Probate and estate administration

How we can help

Our regulated and insured experts will ensure that the estate is dealt with correctly to give you peace of mind that there's no complex tax or probate issues left to resolve. We’ll start by talking to the Personal Representatives (PRs) to establish what level of support you need and then take you through each step of the process. Our approach will be tailored to your unique circumstances, so we can help with just a few steps, or the full process from start to finish.

Our services:

• Advice: interpreting the will, tax planning, deeds of variation, the implications of an estate with overseas assets or a cross border estate, and the implications of a trust created under a will, and distributions.
• Inheritance Tax (IHT): calculating IHT liability and preparing IHT Forms, obtaining the IHT assessments and advising on IHT payment(s).
• Probate: preparing the grant application and applying for the Grant of Representation (GOR) to prove your authority to administer the estate. 
• Estate administration: tax returns (if required) or reporting to HMRC informally, Form R185, and accounts (if required) – simple for non-complex estates or detailed for substantial/complex estates.
• Distributing assets: collecting/selling/transferring assets, arranging payment of creditors, and registration of the estate on the Trust Register (if required).
• Minimising tax liabilities: tax mitigation, tax-efficient timing of distributions or transfers of assets, advising on deeds of variation, and obtaining legal advice for claims under the Inheritance Tax Act 1984.
• Business valuations: we also provide valuations of private company shares if the deceased had a business interest, financial planning advice on your inherited assets and prepare tax returns for legatees with new sources of income.

How long does it take to obtain probate?

It's difficult to provide a general time frame for probate services as there are many things that can affect the process. What we seek to do is work with the PRs and keep them informed of progress on a regular basis so that they know where we are in the process. On average it takes about three to six months to get the necessary paperwork for the Probate Register but it can take longer in some cases, if the estate is complicated.

Click here for an outline of the process and, from our experience, how long it typically takes.

Fair and transparent fees, to keep things simple

The different steps of the process will take a different length of time depending on the circumstances of each case. We charge our usual hourly rates for time spent, rather than fees based on the value of the estate. This is a more cost-effective option than working with other providers, as you’re only charged for the level of advice you require. We understand that you may prefer to know what fees are involved at the outset, so once you've decided what support you require and have the estate information, we can estimate fixed fees and provide a breakdown tailored to you. 

Click here for more information on our fees and Probate Office charges.

If you're dealing with a death and looking for practical support for any stage of obtaining probate or administering an estate, please fill in the form below and one of our experts will be in touch to discuss your requirements and how we can help, with professional advice tailored to your unique circumstances.