Losing a loved one is an an emotional and stressful time. There are many practical issues to manage and it can be hard to know what to do when someone dies and in what order. Registering the death and obtaining copies of the Death Certificate (several may be required and we advise that you obtain at least five copies as all of the institutions and agencies will need to see a copy before assets can be released or transferred) is the first step. Once this is done we can help with all aspects of the administration including:

Arranging the Funeral

The cost will usually be the first expense paid for from the Deceased’s Estate. We will help you to make enquiries about the existence of a prepaid Funeral Plan or dedicated insurance policy which may help meet the Funeral costs or will arrange prompt settlement of the account from the estate.

It doesn’t matter whether the deceased left a will or not, we can help with applying for a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration at the Probate Registry – We will advise if this is necessary and then liaise with both the Inland Revenue and the Probate Courts to ensure this is done in a timely fashion.

We will arrange to open an Executor/Personal Representative Client Account. This will be used for the receipt of money due to the estate and any loan arranged to pay an Inheritance Tax bill and/or Probate fees.

We will take away the stress of informing all relevant persons and organisations —Banks, Building Societies, Life Assurance Companies, Employers, Local Authorities, Inland Revenue, Benefit Agencies etc.

We will arrange for a complete valuation of the Estate. This will include the house and its contents, other personal effects, Investments, Life Policies, Bank and Building Society Accounts etc.

We will draw up a full schedule of debts that must be paid from the proceeds of the Estate, including Mortgages, Income and Capital Gains Tax, Bills, Credit Cards and Loans. We deal with all of the forms required by HM Revenue and Customs so that it can be established whether any Inheritance Tax is payable or if any Income Tax is due to be rebated to the estate.

We will of course complete the Probate forms required by the Probate Registry. When Inheritance Tax is due the Executor’s Account of the Estate is passed to HM Revenue and Customs and the Grant of Probate cannot be issued until the Tax is paid. There will be circumstances where part of the Estate has to be sold to pay the Tax and if this is the case we will help you to deal with the Banks who can arrange loan facilities to enable the Tax to be paid straight away.

On receipt of the Grant we will send it to everyone who owes money to the Estate. The Executors now have legal authority to pursue any debts owing to the Estate and realise the assets of the Estate.

When the Grant of Probate is received and the assets and liabilities dealt with the Estate can be distributed in accordance with the terms of the Will. We prepare Estate Accounts showing who has received what from the distribution so that the personal representatives can show that they acted in accordance with the terms of the Will in case there is any dissent from the family of the deceased.

We can arrange to sell the deceased’s house, arrange specialist insurance whilst the building may be empty and deal with conveyancing issues on your behalf also we can advise on post-death arrangements and Inheritance Tax planning and can introduce you via our associated companies to Chartered Independent Financial Advisors who will help you deal with any inheritance received.

We aim to make the process of dealing with a death as straightforward as possible.  If you need help knowing what to do when someone dies, call us today on 01778 382323 to arrange a discussion of your circumstances and how we can help you. You are under no obligation and our initial discussion is free of charge.

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