Heather Horsewood, solicitor in Jackson Lees’ Wills, Trusts and Probate Team, discusses the benefits of having a solicitor as the executor in your estate, or employing a solicitor to deal with a relative’s estate. 

The loss of a relative or close friend is a very difficult and emotional time. For those that have the added responsibility of dealing with the estate of that person, they can find the process very daunting. Just the associated paperwork needed for the Probate Court or HMRC can be a trial in itself and then there is contacting and notifying all of the relevant people about the individual’s death.

There is a common misconception that it is easier and cheaper to appoint a friend or family member as your executor. The executor of your estate will be responsible for collecting in your assets and distributing them in accordance with your wishes. This is quite often a large and daunting task for someone to take on and the paper work involved can be overwhelming.  Wills can be misinterpreted and any mistakes by executors could lead to personal liability. Even the closest of families can see upset and arguments where the division of an estate is concerned.

Appointing an impartial executor, such as a solicitor, or employing a solicitor to deal with a relative’s estate, ensures that the estate is dealt with in accordance with the terms of the will, lessening the burden on family and friends. Full records are kept and sent to all beneficiaries confirming all movements in the estate ensuring that all funds are distributed as you wish.

Wirral Globe:

Jackson Lees can help and advise you on the following:

  • Obtaining valuations of both assets and liabilities of the deceased;
  • Notifying the relevant people of the death;
  • Completing the complicated forms needed for HMRC and calculating and agreeing, on your behalf, the amount of inheritance tax that will need to be paid (if applicable);
  • Applying to the Probate Registry for the grant of probate which will give you authority to deal with the deceased’s estate;
  • Advise you on alternatives which would best accommodate a beneficiary’s needs and in some cases reduce the amount of inheritance tax to be paid;
  • Collecting in the assets, paying bills and finally distributing the estate to the beneficiaries;
  • Preparing estate accounts for the beneficiaries.

At Jackson Lees we offer a tailored probate service to our clients. You can choose the areas that you would like us to deal with, say for example, completing the HMRC forms, calculating the amount of inheritance tax and collecting in assets and finally distributing the estate to the beneficiaries, while you complete the tasks that you feel you can manage by yourself.

Wirral Globe:

Since lockdown began, we have remained very much open for business virtually and continue to handle all client cases and new enquiries as if we were in the office. We are able to offer telephone consultations, and, where practical, video meetings.
If you would like to talk to one of our empathetic specialist advisers, you can call us free on 0808 302 3464 (also free to call from mobiles) or email enquiry@jacksonlees.co.uk. Alternatively, visit our website www.jacksonlees.co.uk