Are you administrator or executor of a will? It's not easy dealing with your grief over a loved one, making funeral arrangements and starting the administrative duties of an executor all at the same time. Slater and Gordon solicitors can help.
If you are the executor of someone's will or if you have been named administrator, your task is to act according to the will of the deceased person. You may need a legal document, known as a Grant of Probate or a Grant of Letters of Administration, which gives you the authority to administer the estate of the deceased person.
Why should I consider legal representation as an executor?
There are different reasons for working with an expert solicitor when faced with the task of executing a loved one's will:
Timesaving: working with an expert solicitor will save you time.
Efficient: A professional solicitor with experience in the field will complete complex tasks easily and efficiently and will keep the administrative work and time spent on it to a minimum.
Independent Party: Unfortunately, sharing out an estate can often lead to disputes within the family. This is usually the last thing the deceased person wanted. A solicitor is an independent party with a neutral view. If the estate is contested, the solicitor remains a neutral party and once litigation is complete, the solicitor will then proceed to distribute the estate. Read here for more on contesting a will.
Responsibility: As an executor or administrator, you can be held personally liable for any mistakes made. The assistance of our specialist solicitors will help you avoid making mistakes.
I am the executor of an estate - what can a solicitor assist me with?
Depending on the will, the estate, and the beneficiaries, carrying out your duties as an executor or administrator can be complicated and time-consuming. A professional will and probate solicitor can assist you with tasks such as:
Applying for a grant of probate or letters of administration
Collecting in assets and discharging liabilities
Communicating with the beneficiaries and distributing the estate in accordance with the will.
If there is no will, distributing the estate according to the rules of intestacy.
Considering and settling the tax liabilities of the estate (e.g. inheritance tax, income tax, and capital gains tax)
How can Slater and Gordon help you execute a will
Are you an administrator or executor of a will? It's not easy dealing with your grief over a loved one, making funeral arrangements, and starting the administrative duties of an executor all at the same time.
This is why many executors and administrators (also known as personal representatives) choose to work with a solicitor who assists them with executing the will of the deceased person. Slater and Gordon have specialist solicitors who can assist you with your duties as the personal representative of your loved one's estate.
Very pleased with the service I received from Slater and Gordon. All actions required were carried out in a sympathetic and efficient manner. Clarification of requirements were indicated in a clear and precise detail with good communication.
Mr S, Lancashire (wills, trusts & probate case)
I am thrilled with how fast my Grant of Probate was dealt with and how lovely everyone was. I would highly recommend their services.
Mrs E, Manchester (wills, trusts & probate case)
My lawyer was very helpful at all stages of the process. She explained things clearly and was very flexible and helpful in dealing with my challenging personal circumstances. I would highly recommend.
Ms G, Lancashire (wills, trusts & probate case)
We are an award winning law firm and have a dedicated team of solicitors to advise and guide you – no matter how complex your situation may be.
Affordability and advice
We're able to offer affordable expert legal advice and can provide guidance on all aspects of wills and trusts. We can provide you with practical, affordable advice on your situation at the outset giving you clear guidance and options on your next steps.
Tailored advice
We understand that all situations differ - it’s not always a one size fits all - so we are able to provide tailored advice and guidance to suit your individual needs.
Local access
We are a national law firm, with legal experts available locally across the UK. Meetings can be arranged via telephone or video call, to suit your requirements.
How much does legal assistance cost when executing a will?
Any expenses incurred by you in your position as executor or administrator can be reimbursed from the estate. For example, you may be reimbursed for your travel expenses and postage costs and, if you instruct a probate solicitor to assist with the administration of the estate, the fees incurred are payable from the estate.
However, as a lay executor or administrator, you are not entitled to charge for your time in dealing with the estate.
What happens if the will is ambiguous in parts?
If the will is ambiguous, it may be declared invalid, and the estate will be shared in accordance with the rules of intestacy. If you have concerns regarding the will under which you are appointed as executor, we advise you to seek legal advice from our specialist solicitors.
Very pleased with the service I received from Slater and Gordon. All actions required were carried out in a sympathetic and efficient manner. Clarification of requirements were indicated in a clear and precise detail with good communication. Mr S, Lancashire (wills, trusts & probate case)
I am thrilled with how fast my Grant of Probate was dealt with and how lovely everyone was. I would highly recommend their services. Mrs E, Manchester (wills, trusts & probate case)
My lawyer was very helpful at all stages of the process. She explained things clearly and was very flexible and helpful in dealing with my challenging personal circumstances. I would highly recommend. Ms G, Lancashire (wills, trusts & probate case)