Estate Administration and Probate

Expert estate administration and probate lawyers London

Dealing with the estate of someone who has died can be complicated. Our Estate Administration and Probate Team provide expert advice and representation to personal representatives.

We have a high level of experience and we can deal with all aspects of the winding-up process on your behalf. We have the expertise to deal with complex and high value estates as well as overseas and cross-border assets, trust creation and tax issues.

Obtaining a Grant of Probate or Grant of Letters of Administration

After a death, it is usually necessary to obtain a Grant of Probate or, where there is no Will, a Grant of Letters of Administration. This is the legal document that gives authority to the executors or administrators to deal with the estate administration process.

Before making an application, it is necessary to value the entire estate, calculate how much Inheritance Tax may be payable and account for this to HM Revenue and Customs. Calculating Inheritance Tax is not always straightforward, and you will need to take into account any gifts of value that were given by the deceased in the seven years preceding their death, on which tax is payable on a sliding scale. There are also allowances which may be available in respect of Inheritance Tax.

We can deal with the valuation of the estate, calculate the Inheritance Tax payable and make an application for a Grant on behalf of the estate’s representatives.

Estate Administration

Once a Grant of Probate or Grant of Letters of Administration is received, the estate can be wound up. This can be a lengthy process, particularly if a property needs to be sold. It is often advisable to place advertisements in the press for creditors and, in some cases, for unknown beneficiaries and we can make sure that this is done.

Estate executors and administrators can face personal liability for any mistakes that are made that cause a loss to the estate, so it is important to proceed carefully. We can represent you in the estate administration to ensure that the proper process is followed.

We can arrange for payment of debts, including outstanding tax liabilities, prepare detailed estate accounts and distribute the net estate to the beneficiaries entitled to inherit.

Our probate and estate administration costs

We always aim to provide good value service while maintaining the highest standards. Our probate and estate administration solicitors have a high level of expertise and always deal promptly and efficiently with matters.

For information regarding our costs, see our probate pricing page.

Contact our estate administration and probate lawyers London

If you are dealing with an estate and you would like advice or representation, please give us a call.

To speak to one of our estate administration and probate lawyers, ring us on 020 7936 8888, email us at enquiries@lawstep.co.uk or fill in our contact form.