Probate and Administration

Probate and Administration

We appreciate that losing a loved one is an emotional and distressing time and handling the process of administration can prove an overwhelming task and you together with your family may need legal support to bring the process of administration to a satisfactory conclusion. 

Our experienced team will work closely with you offering exactly as much assistance or advice as you may need to ensure that the estate is distributed in accordance with the Will or under the Rules of Intestacy if the deceased died without leaving a valid Will. 

The process of administration encompasses the winding up and distribution of a deceased’s estate but before the net value of the estate can be distributed, all assets and debts held in the name of the deceased including properties, investment funds, money in bank account and household chattels must be ascertained and valued. The administration process involves the following: 

• Assessment of assets and liabilities  
• Preparation of tax forms including advice on inheritance applicable, if any. 
• Applying for a grant of Probate if the deceased left a valid Will, or in the case where the deceased left no Will, applying for Letters of Administration. 
• Collecting the estate assets including any sale or transfer or properties. 
• Settling any liabilities in the estate including care home fees. 
• Distribution of the estate to the beneficiaries under the Will or under the Rules of Intestacy. 
• Preparation of accounts. 

It is important to recognized that administering an estate is often complex and stressful and if you are Executor or Administrator it is important to have expert legal advice at the early stage to ensure that the estate is administered correctly and without undue delay.