When someone passes away it is difficult to know which way to turn. At Nicholls Solicitors we are on hand to guide you through this difficult process and we offer 3 different service levels depending on the nature and complexity of the estate. On some occasions we are instructed to simply obtain the grant of probate or letters of administration and the executors are then happy to distribute the assets themselves. On other occasions, we are instructed to deal with all matters involved in obtaining the grant/letters of administration, distribution of the estate and payment of any inheritance tax due.
Service Level 1
Obtaining a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration (where there is no inheritance tax to pay)
This service is essentially for clients who wish us to assist in obtaining a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration but do not wish us to deal with the other matters required in the Administration of an Estate
What is included?
• Obtaining from the client a value of the Estate
• Completing forms IHT 205 and IHT 217
• Preparing an Oath
• Applying for a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration
The factors that will affect the cost are:
• Whether there is a valid Will. If there is not, this will increase the costs
• the number of assets and liabilities in the Estate
• the number of letters and emails written and received and telephone calls made and received
This service does not include:
• writing to any third parties such as banks, shares registrars, pension providers, utility companies etc.
• searching for beneficiaries
• estates where it is necessary to complete an IHT400 form (as opposed to an IHT 205 Form above) which is a far more comprehensive document
• dealing with income tax or capital gains tax
• collecting in assets or settling liabilities
• transfer of any property
• distributing the estate
• preparing an Estate Account
• dealing with any trust matters arising in the estate
Service Level 2
Estate Administration Service (where there is no inheritance tax to pay)
What is included?
• reviewing all documents relating to the Estate
• carrying out a Certainty Will search
• placing Section 27 Trustee Act 1925 Notices
• writing to all banks, shares registrars, utility companies etc
• completing forms IHT 205 and IHT 217 or IHT 400.
• preparing an Oath
• applying for a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration
• collecting in the assets
• settling any liabilities
• dealing with income tax and capital gains tax matters and where appropriate instructing an accountant
• paying any legacies
• arranging the transfer of property
• preparing an Estate Account
• distributing the Estate
The factors that will affect the cost are :
• whether there is a valid Will. If there is not, this will increase the costs
• the number of assets and liabilities in the Estate
• the number of beneficiaries and their geographical location
• the number of letters and emails written and received and telephone calls made and received
• whether it is necessary to complete an IHT400 form (as opposed to an IHT 205 Form above) which is a far more comprehensive document, and this will increase the costs
This service does not include :
• dealing with any trust matters arising in the estate.
• dealing with complex income tax and capital gains tax issues or the costs of an accountant where necessary to deal with these matters
• conveyancing of land where property in the Estate is to be sold or mortgaged
Service Level 3
Estate Administration where there is inheritance tax to pay
What is included?
• reviewing all documents relating to the Estate
• carrying out a Certainty Will Search
• placing section 27 Trustee Act 1925 Notices
• writing to all banks, shares registrars, utility companies etc
• completing forms IHT 400 Form.
• arranging for the payment of inheritance tax
• preparing an Oath
• applying for a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration
• collecting in the assets
• settling any liabilities
• paying any legacies
• arranging the transfer of property
• distributing the Estate
The factors that will affect the cost are :
• whether there is a valid Will. If there is not, this will increase the costs
• the number of assets and liabilities in the Estate
• the number of beneficiaries and their geographical location
• the number of letters and emails written and received and telephone calls made and received
This service does not include :
• dealing with any trust matters arising in the estate.
• dealing with complex income tax and capital gains tax issues or the costs of an accountant where necessary to deal with these matters
• conveyancing of land where property in the Estate is to be sold or mortgaged
Please contact us to discuss matters further
Or call us on 0161 980 6099 to discuss your case.
