Probate & Administration of Estates

Our team is experienced in all aspects of probate and administration of estates when someone dies. If there is a will then it will usually be necessary to apply for a grant of probate, especially in cases where the deceased owned property or substantial assets.

If there is no will, then the deceased will have died intestate and a grant of administration will required.

Sometimes there are disputes and our private client team work closely with our litigation team and provide advice and assistance in resolving any dispute including claims by under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 by persons who was a dependant of the estate and not adequately provided for in the will or intestacy.

If the administration of a deceased person’s estate falls upon you, this can be quite a daunting prospect. Our role is to take on the entire process of notifying banks, institutions and others of the death and paying off any liabilities. We will assist in any necessary sale of assets and the distribution of the estate among the beneficiaries.

We will advise you in your capacity as executor or administrator on what you should do in order to discharge your legal duties. This role will include drafting the necessary HMRC return setting out all the deceased’s assets and liabilities and, if tax is payable, showing the calculation of that tax and arranging payment.