Estate Administration

Sorting out the estate of a loved one is often an emotional and demanding job that starts pretty much from the moment someone dies.

Understanding Estate Administration

The estate administration process starts the moment someone dies; it involves managing and distributing a deceased person's assets in accordance with their Will. This process includes validating the Will, verifying assets and liabilities, paying debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining assets to beneficiaries as well as liaising with certain bodies such as HMRC and the Probate Registry.

Navigating this complex procedure often requires professional guidance to ensure that the deceased’s wishes are honoured and that legal obligations are met, providing clarity and resolution during a challenging time for loved ones.

Estate Administration Activities We Can Assist With

Being an executor for an estate can be risky if matters are not dealt with correctly, because an executor or administrator can be held personally liable for any mistakes. At Culver Law, our solicitors aim to remove as much of this risk by:

Identifying the legally appointed executors and beneficiaries
Identifying and investigating assets within the estate
Gaining accurate valuations for assets (and debts)
Completing the Probate Application and the relevant HMRC forms
Settling estate debts
Dealing with any tax issues
Distributing the estate to heirs and beneficiaries in terms of the Will

Types of Estates We Assist With

Our solicitors are experts in estate administration, regularly assisting more complex estates, such as:

Estates where the person died has left no Will and has no immediate family
High-value estates
Overseas and cross-border estates
Insolvent estates - often acting on behalf of creditors
The interim administration of disputed estates whilst the dispute is resolved
Estates involving heritage assets of significant national, historical or scientific importance
Estates containing businesses or farms and farmland
Estates involving tax disputes, valuation problems and negotiations with HMRC
Multiple related estates with quick succession relief issues

Why Choose Culver Law?

At Culver Law, we understand that estate administration can be a complex and emotionally taxing process. So, why should you trust us with this important responsibility?

Experience & Expertise: Our team of dedicated solicitors specialises in estate administration, bringing years of experience to ensure every detail is handled with precision and care, even in the most complex of cases.
Personalised Service: We provide tailored solutions that respect the unique aspects of each estate and the wishes of the deceased per the Will (if present), ensuring bespoke and compassionate support for executors and beneficiaries.
Efficient Process: With a thorough understanding of legal requirements and best practices, we streamline the estate administration process, keeping delays to a minimum and reducing stress for all parties involved.
Transparent Communication: Client communication is vital for the way we work. We will keep you informed at every stage, offering clear, honest, and timely updates to ensure you always know where you stand.

How Much Does This Service Cost?

We will always provide you with an honest quote before commencing any work, and we will not proceed with our work until you have agreed to our fees and the tasks our solicitors are instructed to complete. Our charges are based on an hourly rate fee for the work agreed upon, and for these purposes, we charge an hourly rate of £480 per hour (inclusive of 20% VAT). We may also be prepared to offer a fixed fee quote.

Read more about our pricing on our dedicated “Our Fees” page.

What Are The Likely Timescales?

We aim to work as efficiently and quickly as possible for the benefit of each client we work with. However, the estate administration process can be lengthy and complex at times, and certain matters can arise outside of our control which can delay our progress.

We aim to complete the administration process within one year from the date someone dies. More straightforward, smaller estates may offer a quicker process, although larger, more complex estates can sometimes take longer.

Our “Client Hand Holding” Service

It is natural for several questions to spring to mind at the beginning of the estate administration process. We offer a free-of-charge, no-obligation initial meeting – which can be held over Zoom or Microsoft Teams – during which we will brief you on all the tasks required during the process of estate administration. We will then provide a quote for assisting with the administration of the estate, either in its entirety or simply in the parts where assistance is required. We offer a Service Level Guarantee for this particular service.

Service Level Guarantee

Meet Our Expert Team

Michael Culver

Contact:

Tel: 0207 846 5029
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Michael is a vastly experienced Solicitor specialising in Wills, estate administration, tax, wills/probate disputes and is also a professional deputy and Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) with the Chartered Institute of Taxation. Strongly believing in lifelong learning, Michael is a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), a dementia friends champion with the Alzheimer's Society and a member of the Association of Contentious Trusts and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS).

Since 2008 Michael has been a member of The Association of Lifetime Lawyers and in January 2018 became a director before taking over as chairman in June 2020. The Association of Lifetime Lawyers is an independent members organisation of lawyers in England and Wales that specialises in late-life law and law for the vulnerable.

