It is important that at the outset, we understand exactly what support you require from us so that we can provide you with an accurate estimate of costs. It is normal for things to change during estate administration, and we will always keep you up to date if any elements change. For example, when new assets or information is found or if any element is being disputed. We will also provide regular fee updates together with a full fee review after six months (or when the Grant of Probate is received, if sooner).
Initially, we will set up a meeting (either remotely or face to face) to discuss the estate administration process to gather as much information as we can in order to support you effectively. From this initial meeting, we will prepare all necessary initial paperwork including terms of business and an initial estimate of costs and disbursements (other fees which are payable to third parties on your behalf). We will not start work until these terms of business have been approved and signed by you.
We can offer two different levels of support, obtaining a Grant only or a full estate administration service.
When you are coming to terms with the death of a loved one, administering their estate can seem like a daunting task. Our support is flexible and empathetic to help cater for all of your individual circumstances.
As each estate is unique, we offer two different levels of support and involvement based on your particular needs. Both levels can be adapted to you so that we become more or less involved as is required.
As each estate is different and the examples in this guide are limited, there is additional work we are happy to complete on your behalf or assist you with. Additional fees may apply if an estate you are dealing with contains any of the assets set out below:
• Business Property
• Agricultural Property
• Foreign Assets
Or requires us to carry out any of the additional areas of work set out below:
• Income Tax Reporting (current or historic)
• Advice regarding lifetime gifts made by the deceased and the Inheritance Tax position
• Advice regarding Intestate Estates (i.e. where there is no Will or a defective Will)
• Advice regarding assets in the estate which may benefit from Inheritance Tax relief
• Inheritance Tax Advice which is over and above the basic level of advice required in order to complete the tax return, such as tax mitigation planning and trust advice.
• Advising the executors/administrators regarding potential claims against the estate and disputes
• Estates which contain a significant number of individual assets
• Estates requiring an emergency Grant in order to sell property (Grant ad colligenda bona)
• Preparation of Deeds of Variation
• Advising on complex related trusts (historic and current)
• Implementation of Will trusts
• Disagreements between executors and beneficiaries
We have taken all reasonable steps to ensure the price information set out on our website provides an accurate and realistic indication of the costs of obtaining certain legal advice today, but we may update the information at any time in the future.
Whilst we hope this information is helpful as an initial guide, we will provide you with a specific fee proposal and a copy of our standard terms of business when you instruct us to undertake work.
