We recognise that the death of a person close to you is a distressing time. Our aim is to deal with as many of the practical aspects of sorting out that person's estate as possible on your behalf, and to ensure that the process is completed as quickly as possible.
Is There a Will?
When you make an initial appointment to see us following the death of your loved one, we will first need to find out if they have made a Will, and if so where it is stored. Where a Will has been made Executors will have been appointed by the person who has died to manage their affairs after death. If there is no Will the next of kin can apply to be appointed to manage their affairs: in this context those people will be known as Administrators.
Is Inheritance Tax Payable?
Please ask us at your initial appointment whether inheritance tax is likely to be payable on the estate.
Do I Need to Go to Court?
We will liaise with the various financial organisations involved to obtain all the information required to make an application to the Court for a Grant. This document is often required to deal with any assets of the person who has died, for example closing bank accounts or transferring property. In some cases a Grant may not be needed. We can advise you on whether you are likely to need a Grant when you come to our office for your initial appointment. Applying for a Grant is an administrative process, and there will be no need for you to attend Court.