Estate Administration

Coping with the loss of a loved one is always emotionally challenging and simultaneously navigating the legal duties involved in administering their estate can feel overwhelming. The process is intricate and time-consuming, and its complexity varies depending on the deceased’s assets and whether they had a valid Will or not.

Our Probate and Estate Administration Team boasts a collective 103 years of extensive experience in handling all of the legal aspects associated with estate administration. We will work closely with you and your family, offering clear guidance tailored to your specific circumstances and preferences for moving forward.

The extent of our involvement, generally, is up to you: we can assume responsibility for the entire estate administration process, to include the identification and collection of assets, settlement of liabilities, finalising tax matters and distribution of entitlements to beneficiaries. Alternatively, we can assist you with specific areas of the estate administration that you are struggling with. In essence, we can adapt our services to meet your exact needs.

While most estates proceed smoothly, disputes can occasionally arise. If situations like this do occur, our team of contentious probate experts is equipped to work alongside you in resolving disagreements promptly and with sensitivity.

Estate Administration FAQs

1. What is estate administration?

When an individual passes away, they leave behind all of their accumulated possessions and other assets, which collectively form their estate. The process of gathering and subsequently distributing these assets is referred to as estate administration.

2. What is the difference between probate and estate administration?

Estate administration refers to the process of handling the deceased’s finances, properties, and debts, regardless of whether the person made a Will or died without a Will, which is referred to as dying "intestate".  A Grant of Probate is the legal authorisation to manage and distribute the estate assets where a person left a Will, if a person dies intestate then the legal authorisation will be called a Grant of Administration.

3. How long does estate administration take?

Currently, obtaining the grant of probate from the court takes an average of 16 weeks from the date on which the application was submitted. After probate is obtained, the process of collecting all of the assets and then distributing them begins and typically with a straightforward estate takes in the region of up to 12 months to fully finalise. A taxable estate requiring clearance from HM Revenue & Customs could take significantly longer but our lawyers will be able to give you a realistic estimate once they understand the size and nature of the estate assets and liabilities.

4. How much does estate administration cost?

Our fee structure is simple. We calculate charges based on an hourly rate and the extent of work involved, meaning the total cost will vary according to individual circumstances. For detailed information regarding our uncontested probate fees and any additional expenses payable to third parties, please refer to our Pricing Policy page.

5. What does intestate mean?

When an individual passes away without leaving a legally valid Will, have died intestate, the distribution of the estate, including the person's money and property, is determined by the rules of intestacy. These rules dictate how the estate will be allocated to family members who are entitled to inherit from the estate.

Next Steps: Get in touch

If you need advice in administering the estate of a loved one, then please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of experts based at our Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon, Yatton, Bridgwater, Bristol and Wedmore offices.