We support bereaved families and individuals across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire and beyond, simplifying the probate process and ensuring that nothing is overlooked.
Probate is concerned with carrying out the wishes of an individual who has passed away. It is the process whereby an executor is given the legal authority to administer a deceased’s estate.
Upon a person’s death, an executor is appointed to deal with the assets and liabilities of the deceased, and administer where necessary according to the will. This can be a difficult role involving a number of important responsibilities and this, combined with the stress and emotion present at such a time, means some families find it easier to appoint a professional to assist them.
If the deceased had not left a will it would still be necessary for somebody (usually a close relative) to administer the estate as a “quasi” executor.
The role of the executor can be an onerous one. It is their job to identify all assets and liabilities of the estate, apply for probate and prepare estate tax returns, deal with final estate accounts, oversee the distribution of assets, and determine whether Inheritance Tax is payable. For estates that are liable to Inheritance Tax, you will be required to complete a form, submit it to HMRC and pay the appropriate tax before you can obtain a grant of probate.
The process of obtaining probate, as well as all that follows, can be a complicated and often time-consuming process with various rules, regulations and steps to adhere to.
We are one of very few accountancy practices in the UK to have been granted a licence to provide probate services, by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). We can offer a comprehensive, non-contentious, service without any need to involve a third party, simplifying the whole process for you as a result.
GH Probate Ltd can assist with as many, or as few, functions of the executor role as you wish. Our specialist team in Huntingdon, Biggleswade and Letchworth have vast experience in this area and we undertake the role with the utmost sensitivity and discretion.
As part of our probate services, we can:
- Administer the realisation of assets, including bank accounts, property and share portfolios.
- Assist with the identification of assets and liabilities associated with an estate.
- Carry out tasks on behalf of the executor.
- Consider any Deed of Variation opportunities.
- Distribute the assets of the estate according to the terms outlined in the deceased’s will or via intestacy.
- Obtain Probate.
- Prepare, and submit, any outstanding Personal Tax Returns up to the date of death.
- Prepare estate tax returns, and ensure all outstanding tax liabilities of the estate are settled, prior to its distribution.
- Prepare the final estate accounts.
- Provide advice on tax planning opportunities for the estate and/or beneficiaries who may be in charge of significant income, or assets, for the first time.
- Provide ongoing Inheritance Tax and succession planning advice.
As far as Probate is concerned, there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach, and so it is extremely difficult to say exactly how much it will cost you. It really depends on which duties we take on and see through on your behalf, which duties you choose to undertake without support, how extensive and complex the estate is and how complete the information you provide to us during the process is.
We operate a menu-based system, whereby you can pick and choose which elements of our overall offering you require.
You will be entitled to an initial consultation, free of charge, which gives us an opportunity to discuss the estate, what you require of us, an estimated budget for the work to be undertaken and the stages of the process.
We will always be transparent and upfront with you about the costs involved but, should anything arise that we did not previously anticipate, we will seek to discuss this with you at the earliest opportunity.
We are extremely cost competitive; we will only charge for the work we undertake, and we do not add on a percentage fee based on the value of the estate.
For a more detailed analysis of our pricing structure, click here.
By using GH Probate Ltd, you can rest assured that everything will be carried out correctly, with compassion and discretion, and delays will be minimised. We work together with you and ensure that you are always kept up-to-date on how an estate is progressing.
To find out more about the probate services we provide, from our offices in Huntingdon, Letchworth and Biggleswade, or to have a confidential discussion with one of our probate practitioners, contact us today.
By using GH Probate Ltd, you can rest assured that everything will be carried out correctly, with compassion and discretion, and delays will be minimised. We work together with you and ensure that you are always kept up-to-date on how an estate is progressing.
To find out more about the probate services we provide, from our offices in Huntingdon, Letchworth and Biggleswade, or to have a confidential discussion with one of our probate practitioners, contact us today.
Our Probate service is provided through GH Probate Limited. For more information about our services please contact us or email us at probate@georgehay.co.uk.
GH Probate is the trading style of GH Probate Limited. Registered in England and Wales number 9630102. Registered Office: St George’s House, George Street, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE29 3GH.
Authorised to carry out the reserved legal activity of non-contentious probate in England and Wales by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales
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