Probate and estate administration
Dealing with an estate after someone dies can involve legal, financial and practical responsibilities at an already difficult time. Adel Jibs & Co Solicitors assists executors, administrators and families in Edmonton, Enfield and across North London with probate and estate administration.
We can explain whether a grant is required, help establish the assets and liabilities, prepare the application and support the administration of the estate. The work required and cost will depend on the Will, the assets, the beneficiaries and any complications.
Speak to a probate solicitor Call 020 3417 3859
How our probate solicitors can help
Depending on your circumstances, our work may include:
- reviewing the Will and advising the executors;
- explaining whether probate or letters of administration are required;
- identifying and valuing estate assets and liabilities;
- preparing the application for a grant of probate or letters of administration;
- supporting inheritance-tax reporting where it falls within the agreed scope;
- collecting or transferring assets after the grant;
- paying estate debts and expenses;
- preparing estate accounts; and
- distributing the estate to the beneficiaries.
Grant of probate and letters of administration
A grant of probate normally gives executors named in a valid Will the authority to deal with relevant estate assets. Where there is no valid Will, an entitled person may need to apply for letters of administration instead. Not every estate requires a grant, and the correct route depends on how the assets were owned and the requirements of the organisations holding them.
What happens when there is no Will?
If someone dies without a valid Will, the intestacy rules determine who is entitled to administer and inherit the estate. Those rules may not reflect what relatives expected. We can explain the order of entitlement, the appropriate administrator and the steps needed to deal with the estate.
Responsibilities of executors and administrators
Personal representatives must identify the estate, deal with liabilities and tax issues, keep appropriate records and distribute assets to the correct beneficiaries. They can sometimes face personal responsibility if an estate is administered incorrectly. Legal advice can be particularly valuable where the estate includes property, business interests, overseas assets, missing beneficiaries, unclear debts or disagreement between family members.
Probate involving a property
An estate may include a house or flat that must be valued, insured, maintained, transferred or sold. We can coordinate the probate and relevant property work where the firm is instructed to handle both aspects, with the scope and costs explained at the outset.
How the probate process works
- Initial review: We consider the Will, family position, assets, debts and any immediate risks.
- Scope and costs: We explain whether you need help with the grant only or the wider estate administration.
- Information and valuations: The necessary asset, liability and beneficiary information is assembled.
- Grant application: The appropriate probate or administration application is prepared.
- Administration: After the grant, assets can be collected, liabilities addressed and estate accounts prepared.
- Distribution: The net estate is distributed when it is safe and appropriate to do so.
How much does probate cost?
Costs depend on the work required and the complexity of the estate. A grant-only application is different from administering the whole estate. Property, tax reporting, overseas assets, missing information or disputes can increase the work involved. We will explain the proposed scope, legal fees, VAT and likely third-party costs before you instruct us.
When probate becomes disputed
If there are concerns about the validity of a Will, an executor’s conduct, undue influence, capacity or reasonable financial provision, the matter may require separate contentious-probate advice. Deadlines can apply, so obtain advice promptly rather than delaying the estate indefinitely.
View contentious probate services
Related private-client services
Speak to a probate solicitor
Tell us whether there is a Will, whether you are an executor or proposed administrator, and whether the estate includes property or any immediate dispute.
Start a probate enquiry Call 020 3417 3859
Contacting us does not mean that we can act. We must first check the nature of the matter, conflicts, capacity and the proposed scope of work.