Probate and the distribution of an estate are complex legal procedures that occur at an already stressful and upsetting time – which is why we work so hard to ensure all the complexities involved are straightforward and you receive the expert advice and guidance you need.
When a loved one dies, his or her estate needs to be distributed according to their Will or to the rules of intestacy. The executor of the Will is 
responsible for estate administration, and if there is no Will then the closest relatives can apply to handle the estate administration.
What Is Estate Administration?
A person’s estate is everything they own, and estate administration is the managing of the legal and tax implications of all they own. When an estate is administered, all the assets and liabilities are assessed, including for tax implications, before the remaining amount is distributed to the beneficiaries of the estate.
What Is The Estate Administration Process?
Every estate is unique and poses individual challenges depending on size, location and value. Often the executor or administrator for the estate handles the administration process but there is always the option to choose a professional to handle the estate on their behalf – this can greatly reduce the pressure on the individual at an already difficult time for them, and ensure the estate is distributed in the most efficient and straightforward way.
As a guide, estate administration includes all or some of the following:
- Funeral arrangements
- Death registration
- Obtaining grant of probate
- Inheritance tax calculations and payment
- Income tax and capital gains tax matters
- Dealing with queries from HM Revenue and Customs
- Valuing assets
- Selling assets or transferring assets to beneficiaries
How We Can Help With Estate Administration
Our specialist solicitors are here to help make estate administration straightforward and as stress-free as possible for you – and can handle certain aspects of the process for you or deal with every aspect of the administration on your behalf.
In addition, we provide professional legal guidance at every stage, explaining the situation, the options open to you and what may be in your best interests.
Your chosen solicitor can handle it all for you, if you so wish, including dealing with probate, liaising with HM Revenue and Customs, filling in tax forms, arranging for assets to be valued, and assisting with the distribution of the estate to the beneficiaries – as well as handling any issues that may arise during the administration of the estate or any claims made against the estate.
For advice on estate administration and probate, please contact us to arrange a face-to-face consultation with one of our specialist solicitors at our Bartletts Solicitors Liverpool office – Marldon Chambers, 30 North John Street, Liverpool, L2 9QN or our Hoole office at Martins Bank Chambers, 31 Hoole Road, Chester CH2 3NF.
You can contact our specialist solicitors at our Liverpool, Chester or Wrexham offices or email advice@bartletts.co.uk.
Alternatively, you can Make An Online Enquiry and one of our team will be in touch with you as soon as possible.
