Probate & Estate Administration
Are you struggling to navigate the legal complexities of probate and estate administration after the loss of a loved one? SMH Wills & Probate is here to help. Our compassionate and knowledgeable team can guide you through every step of the process, ensuring that you never feel overwhelmed or alone.
Whether your loved one left a Will or died intestate (without a Will), there are a multitude of issues to consider, from calculating inheritance tax to settling outstanding debts and expenses. We’ll work with you to ensure that all legal requirements are met, and that the estate is administered correctly and efficiently.
Our services include:
- Calculating any Inheritance Tax that may be payable
- Obtaining the grant of Probate/Letters of Administration
- Ensuring all debts outstanding at death and expenses incurred during the time taken to administer the estate, are settled in full before beneficiary distribution.
- Dealing with claims against the estate from institutions such as the DWP when they calculate that certain benefits have been overpaid
- Dealing with the Land Registry when transferring property from the estate to the new owners
- If the Will places property into a Trust to protect it for future generations, we can set the Trust up as part of the administration of the estate and ensure the property is transferred into the names of the Trustees
- Calculating if the person who has died overpaid or underpaid income tax during their final tax year
- Calculating any income tax due to HMRC built up during the time it took to administer the estate
- If there is a gift of property and property prices rise between death and transfer to the beneficiary, there could be Capital Gains tax to pay if not administered correctly
Inheritance Tax
If the estate is over £325,000 then inheritance tax could be payable. However, if the deceased had a spouse that passed everything to them when they died previously, it will be possible to use a tax allowance to reduce, or even avoid completely, any inheritance tax due.
In some circumstances, an additional relief from inheritance tax called ‘the Residential Nil Rate band’ can be claimed. Specialist forms are required to be submitted to HMRC to gain this extra relief. We will be able to let you know if this will be required during our initial meeting.
Contact SMH Wills & Probate
Don’t face this difficult time on your own. Contact SMH Wills & Probate today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our experts. Let us help you navigate the complexities of probate and estate administration, and give you the peace of mind you deserve.
