Our services

Our experience in probate and estate administration enables us to provide an all-round service tailored to your specific needs. Whether you choose to deal with certain aspects yourself or instruct us to take care of everything for you, we offer a range of packages to choose from:

 

Consultation only 

We offer an initial fixed-fee meeting to go through and discuss all of the steps that need to be taken after somebody has died. If the deceased left a will, we will explain the terms to you clearly so you know exactly what to do if you have been appointed as an executor. If there is no will, we will explain the intestacy rules to you so that you understand the position. If the deceased's will was prepared by Garden House Solicitors, we offer this consultation to the executors of the estate free of charge.

 

Grant only 

For a fixed fee, we will assist you with the initial stages up to and including obtaining the grant of representation. This will include settling any inheritance liability. The level of the fixed fee will depend on whether or not a full inheritance tax account is required, which will depend on various factors such as the value of the estate. Once the grant of representation has been obtained, you as personal representatives can then complete the administration of the estate on your own by collecting in the assets, settling any debts and distributing the monies to the beneficiaries.

 

Full administration service 

At the other end of the spectrum, we offer a complete service whereby we assist with all aspects of dealing with the administration of the estate. This includes everything from registering the death with the relevant financial organisations, completing the inheritance tax account, settling any tax due and obtaining the grant of representation, through to settling all liabilities, distributing funds to the beneficiaries, completing the administration of the estate and preparing detailed estate accounts. As the level of work involved will depend on numerous factors, such as the complexity of the estate and the extent to which you (as personal representatives) may wish to be involved in certain tasks, our fees are based on the relevant hourly rate. We do not charge a fixed percentage of the value of the estate, as this would often result in you paying a higher fee that does not truly reflect the work undertaken. An estimate of the overall fees will always be provided at the outset.

 

Whatever option you choose, we will guide you through the process ensure that the deceased person's wishes are carried out with the utmost care.​