When estate planning or dealing with the estate of someone who has died, you may have to handle Inheritance Tax (IHT).

Getting around to writing your Will can be difficult. Most people don’t like to think about what will happen when they die, and it’s one of those tasks that feels easy to delay. Many people die without leaving a Will, which can cause a lot of stress for their loved ones. However, writing a Will is important, as it ensures that your wishes are honoured after death and that your estate is passed on in the manner you intended. Read more about the purpose of a Will.

Executors are people chosen and named in a Will by the Testator, who is the individual whose Will it is. The Executors of a Will are responsible for administering the estate of the Testator when they have passed away. Up to four Executors can be named in a Will, and it’s best practice to name at least two.

When a loved one passes away, there are many tasks that must be completed before their estate can be distributed to the beneficiaries. One of those tasks may be applying for probate; probate is not always needed, but if it’s required, it can be a confusing process that involves a lot of time and effort. This blog aims to simplify probate and explain what it is, when it’s required, and the application process.

When creating your Will, you will be faced with the decision of who to name as your Executor(s). This blog will provide an overview of the role, the options available, and what to consider when appointing an Executor.

A codicil is a legal document that’s used to modify, add to, or revoke certain provisions of an existing Will. Instead of spending time and money writing an entirely new Will, a person can use a codicil to make minor changes or updates.

Probate refers to the process of applying for a Grant of Probate(when there is a Will) or Letters of Administration (when there is no Will), which are legal documents that the person dealing with the estate may be required to obtain. If required, the Grant of Representation (the umbrella term for both documents) gives this individual the legal right to proceed with estate administration, which is the entire process of dealing with the assets and liabilities of someone who has died and then distributing their estate to the beneficiaries.

The term Personal Representative might sound daunting, especially if you’re navigating the complex process of estate administration for the first time. A Personal Representative is responsible for the administration of a deceased person's estate; they are liable for various legal and financial tasks that ensure the smooth transition of assets to the beneficiaries.

When you’re faced with the responsibility of being named as an Executor in a Will, there are many things to consider. The tasks included in the role can be time-consuming and involve complex legal jargon, which can prove overwhelming during the difficult time of losing someone. Whilst an Executor is required to deal with the estate, help is available, and they have the option of instructing a professional provider. In this blog, we will provide an overview of the Executor role and why it can be beneficial to seek professional support.