Our Probate and Estate Administration lawyers work closely with clients every step of the way to ensure that the process of handling an estate is as straightforward as possible.
Probate is a term commonly used to describe the administration of a person’s estate after they die. The word comes from the term ‘Grant of Probate’ which is the document issued by the Probate Registry confirming who is entitled to administer the estate.
If a person dies without leaving a will, the rules of intestacy apply and rather than a grant of probate, letters of administration are issued to the next of kin specified by the rules.
Probate varies hugely, depending on the size of the estate, whether the deceased left a will, the nature and value of the assets, and whether Inheritance Tax is payable from the estate.
Whatever the situation with the will or probate status, our lawyers will step in and provide a committed, personal and efficient service to reach the best outcome.
We are used to dealing with estates where there are foreign assets, and regularly work alongside international advisers in relation to foreign estate administration and tax. We have particular expertise in relation to both straightforward and complex UK/US probate and estate administration. We have experience of obtaining UK Grants for US testamentary documents to enable the UK estates of US citizens to be administered and collected in. We also work with US advisers in relation to UK citizens with US assets.
As well as supporting clients through the probate and administration process, our lawyers will also assess the size and value of the estate’s assets and help you plan for any financial impacts that may incur, such as inheritance tax.
Our Probate and Estate Administration team is part of our broader Private Wealth team, allowing us to tailor the support that you need, no matter how complex your situation.
For more information on our approach to pricing for Probate, please click here.
