Losing a loved one is an emotionally challenging experience, and for many families in the UK, this is compounded by delays in the probate process. In 2024, Personal Representatives (PR) are increasingly facing extended waiting periods to distribute estates, which has brought new financial and emotional stress. Here’s what you need to know if you find yourself dealing with estate administration and probate this year.

Following a summer of political change and a new Labour Government, the Autumn Statement by the UK’s first female Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, brought forward long-anticipated updates to taxes, minimum wage and business reliefs.

When considering the role of an Executor, many people underestimate the complexity and responsibilities involved in administering an estate. This oversight can lead to significant financial and emotional burdens, as illustrated in the below case study.

When dealing with the death of a loved one, many Executors find themselves worrying about the costs of administering the estate and how fees can be paid. Acting as an Executor or Administrator is not a paid role, and it’s common to feel concerned that it may leave you out of pocket. In this blog, we’ll cover what probate is and whether probate (and other fees) can be paid out of the estate.

Probate is the process of obtaining a Grant of Probate, which is the legal document that an Executor may have to obtain in order to administer the estate of someone who has passed away. Many people choose to instruct a professional to apply for probate on their behalf, as it involves complicated processes, a lot of paperwork, and legal knowledge.

The period after the death of a loved one is a difficult time; and many people prefer to avoid thinking about it in advance. There are many challenges to consider; not only the emotional difficulties, but also the administrative duties that will need to be dealt with. An example of this is when the deceased has outstanding debts upon their death. Matters such as these become even more difficult to handle when the debt is unexpected and no provisions for its repayment have been made. It is a commonly held assumption by many people that debts are written off upon the death of the borrower; however, in general, this is not true.

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

When creating a Will, it’s important to consider who will be taking care of your estate upon your death. There are many roles involved in the estate administration process that may include the named Executor(s) and Trustee(s). In this blog, we will explain the role of a Trustee in a Will, how they are appointed, and the difference between Trustees, Executors, and beneficiaries.

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.