Probate & Inheritance
When someone dies, it is usually necessary, whether they have made a Will or not, to obtain a Court Order to deal with their financial affairs. If they have left a Will, the Court Order is called a Grant of Probate and if they have died without a Will, a Grant of Letters of Administration is required.
At Shulmans, we can help the Executors appointed in the Will, or family members entitled to inherit, to deal with the often complicated paperwork in an efficient and cost effective way, at a time when stress and emotion leave you with little enthusiasm to deal with these important matters yourself. We can also help you with tax and other complications which may arise as a consequence of a death.
Essentially a Grant of Probate and a Grant of Letters of Administration act in the same way. It is a document which gives your Executors/Administrators authority to distribute your estate, either in accordance with your wishes specified within your Will or in accordance with the Laws of Intestacy.
Administering an estate involves:
- identifying all your assets and liabilities;
- filing a final tax return;
- completing the Inheritance Tax requirements;
- dealing with the legal ownership of your property;
- identifying all potential beneficiaries and;
- distributing your assets in accordance with your Will.
If you die without making a Will, your assets will be distributed in accordance with Intestacy Laws.
Administering an estate requires knowledge of the laws of Property, Succession and Trusts, as well as the implications of Inheritance and Capital Gains Taxes. Our experience enables us to administer the estate quickly, efficiently and without complication.
For further information regarding the administration of estates please contact Julie Beales on +44 (0)113 2978096 or email at jbeales@shulmans.co.uk