How we can help with the probate process

When a loved one dies, there is a huge amount of emotion to cope with. However, this is coupled with a raft of practical things which need to be completed – including, of course, arranging a funeral.

How we can help with the probate process

When a loved one dies, there is a huge amount of emotion to cope with. However, this is coupled with a raft of practical things which need to be completed – including, of course, arranging a funeral.

There is also the estate to deal with and sometimes that’s not always a straightforward process, involving quite a few steps.

Probate is one of those words which sounds familiar, but until we have to cope with the death of a loved one, it can remain a mystery. In simple terms, probate is a legal process you may have to complete when somebody dies – so that you can distribute their assets as set out in their Will. 

Whether you need to go through probate depends on whether there is a Will and the size of the estate. Nowadays, a large number of estates – particularly in the more affluent London and South East region - involve probate.

The probate process in the UK includes a number of steps:

  • The Will – if there is a Will then an executor will usual administrator the estate. If not, the next of kin will need to apply to become the ‘administrator’ of the estate.
  • Inheritance Tax (IHT) – if there is IHT to pay, this will need to be calculated.
  • Apply for the Grant of Representation (if there is a Will) or the Grant of Letters of Administration (if there isn’t a Will).
  • Pay any debts and collect all the assets in the estate.
  • Distribute the estate.

Probate can be a complex process to navigate – particularly when there are tax implications. So, we are delighted to be able to offer our clients a probate service.

Accountants have only been licenced to carry about probate services since 2015 and Deeks Evans was one of the first firms to become licensed to offer the service through Partner Karen Braddel.

Karen was already experienced in this area through her involvement in inheritance tax planning, as well as dealing with estates and trusts. She already offers a service to draft Wills for clients who have estates likely to produce complex inheritance tax implications or tax considerations.

As a firm, we felt it made sense to add probate to the services we already offer here. It’s unusual for a firm of accountants to offer services from birth to death – but with our long experience of working with estates and inheritance tax, probate was a perfect fit.

At Deeks Evans, our licensed and experienced probate team will help you through accounts, taxation and the administration of an estate following a bereavement. We will work closely with you to ensure this difficult process is dealt with quickly and effectively and you are guided through each step.

Our team can help you with:

  • Probate applications
  • Completion of Inheritance Tax Returns
  • Administering the estate
  • Attending to all tax compliance
  • Planning to mitigate the tax liabilities
  • Completion of estate accounts

If you would like to know more the probate services offered by Deeks Evans, call Karen Braddel on tel: 01892 526417 or click here: www.deeksevans.com/services/probate-wills-and-trusts