Michael is also the chair of the vulnerable banking group. A coalition of The Association of Lifetime Lawyers, STEP, the Law Society, the Professional Deputies Forum and Estate Search whose aim is to improve banking standards for vulnerable people.

Michael is often selected to act as an independent executor of disputed estates and also regularly acts as a litigation friend for those lacking in, or with limited, capacity whenever a dispute arises requiring their involvement.

Amy Wallhead

Contact:

Tel: 01223 653010
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Amy joined Culver Law as a partner in March 2023. She advises on all aspects of non-contentious Private Client work including Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning and Probate. Amy specialises in advising older and vulnerable clients.

Bereavement Support

Losing a loved one can be incredibly hard. If you are in need of bereavement guidance or support there are several helpful resources available;

Let Our Solicitors in London and Cambridge Handle Your Estate Administration for You.

At Culver Law, we understand the importance of estate administration. Our expert team is here to assist you throughout this process, so get in touch with us for a free, no-obligation meeting to discuss your needs.

FAQs

Who is responsible for administering the estate?

The executor named in the Will is responsible for administering the estate. If no executor is named or if there is no Will, the court will appoint an administrator to handle these duties.

What difficulties can arise during this process?

There are several difficulties which can arise during estate administration. These include complicated Wills, missing beneficiaries, litigation & contentious probate, and inheritance tax issues.

How long does an executor have to settle an estate?

Although there is no fixed time limit to settle an estate in the UK, most estates are settled within 6 months to a year; this can easily change if complexities arise. However, any IHT owed must be paid within 6 months of the date someone dies.

Can an executor or administrator be held personally liable?

Executors and administrators have a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of the estate and its beneficiaries. If they fail to do so, they can be held personally liable for any losses or damages caused by their actions.

Can disputes arise during estate administration?

Yes, Will, property & inheritance disputes can arise among beneficiaries, creditors, or other interested parties. Common disputes involve the validity of the Will, the interpretation of its terms, or disagreements over asset distribution. These disputes may require legal resolution.

Will and Probate Services We Offer

Our team are experienced in handling a broad range of Wills, that include but aren’t limited to:

Will Writing Services

Crafting a well-structured and legally sound Will is crucial to ensure your wishes are honoured after your passing. Our solicitors will work closely with you to identify the right type of Will for your needs, and write a Will that reflects your intentions and safeguards your assets.

From simple or mirror Wills to Trust, we can help.

Will Writing Services
Estate Planning

Our team of Wills and Probate Solicitors can help you make important decisions about who will inherit your property, who will manage your affairs if you become incapacitated and how your healthcare and financial matters will be handled if you are unable to make decisions for yourself.

Estate Planning
Probate Solicitors

Compassionate probate solicitors in London & Cambridge - guiding you through the probate process with care and expertise.

Probate Solicitors
Estate Administration

Being an executor for an estate can be risky if matters are not dealt with correctly, because an executor or administrator can be held personally liable for any mistakes. At Culver Law, our solicitors work to guide you through the probate process, dealing with any estate fees or taxes.

Estate Administration
Statutory Wills

A Statutory Will is a Will made by the Court of Protection on behalf of someone who is unable to make one themselves because they lack the required mental capacity. Our team of solicitors in both our London and Cambridge offices are experts in this field, and can assist with statutory Will applications to ensure that the proposed Will aligns with the best interests of the individual.

Statutory Wills
Contesting a Will

Disputes over wills can be emotionally charged. Whether you’re challenging a Will or defending its validity, our solicitors provide strategic advice and representation.

Contesting a Will
Inheritance Act Claims

When you feel unfairly excluded from an inheritance, our team of solicitors can help you explore your options under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. We strive to achieve a fair resolution for all parties involved.

Inheritance Act Claims
Beneficiary Disputes

A beneficiary is an individual designated to receive assets, property, or benefits from a Will, trust, insurance policy, or other financial arrangement upon the death of an individual.

Beneficiary Disputes
Testamentary Capacity Disputes

When questions arise about an individual’s mental capacity at the time of making a Will, our solicitors can provide you with expert advice to help you understand your options, and should further action be required, we can assist you by providing legal representation.

Testamentary Capacity Disputes
Contentious Probate FAQs

Contentious Probate is a wide-ranging term and includes any dispute involving a deceased’s estate.

Contentious Probate FAQs