Probate Solicitors in Milton Keynes, Northampton and Watford, Guiding You Through Every Stage
Applying for Probate and Administering an Estate
Support for Executors and Personal Representatives
At EMW, we understand that dealing with the estate of someone close to you is difficult, and that most people who take on the role of executor have never done it before. Our probate solicitors act for executors, personal representatives and families across Milton Keynes, Northampton and Watford, guiding you through every stage from the first valuation to the final estate accounts. We can take on the whole administration, or simply obtain the grant and leave the rest with you.
Probate for Estates of Every Size
Our solicitors administer estates of all sizes and complexities, from a straightforward distribution to a single beneficiary through to high value estates holding international assets, business interests or trusts. Whether a grant of probate is needed at all depends on what the estate holds and how those assets were owned, and we will tell you at the outset which route applies to you.
Keeping the Estate Tax Efficient
However large the estate, it has to be administered in a way that is both legally compliant and tax efficient. We advise on inheritance tax reporting, on the reliefs and exemptions an estate may be able to claim, and on the deadlines that apply. Inheritance tax is generally payable by the end of the sixth month after the month in which the person died, and interest runs from that point, so early advice is worth having.
A Comprehensive, Joined-Up Service
We take a joined up approach to probate and estate administration. Where it helps, we work alongside financial advisers, accountants and valuers so that every issue is considered at the right point rather than surfacing later. It avoids complications further down the line, and it gives you one point of contact through what is often a long process.
Probate Solicitors in Milton Keynes, Northampton and Watford
Our probate solicitors work from offices in Milton Keynes, Northampton and Watford, acting for families across Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire and Hertfordshire. The firm also has an office in London. Probate applications are handled centrally rather than locally, so what a nearby firm offers is not a faster grant. It is someone you can sit down with, who knows the local property market when an estate needs a valuation, and who is there when something needs explaining in person.
How Our Probate Solicitors Can Help
Inheritance Tax Advice and Asset Valuation
We advise on the full range of inheritance tax issues arising in an estate, helping executors make informed decisions and manage the liability properly. This includes advice on:
- Business Relief (formerly Business Property Relief)
- Agricultural Relief (formerly Agricultural Property Relief)
- Heritage property considerations
We also handle the valuation of estate assets, including property, business interests, investments and personal possessions. Valuations need to be accurate and defensible, because a figure that cannot be supported can create a tax consequence that was avoidable.
Cross-Border Estate Administration
Many estates now include assets or beneficiaries outside the UK. We regularly administer estates with a cross-border element, working alongside:
- Foreign attorneys
- Overseas tax specialists
- International property valuers and brokers
- Local and international advisers
This makes sure both UK and foreign requirements are met, which keeps the administration moving rather than stalling while a foreign asset is untangled.
Deeds of Variation and Intestacy
A deed of variation allows beneficiaries to change how an estate is distributed after death, whether to make the distribution more tax efficient, to provide for family members who were not included, or to resolve a disagreement without going to court. To be effective for inheritance tax and capital gains tax, a variation has to be made within two years of the death. Our solicitors advise on whether a variation is worth making and draw up the deed.
Where someone dies without a valid will, the estate passes under the intestacy rules rather than according to what the family understood the person wanted. We advise executors, administrators and family members on how those rules apply and what can still be done.
What Probate Costs
We publish our probate fees rather than quoting only on enquiry, so you can see what the work is likely to cost before you get in touch. We will always give you an estimate of our fees at the start of every matter. Grant-only probate is available from £1,560 including VAT. That price applies where there is a valid will, there is no inheritance tax to pay and no tax return is needed. More complex estates, such as where there is no will or inheritance tax is due, are quoted individually. The Probate Registry application fee is charged in addition, and varies depending on how many copies of the grant are needed. All work is carried out by a team member at the right level of seniority for the matter.
EMW LEGALLY ASSIST, GUIDE AND
ADVISE ON PROBATE AND ESTATE ADMINISTRATION WITH:
When someone dies, obtaining the grant of probate can feel daunting, and our team aims to make it straightforward. We frequently act as executors of estates ourselves, and we also advise executors on their duties and obligations where they would rather carry out the role themselves.
We establish the full extent of the estate’s assets and liabilities, complete the inheritance tax reporting required, and apply for the grant of probate. From there we can go on to administer the estate, or hand it back to you once the grant has been issued.
We can assist you with post-death variations to Estates including the preparation of deeds of variation/family arrangement and disclaimers. Post death variations can be used to re-organise Estates for both estate planning purposes and to resolve potential claims
In certain circumstances historic and heritage assets such as buildings, land, works of art and other objects will qualify for relief from tax including Inheritance Tax and Capital Gains Tax under the Conditional Exemption Tax Incentive Scheme. Our Team can provide advice and guidance on the steps required to claim relief on heritage assets.
Where no will has been made, we will advise and assist in obtaining Grant of Probate for an Intestate Estate.
- Business Relief (formerly Business Property Relief)
- Agricultural Relief (formerly Agricultural Property Relief)
- Heritage Asset Relief
- Woodland Relief
Our trust corporation (the EMW Trust Corporation Limited) is a wholly owned subsidiary of EMW Law LLP. Our trust corporation is non-trading and where appointed will instruct EMW to undertake work on its behalf. The EMW Trust Corporation fills the roles previously taken by the individual partners in EMW and can act in several capacities including as Executor, Trustee, Attorney and Deputy.
The advantage of appointing a trust corporation is that unlike an individual it never goes on holiday, gets ill, retires or dies, it therefore provides continuous service.
Examples of our probate and estate administration work
Key members of the probate and estate legal team
TALK TO US
I would just like to pass on my thanks and gratitude for assisting Rachael and myself with our mums Grant of Probate.
Thank you so much for all the complex and hard work you all carried out on my behalf. It has always been a pleasure dealing with EMW as your firm has always been prompt and efficient in dealing with any problems which occurred.
Thank you and the rest of the team for your help and hard work you have put in through this past 18 months or so. We are extremely grateful for your meticulous attention to detail and guidance you have provided.
There are a lot of moving parts when selling a business. Having a legal team that do what they say they will, when they say they will with professionalism and clarity makes the process significantly easier. I can’t speak highly enough of EMW.
EMW’s assistance in this important strategic transaction for us has been superb.
BACK TO INDIVIDUALS & FAMILIES OVERVIEW Speak with us
