How can Davis Gregory help when a loved one dies?

Whether or not a Will has been made, we can take on the responsibilities you have been left with, managing the probate process, administering the Estate and dealing with any other complications that may arise. Not only will this lift the burden from you it may also save you time and money.

The Probate Process

When someone dies, their Estate (ie their property, finances and other assets) will be subject to the laws of probate. This process can be long and may be complicated, although we try to minimise this.

The task of Estate Administration will fall to those who have been appointed Executors in the Will. There can be up to four Executors, and will be people who the deceased knew and trusted. Friends and family will often accept the role of Executor without really being aware of what the job entails. If there is no will then it is the next of kin (as set out by Parliament) who would take on the task of administering the estate. Being an Executor or Administrator is a large responsibility with many duties. These include, for example:-

• Gathering and evaluating the assets of the deceased
• Applying to (and attending) the Probate Court to obtain a Grant of Probate
• Paying inheritance tax, if necessary
• Paying any outstanding debts of the deceased
• Completing tax returns
• Dealing with claims by dissatisfied family members
• Distributing the Estate according to the terms of the Will or under the intestacy laws

What can Davis Gregory do?

If you are feeling daunted by any of the elements of the probate process, we at Davis Gregory can use our professional expertise to help you. If you are an Executor or Administrator and you wish to relinquish the role entirely, it is possible to hand over the duty to us, who will administer the estate for you.

We understand this is a difficult time for you, and we will do our utmost to make the process as painless as possible, managing the estate of your loved one in an efficient and friendly manner.