Administration Of Estates
We understand that losing a loved one is difficult. Aside from the emotional fallout, there is the practical administration of their affairs which for many can seem like a daunting process. Our specialist Probate and Estate Administration team can help you if you have been named as an executor or if a loved one has died without a Will (intestate estate). We will guide you through the entire process, helping you navigate any obligations at this difficult time.
How our Probate solicitors in Blackheath can help you.
At Beverley Morris & Co, our dedicated team can assist you in dealing with the administration of an estate from ascertaining the value of the assets to obtaining the Grant of Probate through to distributing the assets to the beneficiaries. Our expert solicitors will ensure you are provided with sensitive, confidential advice, tailored to your circumstances. We have provided further information in our FAQs below but please get in touch with our team for further help/assistance.
Our Probate Solicitors in Blackheath have been providing Probate and Estate administration services throughout London and the South East for many years. Our local, sensitive and approachable team are on hand to make the process as stress-free as possible.
Our Estate Administration Team can help you with:-
- Obtaining a grant of probate
- Calculation and payment of inheritance tax
- Collecting assets and arranging valuations
- Payment of debts and expenses
- Distribution of the estate to the beneficiaries
- Calculation of Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax and correspondence with HM Revenue & Customs
If you seek advice on the administration of estates please call or email us to find out more.
020 8852 4433
privateclient@beverleymorris.co.uk
What is Probate?
In its very basic form, probate is the permission to carry out the wishes set out in someone’s Will after they have died. It also is the term that applies to the entire process of settling someone’s estate.
If you have been made an executor of someone’s Will, you will be expected to follow specific rules to notify the authorities and distribute the estate.
A person’s Will by itself is not enough. The Probate Registry will wish to be satisfied that there is no-one challenging the validity of the Will whereafter they will issue a Grant of Probate and it is this document which will entitle you to sell the deceased’s assets or transfer them to the persons named in the Will.
If you are in any doubt about what is required of you in administering a deceased person’s estate, we have a dedicated professional and compassionate team who can guide you through the process and help you as much or as little as you would like and when you would like.
What is contentious probate?
Disputes that relate to the administration of a person’s estate are generally known as contentious probate. Inheritance or Will disputes can happen for several reasons, which may include:-
- Disputes relating to the value of assets
- Executor disputes
- Disputes between beneficiaries
- Disputes if you have been left out of a Will
- Disputes relating to Trusts
- Disputes relating to the interpretation of a Will
- Disputes if there is no Will
Our expert contentious probate lawyers aim to resolve disputes quickly and cost-effectively, with significant experience in dealing with a wide range of contentious probate legal matters. You can find out more about our Contentious Probate team, by visiting our Wills and Inheritance Dispute page here.
Our Probate Fees
We will always ensure you are fully aware of all costs involved and your solicitor will explain these to you. For our standard probate service, we offer a fixed fee service which we have detailed in our FAQs below. You can find more information on our fees and disbursements by clicking here: Our Probate fees
For contentious probate matters and disputes over a Will or if a loved one has died without a will in place, contact our probate team so we can discuss your available options.
Our Wills & Probate Team
The Wills and Probate team will be happy to speak with you regarding all areas of wills, probate, inheritance planning and trusts. You can find out more about our team by clicking the links below.
How may we help you?
Although every estate is different, the steps taken when dealing with an estate can be broken down as follows:
- Identifying the deceased’s assets and any liabilities, including gifts made during their lifetime and interests in any Trusts;
- Valuing the deceased’s assets, this may include the instruction of specialist valuers, depending upon the asset;
- Preparing the Inheritance Tax Return and the application for the Grant;;
- Submitting the Inheritance Tax Return and paying any Tax due. Inheritance Tax is due before an application for the Grant of Probate/ Letters of Administration can be made; usually the tax can be paid directly from one of the deceased’s bank accounts or in instalments – we can advise you as to the methods available;
- Making the application to the Probate Registry for a Grant of Probate/ Letters of Administration.
Steps 1-5 of administering an estate usually take 3 to 4 months but, again, this depends upon the complexity of the Estate. Once the Grant/ Letters of Administration have been obtained the following steps take place:
- Registering the Grant/ Letters with all asset holders and collecting the assets in;
- Dealing with the payment of legacies or interim distributions to residuary beneficiaries;
- The costs of the sale of the deceased’s property are not included in our fees but we aim to offer a discounted rate for any probate sales;
- Preparing the estate accounts and final distributions.
The total time taken to fully administer an estate will vary but we advise up to 12 months, possibly more where there is a property to sell.
Whether Inheritance Tax is due on the estate depends upon the size of the estate, the beneficiaries and whether any measures were put in place to limit the Inheritance Tax payable. We cannot estimate the Inheritance Tax payable at the outset of your matter but you may find the HMRC guidance useful https://www.gov.uk/inheritance-tax
A solicitor who specialises in Probate matters will ensure that the administration of the estate is dealt with promptly and efficiently. They will also ensure that measures are taken to mitigate the amount of inheritance tax payable.
