Losing a loved one is never easy, and managing their estate can feel overwhelming. Our dedicated team of trained experts is here to guide and support executors, providing clear advice and practical help every step of the way.
- Legal and tax advice
- Valuing assets and paying debts
- Transfer or sale of the property
- All of the paperwork
- Paying inheritances, bequests and the tax man
How we will work with you:
Keeping you informed
We’ll stay in regular contact through calls and emails, and you’ll also receive a monthly update report summarising all the work completed on the estate, so you always know what’s happening.
Our fee guarantee to you
Unlike many firms, we don’t charge a percentage of the estate. Instead, our fees are assessed by an independent Auditor of Court based on the time spent on your file, giving you confidence that our charges are fair, transparent and accurate.
Valuing assets and debts
We’ll contact all relevant organisations to gather up-to-date valuations of the estate’s assets and liabilities. Our property manager, with extensive knowledge of the current housing market, can provide an informed property valuation. All of this is used to prepare the estate inventory for the court.
Completing all Inheritance Tax forms
If Inheritance Tax is due, it must be paid within six months of the date of death, and the paperwork involved can be complex. Our team will handle this quickly and efficiently, offering guidance on any potential tax-saving opportunities along the way.
Applying for Confirmation (Probate)
Once the inventory is ready, we’ll prepare and submit the Confirmation application (called Probate in England). This gives the executor the legal authority needed to administer and access the estate’s assets.
Legal Rights
If the deceased has a spouse and/or children, Legal Rights may apply regardless of what the Will says. We’ll explain these rights clearly, confirm who may be entitled to claim, and help calculate any amounts due.
Gathering assets and paying debts
We’ll contact all companies involved to transfer or close accounts, gather funds, and settle any outstanding debts. We can also manage the sale or transfer of property as needed.
Accounting and final distribution
We’ll prepare a full executry account showing everything received and paid out. From there, we’ll calculate the final distribution and arrange payment of the remaining estate according to the Will.
- Releasing funds to pay funeral costs
- Appointing executors and administering estates where there is no Will (including Caution insurance)
- Handling missing Wills, validity questions, and contentious matters with the court
- Exploring tax-saving options, including varying the terms of a Will
- Managing practical tasks such as Council Tax changes, utilities, postal redirection, and specialist insurance for empty properties
- Conducting asset searches and registering Wills for preservation
- Setting up trusts included in the Will
- Reviewing your own estate planning for the future
How much does a consultation cost?
An initial consultation with one of our experienced family law solicitors is a fixed fee of £340 + VAT.
This meeting will enable us to understand your circumstances and explain any next steps and costs, so you can move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
Free 15-minute telephone consultation
We offer a free 15-minute telephone call with one of our solicitors to discuss how we can help.
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Why choose Johnson Legal?
We’re a team of experts specialising exclusively in Family Law. With a people-first approach to law, we listen and provide you with the relevant support, knowledge and considered solutions you need to move forward with confidence. Here when you need us most, even outside of normal office hours, we’re committed to working in partnership with you every step of the way.
That’s why 90% of our cases come from client recommendations and referrals.
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