Probate

Estate administration is the process of dealing with an individual's assets following their death.

If the deceased has made a will, then we are guided by the wishes it records. Alternatively, if no will exists (i.e. the deceased died 'intestate'), we ensure that the deceased's assets are dealt with according to the rules prescribed by law.

Our services include registering the death and arranging the funeral (if requested), establishing who is entitled as a beneficiary of the estate, identifying and administering the assets of the estate until such time as they can be sold or distributed to the relevant beneficiaries, dealing with any outstanding debts or liabilities of the deceased, and preparing and filing the necessary tax returns with H.M. Revenue & Customs.

Our team will administer the estate in an efficient and sensitive way, and has the expertise to deal with any related tax issues such as variation of the will and implementation of post-death tax saving strategies. Where we are able to add real value is in negotiations with H.M. Revenue & Customs as to the tax payable by the estate. In our experience, close analysis of the deceased's financial circumstances combined with a proactive and robust approach to these negotiations can often achieve a significant tax saving.

Contact: Stuart Thorne