Probate and Administration of Estates

Schofield Sweeney’s Probate and Estate Administration department aims to relieve the stress and pressure of having to deal with the administration of an estate following the death of a family member or friend, whether or not the deceased left a valid will.

We deal with the administration of estates of any size (from insolvent to high net worth) in a cost-efficient manner, working closely with the personal representatives.

In smaller estates our involvement can be limited to obtaining a grant of probate on behalf of the executor, for which a fixed fee may be appropriate.

For larger or more complex estates our experienced team can assist with the following:

• Identifying and valuing the assets and liabilities of an estate
• Completion of the appropriate inheritance tax return
• Identifying and submitting claims for all inheritance tax reliefs available
• Dealing with enquiries from HMRC
• Corresponding with beneficiaries
• Preparing and submit income tax returns
• Compiling estate accounts
• The distribution of the estate
• Trusts created by the Will or intestacy of the deceased
• Administration of Estates
• Grant of Probate
• Intestacy

We will always endeavour to administer the estate in a tax efficient manner, and we will advise the executors of any means available to mitigate the inheritance tax or capital gains tax payable to HMRC.

We are also able to act for beneficiaries if they are in dispute with the executors, and act for either executors or beneficiaries where the validity of a Will is challenged, or proceedings have been issued under the Inheritance (Provision for Financial Dependants) Act 1975.

We'd love to hear from you. Please call Sarah Hodkinson on 01274 377284.