Probate Administration

The immediate sense of loss to the bereaved following a death is very often made worse by the difficulties which present themselves in getting the deceased’s affairs in order.  For dependent relatives, in particular, the realisation that bank accounts become frozen and/or the absence of regular income can become harrowing at a time when it is least desired.

The service we provide is fast, efficient and sensitively undertaken having regard to the individual’s requirements enabling us in exceptional and appropriate cases to obtain a grant of Probate or Letters of Administration within a reasonably short period of time of being instructed.

As a matter of course we

1. Liase with all parties be they banks, life assurance companies, building societies, private individuals or otherwise with a view to all monies due to the estate being realised within the shortest time and any debts paid.
2. File with the Inland Revenue a final tax return and bring the deceased’s tax affairs to a close.
3. Keep the client advised of progress by providing copies of correspondence despatched.
4. Attend to the administration of the estate by dealing with the bequests and legacies in accordance with the deceased’s wishes.
5. Provide a final – and if appropriate interim – statement of account recording the financial aspects of the administration summarising monies received and expended.
6. Negotiate bridging loans with banks in circumstances where inheritance tax must be paid before probate is granted and the estate realised if there is no money in the estate to do so.
7. Arrange for the deceased’s bank to discharge the funeral account from funds on the deceased’s account before probate is granted.

As to fees, unlike High Street banks who can charge up to 5% and solicitors who charge up to 2% of the gross estate, this practice have no scale of charges on probate matters. Instead our fees reflect the extend of the work undertaken and, where the estate is involved and  complex. In all cases, however, the fees are very less than banks and Solicitors and like to feel that the client receives a more personal service at a realistic price.

Our Fees

As to fees, unlike High Street banks who can charge up to 5% and solicitors who charge up to 2% of the gross estate, this practice has no scale of charges on probate matters.

Instead our fees reflect the extent of the work undertaken and, where the estate is involved and  complex.

In all cases, however, the fees are much less than banks and solicitors and we like to feel that the client receives a more personal service at a realistic price.