Estate Administration - Bridgend and Rhondda Cynon Taff

Dealing with the estate of a loved one can be difficult, stressful and time-consuming process, especially at a time when you are dealing with emotional impact of their passing.

If you are named as the Executor of the deceased’s Will, it is down to you to follow the terms of the Will and distribute the estate. If the deceased did not leave a Will, it is down to the next of kin to act as the administrator of the estate and distribute the estate in accordance with the intestacy laws.

Whatever the situation, with over 35 years of experience and team of specialist South Wales probate lawyers, we can make the probate process as quick, simple and stress free as possible. We can assist you with obtaining the grant of probate or letters of administration, closing accounts, paying any debts, transferring properties and distributing the estate to the beneficiaries.

Devonalds offer a flexible service and can provide the level of assistance that’s right for you. We can either help you with a specific part of the process, such as obtaining the grant of probate from the Probate Registry, or act as the estate administrator and deal with everything on your behalf.

Speak to a member of our estate administration team in Bridgend and Rhondda Cynon Taff by calling 01443 755189 or use the contact form at the top of the page to ask a question.

Our estate administration services

We offer a tailored estate administration process designed to meet your needs. We can help you with every part of the process, including:

• Obtaining grant of probate
• Securing letters of administration
• Disposal of property and other assets
• Ensuring all debts are paid and accounts closed
• Making sure inheritance tax and any other taxes are paid
• Distribution of inheritances to beneficiaries
• Acting as professional Executors

Common questions about estate administration

How long does probate take?

How long probate takes will depend on various issues, including the complexity of the estate in question. However, typically probate for most estates will take around 6-9 months.

Is probate required if there is a Will?

You will almost always need to go through probate when someone dies whether they left a Will or not. Probate is required to ensure all debts owed by the deceased are paid, that their assets are correctly transferred to the right people and that any other legal or administrative issues are dealt with.

What happens if there is no Will?

If there is no Will, the deceased’s estate will usually be divided according to the rules of intestacy. You (or your solicitor) will need to apply for Letters of Administration, rather than a Grant of Probate to get control of the estate. This will then give you the legal right and responsibility for all aspects of administering the deceased’s estate.

How to apply for probate

If you are named as the Executor of a Will, you will need to apply for a grant of representation. If there is more than one named Executor (as is common) you will need to discuss who wishes to act as an Executor, which can either be one of you or there can be several Executors. If there is more than one Executor you will need to agree how to proceed.

How much does probate cost in UK?

This will depend on the value and complexity of the deceased’s estate and is something we can advise you about when you first contact our estate administration team. In some cases, we may be able to offer a fixed fee service, while in others we will agree a transparent fee structure so you are clear about the costs at all times

How much is inheritance tax in the UK?

In the UK, you will normally only pay inheritance tax on an estate worth over £325,000. However, there is normally no inheritance tax if you leave everything to your spouse or civil partner, a charity or an amateur community sports club.

If you pass your home to your children or grandchildren, your inheritance tax threshold will increase to £425,000. For those who are married or in a civil partnership, your inheritance tax exemption allowance can pass to your partner upon your death. This means the effective threshold for a surviving spouse or civil partner can be as high as £850,000.

Standard inheritance tax on any part of your estate in excess of the exemption threshold is 40%.

What happens if there is a dispute over the inheritance?

Inheritance disputes can be time-consuming and expensive, as well as often being highly emotive. Wherever possible, we find it is best to resolve them without resorting to court action, through alternative dispute resolution (ADR) including negotiation and mediation.

In this way it is usually possible to quickly and cost-effectively resolve most inheritance disputes while ensuring everyone’s interests are protected.

Why choose Devonalds solicitors for estate administration?

At Devonalds we provide a friendly, approachable estate administration service for people throughout the Rhondda Cynon Taff area and across South Wales. We aim to make this difficult time easier by giving you all the support you need.

Our passionate local service is backed by the highest levels of legal expertise and training, giving you legal advice and support you can rely on from people who speak your language.

We are accredited by the Law Society for Wills & Inheritance Quality, reflecting the high standards of our legal practice in this area. We are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) providing assurance that we continually meet the most rigorous legal and professional standards.

Our Probate solicitors are listed on the UK Help & Advice website and they have an in-depth guide all about "When Probate is Required" which you can find here: https://helpandadvice.co.uk/when-is-probate-required/

Get in touch with our estate administration solicitors in Bridgend, Rhondda Cynon Taff and the surrounding area

If you need any help with administration of an estate, contact your local Devonalds office at Bridgend, Caerphilly, Church Village, Pontypridd, Talbot Green, Tonypandy, Treorchy or Tylorstown to talk to one of our expert South Wales probate solicitors today.

You can call us on 01443 755189 or use the contact form at the top of the page to ask a question.