Probate and Estate Administration: What We Offer

Handling an estate when a loved one dies involves complex legal, tax, and administrative processes that can add a further layer of stress during an already difficult time. At Whitings LLP we provide clear, expert guidance to ease the burden and help you navigate the Probate process, with support at every stage.

Where the deceased was previously a client of our firm, we will already have a detailed understanding of their financial affairs, tax position, business interests, and family circumstances. This insight enables us to support personal representatives with accurate advice and provide a cost-effective service from the outset.

For new clients, we offer a free initial consultation to discuss your needs and determine the level of support required by the personal representatives and the family, which ensures our service is tailored to your specific circumstances.

The support we provide can vary depending on the complexity of the estate. In straightforward cases we may assist with gathering information for the probate application, completing inheritance tax forms, and advising on any tax due. Once probate is granted and tax obligations are met, the personal representatives can choose to finalise the estate administration themselves, although we are, of course, happy to assist further if needed.

In more complex situations, such as when the deceased had a business interest or shares in a family company, we can offer specialist advice. This includes guidance on:

• available tax reliefs
• valuation of business assets
• strategies to reduce tax liabilities.

For those who prefer comprehensive support, we can manage the entire estate administration process. This can include gathering funds, liquidating investments, arranging property valuations, liaising with or instructing solicitors in respect of the legal aspects, managing income and expenses, distributing assets to beneficiaries, and handling tax compliance and planning opportunities, in addition to any further tax planning and compliance requirements for beneficiaries, as required. Our fees are structured according to the scope of support required and the corresponding time involvement from our team.

How Long Will It Take?

The timeframe varies depending on the complexity of the estate. Simple probate cases may take as little as six months, while more complicated matters, such as those involving business interests or property sales, can take two years or more.  Some factors are beyond our control, such as delays at the probate registry, HMRC processing times for valuations, or the time taken to sell a property. However, we will provide regular updates and keep you informed of any changes to the expected timeline.

Our Probate Services

Whitings LLP is licensed to provide probate services. Our probate specialists, Nick Edgley and Paul Jefferson, alongside me, are authorised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and have either completed the Mercia UK Certificate in Probate and Estate Administration or are STEP-qualified. Please do contact me for further information.

Disclaimer - All information in this post was correct at time of writing.