Administration of Estates Solicitors
Your dedicated solicitor will guide you through the administration of an estate.
Administration of estates - What should you consider?
Losing a loved one is incredibly difficult, and the added responsibility of administering their estate can feel overwhelming, adding extra stress at an already challenging time. At Goughs Solicitors, we understand the emotional and legal challenges involved, which is why our experienced probate solicitors are here to support you every step of the way.
Our estate administration service is designed to relieve the burden, handling everything from obtaining probate to managing the distribution of assets.
Whether you need full estate administration support or simply guidance on specific aspects of the process, Goughs provides tailored solutions to suit your needs. With our expertise and compassionate approach, we help make this difficult time a little easier, allowing you the space to grieve while ensuring everything is handled efficiently and correctly.
Why trust Goughs with your estate administration?
At Goughs, we bring years of expertise in estate administration, providing you with peace of mind during what can be a challenging time. Our team takes a personalised approach, ensuring you have a dedicated solicitor by your side every step of the way. We pride ourselves on clear, jargon-free communication, guiding you through each stage with ease and confidence. Whether you need full support or assistance with specific tasks, we’ll handle the complexities.
- Experienced in all aspects of estate administration
- Dedicated, personal service tailored to your needs
- Clear, straightforward advice. No legal jargon
- Support with the entire process or specific tasks
- Helping you manage legal, tax, and financial matters
What is estate administration?
Estate administration is the legal process of managing a person’s financial and legal affairs after their death. It involves gathering assets, settling debts, paying any taxes, and distributing the estate according to the will of intestacy rules if there is no will.
Key considerations in estate administration
Losing a loved one is always going to be a difficult time and having the responsibility for the administration of their estate can be daunting. Dealing with legal and financial formalities can be complicated and time-consuming; therefore it helps to have our experienced probate solicitors on your side, sharing the workload and responsibility.
What happens to an estate when someone dies without a will?
When someone passes away without a Will, their estate is distributed according to the rules of intestacy. In this case, the law determines who will administer their estate, and who will inherit it, rather than the individual making those decisions themselves.
What does an estate administration solicitor do?
An estate administration solicitor helps to manage and distribute the estate of a loved one who has passed away, according to their will. If there isn’t a will, the solicitor will manage the estate based on intestacy rules. The main responsibilities of an estate administration solicitor include:
- Applying for probate or letters of administration, depending on whether or not there is a will
- Identifying and valuing assets, such as property, bank accounts and investments
- Paying any debts and inheritance tax before distributing the estate
- Handling legal disputes, such as will contests or any creditor claims
- Ensuring that beneficiaries receive their inheritance in line with legal requirements.
Speak to a solicitor
Whether you need help with administering an estate, have questions about your responsibilities as an executor, or simply want expert guidance, we’re here to help. You can call, email, or visit one of our seven offices.
Call us
With seven offices around the South West of England, we have multiple offices you can call.
Email us
If you would like to drop us an email you can on info@goughs.co.uk
Visit us
With offices in Calne, Chippenham, Corsham, Devizes, Melksham and Trowbridge, you can pop in and see us. View office locations.
Popular questions about administering an estate
We like to keep our fee structure fair and simple, so unlike some other firms, we don’t charge a percentage of the estate, our charges are simply based on an hourly rate and the amount of work we actually do.
For more information on our Probate Fees, please click here.
Disputes can arise if beneficiaries disagree over the will, if someone feels they’ve been unfairly left out, or if the validity of the will is questioned. Our experienced team can help resolve conflicts through negotiation or legal action if necessary.
Executors are appointed in the Will. In short, an executor is the person (or people) legally responsible for carrying out the wishes of someone in their will. They’ll collect in the estate and distribute it to the beneficiaries (those named in the will), and ensure any debts are paid.
A Deed of Variation is a document entered into where one or more of the beneficiaries of an estate wish to change the amount of inheritance they stand to receive and to pass this inheritance on to another person.
Yes, at Goughs, we can manage the entire process on your behalf ensuring everything is completed correctly and efficiently. Alternatively, we can assist with specific tasks if you prefer a more hands on role.
No, you do not need a solictor to help with you with this. However, the process of administering an estate can be complicated. Having a solicitor to assist you with contacting the deceased’s bank and other institutions, and notifying beneficiaries of their entitlement under the estate will make things easier and quicker for you. Solicitors are also able to provide advice about any complex issues, such as Trusts or the effect of intestacies and help you deal with any tax consequences for the estate.
Our clients rate us as excellent
Legal 500
Client orientated; they ensure the client is well informed with easy to read documents.
L C, Devizes
Our Wills were dealt with efficiently, we have already recommended your firm to our daughter and husband. Absolutely brilliant – thank you.
Sue Greenman
Everything was completed professionally and within my tight time scales. I would like to say thank you and would definitely go back to Goughs should I need help in the future.
Legal 500
Goughs gives outstanding customer satisfaction. They are very approachable, reliable, courteous and informed. I would recommend Goughs to anyone.
R F, Melksham
Great service, professional, great communication and handled what was a very sensitive situation with care and compassion.
W D, Calne
Professional, helpful & knowledgeable service. Giving very clear advice in a way I could understand. Thank you.
Your estate administration team
Solicitor
Solicitor
Associate Solicitor
Solicitor
Solicitor
Partner
Paralegal
Partner & Head of Private Client and Private Wealth
Solicitor
Associate Solicitor
Solicitor
Partner & Deputy Head of Private Client
Paralegal
Solicitor
Paralegal
Solicitor
Senior Associate
Partner & Head of Private Client and Private Wealth
Partner
Senior Associate (FCILEx)
Why choose Goughs?
Local since 1882, with an excellent reputation
First-class, effective service
Largest solicitors in Wiltshire
Seven offices throughout the county
Nationally accredited law firm
Recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners