Probate Solicitors Manchester
There are many things to arrange when a loved one dies and it can be hard, at a time when you may be feeling shocked and confused, to make important arrangements and decisions.
As well as dealing with the legal aspects our probate solicitors can also help with practical matters such as valuation and disposal of personal and household effects and dealing with the insurance and utility suppliers.
Unless the estate is very small the Personal Representatives will usually require a Grant of Representation from the Probate Registry, which confirms their authority to deal with the estate.
If there is a Will then a Grant of Probate is required; if there is no Will an application is made for a Grant of Letters of Administration.
We will ascertain the assets and liabilities of the deceased as this information is required to obtain the Grant.
We will also advise whether there will be any Inheritance Tax to pay and complete the necessary forms on your behalf.
Once the Grant has been obtained, our probate solicitors then collect those monies and assets for you. Some items (such as shares or a house) may need to be sold and we will, of course, discuss this with you.
The final stages involve obtaining confirmation from the Revenue that the Income and Inheritance Tax positions are finalised. We will then make payments to the beneficiaries and prepare a set of Estate Accounts for approval by the Personal Representatives.
We can assist with setting up and administering trusts if any arise under the Will or on intestacy.
Finally we can provide advice to beneficiaries on any taxation issues which will affect them and, where appropriate refer beneficiaries to independent financial advisers to discuss the best way in which to deal with their inheritance.
Estate Disputes
Occasionally, either through inadequate or poorly drafted Wills (or no Will at all!), it is necessary to provide advice to clients on the merits of making a claim against an estate or defending a claim which has been made against them.
We always strive to seek early settlement through pre-action procedures but litigation is sometimes unavoidable. We can assist by advising on:
* The validity and interpretation of wills
* The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependents) Act 1975
* Executor responsibilities
