Our expertise covers the administration of estates of varying wealth and complexity, from those with foreign, business and agricultural assets to modest estates where the family simply needs guidance through the process. We always deal with probate matters sensitively and efficiently.
When we are appointed to deal with an estate, the work often includes:
- investigating and valuing the assets and liabilities;
- preparing the inheritance tax account and the application to the Probate Registry;
- collecting in the assets, which may include closing bank accounts, selling share portfolios and disposing of freehold and leasehold property;
- settling debts, tax and expenses;
- preparing itemised estate accounts; and
- distributing the estate in accordance with the will or, where there is no will, the intestacy rules.
We can assist with more unusual and complicated situations, such as where an executor or administrator has died leaving an estate partly unadministered, where a beneficiary cannot be traced, where the estate is insolvent, or where a claim is made against the estate. We can also obtain official copies of grants and wills, however old.
Executors and personal representatives
If you have been appointed an executor you can instruct us to carry out the whole administration for you, or to deal with particular stages such as obtaining the grant, while you do the rest. We explain your duties and protect you from personal liability.
Our fees
Our charging basis, typical costs, disbursements and timescales for probate are published on our probate fees page in accordance with the SRA Transparency Rules.