Estate Administration
Estate Administration
When you are faced with handling the affairs of a loved one who has passed, it can all seem most overwhelming. At such a time, it is vital that you receive the right guidance at the right time, and that the advice you are given is clear and backed by a personal and sympathetic service. If everything has fallen to you to deal with, and you are seeking support to help you find your way through it all, the experts here at Surrey-based Partridge Muir & Warren can assist with a professional estate administration service.
Since 1969, PMW has been taking care of the legal and financial affairs of families throughout Surrey, with many of them retaining us as their preferred advisers over numerous generations.
As you start to navigate your way through these difficult times, we will support you with clear advice and a fully comprehensive service that comes courtesy of many years of experience and in-depth knowledge across all aspects of estate administration and Probate. Surrey-wide, it is something we have become highly respected for.
Estate administration services Surrey families know they can rely on
When it comes to estate administration, Surrey families can find peace of mind in the fact that the estate management specialists at PMW are members of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). This means we are considered experts in our field with specific knowledge across probate management, trust administration and inheritance and succession planning.
For many clients, knowing that we are also able to provide qualified advice on how to secure and structure their own finances on receipt of an inheritance provides additional reassurance.
Our own in-house team of estate planning experts, wealth managers, tax advisers, investment and portfolio administrators and legal specialists regularly provides guidance on a variety of matters, from trusts and Inheritance Tax to investment strategy, wealth management, property preservation and estate planning.
For many clients, knowing that we are also able to provide qualified advice on how to secure and structure their own finances on receipt of an inheritance provides additional reassurance.
Our own in-house team of estate planning experts, wealth managers, tax advisers, investment and portfolio administrators and legal specialists regularly provides guidance on a variety of matters, from trusts and Inheritance Tax to investment strategy, wealth management, property preservation and estate planning.
Watch our video to find out what we can do for you
How can we assist you with estate administration in Surrey?
Whether you have been appointed executor in a will, or are the official representative of someone who has passed away without leaving a will, we can help you with as much of the estate administration as you need us to, either taking over entirely, or assisting with some of the more complicated tasks, such as applying for a Grant of Probate, or handling the tax and estate accounts side of things.
Our helpful specialists can assist with:
• Applications for Grants of Probate and Letters of Administration
• Full probate and estate administration service
• Liaising with the Public Guardianship Office (PGO)
• Preparation and submission of Inheritance Tax return
• Preparation of Estate Accounts
• Trust set-up
• Professional trustee service
• Inheritance Tax advice
• Estate planning
• Will drafting
• Investments and financial planning
Our helpful specialists can assist with:
• Applications for Grants of Probate and Letters of Administration
• Full probate and estate administration service
• Liaising with the Public Guardianship Office (PGO)
• Preparation and submission of Inheritance Tax return
• Preparation of Estate Accounts
• Trust set-up
• Professional trustee service
• Inheritance Tax advice
• Estate planning
• Will drafting
• Investments and financial planning
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What is a Grant of Probate?
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Probate is another name for estate administration, which is the process of handling the estate and financial affairs of someone who has died. It involves taking care of everything to do with the deceased’s money, assets and belongings and distributing them to their rightful beneficiaries once any taxes and debts have been settled.
A Grant of Probate is different. This is a legal document giving official authority to whoever is responsible for administering the estate, allowing them to deal with the banks, building societies and other institutions where the deceased held assets. A Grant of Probate is not always necessary; please see our dedicated Probate Management page for further information.
A Grant of Probate is different. This is a legal document giving official authority to whoever is responsible for administering the estate, allowing them to deal with the banks, building societies and other institutions where the deceased held assets. A Grant of Probate is not always necessary; please see our dedicated Probate Management page for further information.
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How long does estate administration take?
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The time it takes to fully administer an estate will vary according to how complex the estate is, its size, and whether there are any disputes. As a general rule, it can take around a year to finalise everything, including paying off any debts and any taxes due, and distributing the inheritance.
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What if someone dies without leaving a will?
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If someone has died without leaving a will, this is known as dying intestate. Under intestacy rules, the law dictates who will inherit the estate. If there is a relative or friend who is willing to deal with the estate, and where there would have been a need for a Grant of Probate, they can apply for a Grant of Letters of Administration to give them official authority to deal with the financial institutions, settle any debts and distribute the estate to family members in line with intestacy rules. In situations where there are no surviving relatives, the estate will pass to the Crown.
There is a set line of inheritance under the intestacy rules. This government resource will help you work out who will be entitled to a share of the estate.
There is a set line of inheritance under the intestacy rules. This government resource will help you work out who will be entitled to a share of the estate.
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I have been appointed executor, do I have to handle everything myself?
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No. If you would prefer not to take on the responsibility, then you can renounce your duties and allow any other executors named in the will to act, providing you have not already carried out any executor duties, such as settling any debts. Such duties do not include arranging a funeral or securing property.
It is also possible to renounce your duties and hand over the responsibility for estate administration to a solicitor. In either case, you will need to sign a renunciation form which is then lodged with the Probate Registry, along with the Grant of Probate application being made by the remaining executors or solicitor. Once registered, the renunciation is only usually reversible in the most exceptional circumstances.
It is also possible to renounce your duties and hand over the responsibility for estate administration to a solicitor. In either case, you will need to sign a renunciation form which is then lodged with the Probate Registry, along with the Grant of Probate application being made by the remaining executors or solicitor. Once registered, the renunciation is only usually reversible in the most exceptional circumstances.
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How much does estate administration cost?
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The cost of estate administration services will depend upon how much work there is to do, and how complex the estate is. We will talk to you at the outset to understand how much help you are looking for and to learn more about the detail of the estate. Following this, you will be provided with an estimate of fees for approval before we go ahead.