Private Client Law
Probate and Intestacy
When a person dies it is not unusual to ask yourself “where do I begin?” when it comes to dealing with the probate process. Our expert legal team is here to assist you with all aspects of the administration of the estate. This could include:
Obtaining the Grant of Representation
- A review of the Will so you fully understand its terms;
- If there is no Will, providing advice on who will inherit and who can manage the estate;
- Ascertaining the assets and liabilities from third parties;
- Preparing Inheritance Tax forms so that you can report the estate to HM Revenue and Customs;
- Completing any applications for available Inheritance Tax reliefs;
- Calculating Inheritance Tax due and applying for payment from any applicable third party accounts held by the deceased;
- Obtaining the Grant of Representation
After the Grant has been issued
- Registering the Grant with all relevant third parties;
- Selling, encashing or transferring any assets in accordance with the Will and your instructions;
- Settling any outstanding liabilities;
- The payment of legacies and the correct accounting of income tax on those legacies;
- Establishing any trust created by the Will
- Registering the Estate or any trust with the Trust Registration Service as required;
- Where assets have changed since the date of death, reporting any additional IHT due or applying for a refund;
- Instructing accountants to handle any Capital Gains Tax and Income Tax Returns
- Preparing Estate Accounts for Executor and beneficiary approval
- Carry out bankruptcy checks against beneficiaries prior to payments
- Distributing the Estate
Other relevant services at an additional fee
- Variations of a Will after death to redirect assets
- Post-death tax or estate planning
Please contact our team for an interview or advice.
Our Fees
Application for the Grant only
We recognise that some executors will wish to deal with the administration of the estate themselves, but would like help in some of the technical matters. We offer a fixed fee for the work of preparing and making an application for a Grant, which will depend on the complexity of the Estate and the work required. If you want us to do more, we shall be happy to do so and will give you an estimate of costs at the time.
Full Estate Administration
More commonly, Executors appoint us to handle the probate process from start to finish, known as the “full” administration. We charge on a “time spent” basis which means you only pay for the time that is spent on your case, in accordance with our hourly rates. An estimate can be provided to you at your initial meeting and we would update you if anything changes during the administration which would mean the estimate would be exceeded.
What might make an administration cost more?
Sometimes there are complications or complexities that would increase our fees. Examples could include:
- Assets held overseas
- Domicile issues
- Business assets
- Agricultural assets
- If the deceased made lifetime gifts
- If lifetime trusts are involved in the Estate
- Missing beneficiaries
- Disputes over the Will or how assets are being distributed
- Any urgency that might require the matter to be prioritised
If anything like this arises, we would discuss it with you at that time.
testimonial
Real Feedback
From Satisfied Clients
We can’t praise Harvey and Poppy enough. Sorting what we considered a complicated arrangement of wills was made a pleasure. We received the greatest respect and understanding throughout with careful explanations and advice at all stages. Communication was excellent by email or phone. We came away saying that we felt relieved everything was sorted. Thank you both so much for such excellent service.
AF
Alison Fewster
4 weeks ago
We recently bought a property and engaged Tassells solicitors to act on our behalf for the transaction.
We had not used Tassells previously but they recently acted on behalf of our son in a similar transaction and he readily recommended their services.
Having had a below average experience with a firm of solicitors recommended by our estate agents for the sale of our property, we were impressed with the level of service provided by the team at Tassells who kept us abreast of all matters relating to our purchase with regular updates. Similarly, we were able to have in person meetings if we needed to which we greatly appreciated as opposed to online only communication with the solicitors who had dealt our sale.
Tassells staff appear to be highly experienced in all legal aspects of property transactions which gave us great confidence and peace of mind at and we would not hesitate to recommend their services.
JB
Joanne B
2 months ago
Really first class, professional but extremely friendly service. Couldn’t have asked to be looked after better.
TB
Tina Bird
2 months ago
Tassells assisted us with gaining probate including sorting out inheritance tax. They were very professional and extremely helpful throughout. Everything was done in a timely manner and they communicated very well, which made us feel we were their primary focus. I would like to single out Poppy Harvey who was our main contact throughout, and is a great ambassador for the company.
TR
Tim Robertson
3 months ago
Lesley was a pleasure to deal with. She kept us informed throughout the whole process and always answered all our questions and queries in a prompt and professional manner. I would recommend her highly.
DS
Deirdre Spence
4 months ago
A very lovely solicitors who made everything very easy and straight forward for me – I would thoroughly recommend them
SA
Sophie Ash
5 months ago
Outstanding service and a huge thanks to Steven who was amazing during a house move, he was so engaging and excellent communications.
AS
Amanda Selmon
5 months ago
Recently sold my leasehold property at auction. Conveyancer Lesley Saunders at Tassells was exemplary in preparing the ‘auction pack’ and seeing the sale through well within the contracted timeframe. Lesley explained everything clearly, so I knew exactly what was happening and what to expect. If this is the bar for legal services in the UK, the other firms have a lot of catching up to do!
A M
A M
6 months ago
Wonderful service always returned my calls would use again
DC
Darren cradduck
6 months ago
11/10 service – the whole process was smooth. Every time I had a question, Tassels were quick to respond and put me at ease.
C
Charlie
10 months ago
We had a pleasurable experience with tassels from start to finish .
We always felt well cared for and kept in the loop . They pointed out details another firm had missed .
I wouldn’t hesitate to use them again !
J
James
10 months ago
We had an excellent experience with Tassells LLP, particularly with Harvey Barrett, who provided outstanding legal advice.
What really stood out was their dedication. They showed genuine care and worked diligently to provide professional legal advice in a timely and effective manner.
GE
Garry Evans & Rebecca Nevard
7 months ago
Excellent service. Alex went through everything thoroughly. Would 100% recommend them. Totally satisfied with their service
JC
Jackie Champ
8 months ago
Really great service (conveyancing). Went above and beyond and was always very responsive.
SP
Sarah Phillips
9 months ago
We don’t normally write these reviews……but on this occasion we felt it was deserved. From start to finish with our house sale we were kept informed and aware of what was happening and each milestone accomplished. It’s really important when you are selling a home( and never done this before) that the team communicate and give confidence in the process and Tassells did this.
TS
Tom Sams
9 months ago
Excellent service, our conveyor for our property sale and purchase, kept us informed and advised throughout the process.
S
Siy x
10 months ago
The service provided by Tassels Solicitors was of the highest quality, I would have no hesitation in recommending them and will use them in the future.
MF
Mark Fisher
10 months ago
Very happy with Tassells, especially Cerys who has been excellent
David Leaper
11 months ago