More than obtaining a grant
Estate administration can involve identifying and collecting assets, addressing debts and tax, preparing accounts and arranging distributions. A grant of probate or letters of administration may be one stage of that work.
Support After a Death
Estate Administration
Dealing with an estate can mean unfamiliar paperwork at an already difficult time. We help executors and administrators understand their responsibilities and work through the practical and legal steps, with the scope of our involvement agreed at the start.
Understanding your next steps
How we can help
Support with the responsibilities
We can help establish what the estate contains, identify the people entitled to benefit and explain the order in which matters need attention. Tell us early about property, business interests, overseas connections or any disagreement.
A clear record
Keeping information organised helps everyone involved. We can help prepare estate accounts showing money received, payments made and the balance available for distribution.
A clear way forward
What happens next
Understand the estate
Provide the death certificate, any will and codicils, and what you know about assets, liabilities, gifts and beneficiaries. We agree the work you need us to undertake.
Deal with authority and tax
We establish whether a grant is required and address the relevant valuation, application and tax work within our agreed instructions.
Work towards distribution
The remaining work may include collecting or selling assets, settling liabilities, finalising accounts and distributing the estate when it is appropriate to do so.
Planning ahead
Fees and timescales
01 / Fees
A quote for the work required
Full administration is broader than a grant application. Costs depend on the assets, beneficiaries and issues involved. We set out our proposed work, professional fees, VAT and expected third-party charges, and explain any additional work needed.
02 / Timescales
Allowing for each stage
The time needed depends on matters such as property sales, valuations, tax enquiries, tracing beneficiaries and responses from other organisations. We explain the likely stages and update the estimate as the picture becomes clearer.
Read our published Price Guide, then contact us to confirm the work you need and the costs involved.
View Price GuideUseful to know
Your questions, answered
Is the estate finished once probate is granted?
Usually there is still work to do. The grant may enable assets to be collected, but debts, tax, accounts and distribution must also be addressed.
What if I have already started dealing with the estate?
Tell us what you have done and bring the records and correspondence. We can discuss the remaining work and where our help would be useful.
Should I pay beneficiaries straight away?
Take advice before distributing. The estate's liabilities and the beneficiaries' entitlements need to be established first.
Can I continue using a lasting power of attorney after the person dies?
No. The lasting power of attorney ends on the donor’s death. Responsibility then rests with the executors or other personal representatives. Having been an attorney does not, by itself, give you authority to administer the estate.
Can tax arise after the date of death?
Yes. Income received or gains made during the administration period can create separate tax and reporting obligations. A conclusion that no Inheritance Tax is due does not settle those other questions. Keep records of income, expenses and asset sales.
What records should an executor or administrator keep?
Keep valuations, account statements, invoices, tax correspondence and records of money collected or paid out. A clear record supports the estate accounts and helps explain how the amount available to beneficiaries has been calculated. Keep estate transactions identifiable separately from your own spending.
What information helps you prepare a quote?
An outline of the assets and debts, the will if there is one, the number of beneficiaries and any property or overseas connection is a useful start. Tell us about a dispute or work you have already completed. We can then identify the proposed scope and any information still needed.
What should I do first after someone dies?
There are practical steps before estate administration, including registering the death, arranging the funeral and notifying organisations. The GOV.UK step-by-step guide explains these tasks and the Tell Us Once service. Banks, private pension providers and other organisations may need separate notification. Keep the will, death certificate and correspondence together so the estate position can be checked.
General information for England and Wales. Contact us for advice about your circumstances.
SJS Solicitors · Balham