Published 4 January 2021 · Last reviewed 4 January 2021 · Older article — see current rates
Instructing a professional estate administration provider
What to consider
Following a bereavement, there are a number of tasks to be considered and completed. This responsibility falls to the Executor(s) if there’s a Will or Administrator(s) if there is no Will (known as intestacy). Both roles have the same responsibility; to administer a person’s legal and tax affairs when they have passed away.
This process is known as estate administration which involves dealing with all their assets (such as property, shares and personal possessions), paying debts, paying any tax and transferring inheritance.
The role of Executor or Administrator can make an already difficult time even more stressful. This is often why the person responsible will turn to a professional, such as a Will Writer, Solicitor or professional estate administration provider, to help them finalise the affairs of a loved one or friend.
If you’re considering appointing a professional, it’s important to understand exactly what service you’ll receive and what price you’ll pay. Make sure you ask these important questions:
- Will you just be obtaining the Grant of Probate or will you complete the full estate administration?
- (If pricing is based on hourly rate or % of the estate.) Are you regulated to provide probate services? Can you offer me a fixed price as I’d like to understand exactly what I’m paying?
- Is absolutely everything included in the price you’ve quoted? What is included in the price? And what is not?
- Do I still keep the legal and financial responsibility that comes with the role of an Executor/Administrator?
Consider appointing Experts in estate administration
As mentioned above Probate can be complex and stressful so Niche Advice recommends you speak to Kings Court Trust who are estate administration specialists and can take care of all the steps involved in handling a loved one’s affairs on behalf of the Executor or Administrator.
Their service means that you can leave the challenging and time-consuming tasks to them. They will handle everything you can think of (and all of the things you might not have considered) giving you the time and space to reflect, remember and move on.
You do not need to be an existing customer of Niche Advice to benefit from this service, and there is an initial “no obligation” phone call to determine whether their service will be needed, and even if you decide not to appoint them as Executors they can help point you in the right direction to get started.
To arrange a call back please complete the form below and they will be in touch.