Estate Administration (Probate or Intestacy)

Experiencing a bereavement will always be a distressing experience, and it can be hard to know where to turn for support with the various legal formalities at what is already a stressful time. 

Being responsible for handling a loved one’s affairs after they die is a legally complex process, and the consequences of getting it wrong are potentially serious, particularly when the deceased has not left behind a Will. As such, it is vital that those in need of help turn to an expert legal firm like Clough & Willis Solicitors for advice. 

Our highly qualified Wills, trusts and probate team can provide sensitive, compassionate and educated guidance on all matters pertaining to estate administration, probate and intestacy, helping our clients to manage their legal responsibilities as efficiently as possible. 

For more information on how we can support you on settling an estate, call us on 0800 083 0815 today, or complete the online enquiry form on the side of this page to request a call back at your convenience. 

How we can help

The Clough & Willis team are dedicated to providing you with a personal and friendly service, with a focus on keeping things simple and using clear, plain and jargon-free language wherever possible. We are here to help during what will surely be a difficult and stressful time, providing all the support you need on your estate administrator duties. 

We can advise on topics including: 

• How to apply for probate, ie the legal right to deal with a person’s estate
• Your responsibilities and liabilities as the executor or administrator of the estate
• What to do when a person dies intestate (without a Will)
• How to deal with the deceased’s assets and liabilities
• How to maximise the value of the estate for its beneficiaries
• How to handle claims made against the estate 

The private client team consists of Nicola Finbow, Ryan Browne and Rafia Faruk all with extensive experience. Nicola is a specialist solicitor and is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), further underlining their expertise in this area of law.

Moreover, we can guarantee that you will always be able to speak to a legal expert, rather than a call centre worker, and that your case will be handled from start to finish by the same solicitor you meet initially. 

How our fee structure works

During your initial meeting, we will be able to provide a full estimate of our costs. We understand that many clients are concerned about the prospect of being hit by unexpected charges and third-party costs when using legal services, which is why we are keen to provide this information upfront. 

Check out our guide to pricing for probate matters for more information; we may also be able to deal with your case on a fixed fee basis, if you would prefer it. 

What are my responsibilities as the administrator of an estate?

If you are responsible for administering an estate, either as an executor or an administrator, you have a number of legally binding duties and responsibilities, including a personal liability to both beneficiaries and creditors of the estate. 

Throughout the process, you will need to account for all actions taken during the estate administration and address certain issues as a matter of priority. These include: 

• Ensuring all debts are paid
• Dealing with any claims against the estate
• Handling estate administration tax issues before you distribute monies to the beneficiaries
• Maximising the value of the estate for the beneficiaries
• Acting in a prudent and timely fashion to resolve outstanding issues 

Failure to uphold these responsibilities may give the beneficiaries of the estate grounds to claim compensation from you personally. Claims against estates are becoming more common, and they must be dealt with properly before the process can move forward. 

In these ways, dealing with the assets and liabilities of a deceased person can be time-consuming and complicated - which is why it is advisable to seek legal advice before proceeding. 

Our Fees for Handling Probate Matters 

We know that many people have been hit by unexpected charges and third party costs when using legal services in the past.  

There are no hidden costs and we will be able to confirm a full estimate of our costs at the initial meeting.  

Please click on the link below for examples of our Probate pricing

Pricing for Probate matters