate during the provision of our service
• Corresponding with the financial institutions and organisations relevant to the estate during the provision of our service
• Verifying and valuing the identifiable assets and debts of the estate in England and Wales
• Gathering the identifiable assets of the estate
• Transferring all jointly held assets into sole name, including property
• Paying any debts and liabilities from the estate
• Preparing the accounts of the estate
• Distributing the estate to the beneficiaries
• Setting up any trusts relevant to the estate

additional services

Additional services are available and may be required in order to ensure the effective administration of the estate.

• Completing outstanding tax returns
• Drafting and executing a Deed of Variation
• Handling affairs relating to foreign, heritage, business or agricultural assets
• CHAPs transfers and foreign payments
• Conveyancing services for the sale of a property

Once we have obtained the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration and confirmed the value of the estate, we will administer all aspects of the estate for assets held in the sole name of the deceased. We also include the transfer of joint assets as part of the service.