"As life gets more complicated, so do the financial affairs that need to be settled after death.  This is a difficult time even for the most able among us, and therefore expert advice is invaluable" David Charlesworth, Head of Wealth Management

Our team of specialists in Estate Administration is made up of Solicitors, members of the Society of Trusts & Estate Practitioners and Tax Advisers.  Whatever issues the administration of the estate may uncover, the combined experience of the team will ensure that everything is dealt with professionally and in a timely manner.

Each year, the team handles a large number of estates ranging from the very simple to the highly complicated.  We are able to offer a comprehensive service, or simply apply for a Grant of Representation.

In offering a comprehensive service, the team will:

• Advise on the terms of the Will.
• Advise on the intestacy provisions where there is no Will.
• Explain the role of the Personal Representatives and the beneficiaries’ rights.
• Collate all of the information required to obtain a Grant of Representation.
• Claim any appropriate Inheritance Tax reliefs.
• Arrange funds to pay Inheritance Tax and funeral bill.
• Obtain Grant of Representation for Personal Representatives.
• Collect in the assets, pay off the debts and expenses, distribute the assets of the estate as directed by the Will, or under the terms of the intestacy provisions.
• Settle the Inheritance Tax liabilities in the estate and arrange professional negotiation with HM Revenue & Customs in cases of value disputes.
• Deal with Capital Gains Tax and Income Tax issues that can arise in an administration.
• Advise on claims against an estate brought under the Inheritance (Provision for Family & Dependents) Act 1975.
• Support and advise the Personal Representatives throughout in the proper performance of their duties without personal exposure.

In addition, the team can advise on and assist with:

• Deeds of Variation (re-writing a Will by agreement to make it more effective in terms of tax or family circumstances).
• Obtaining UK Grant of Representation where a person has died abroad with UK assets.
• Beneficiaries’ personal tax issues arising as a result of the inheritance they receive.
• Trusts that arise under the terms of the Will, or as a result of the intestacy provisions.
• Matters that have become disputed.  These can be referred to our specialist Dispute Resolution Team.

Our fees are charged on a time basis only and do not include a percentage of the value of the estate as some Solicitors, Banks and other Probate Practitioners charge.