Where Can I Find a Specialist Firm to Help with Estate Administration?
If you are looking for a specialist firm to help with estate administration, you should instruct a solicitor who focuses specifically on probate, trusts and estate work — not a general practice solicitror.
Estate administration can be straightforward, but it often involves tax issues, complex assets, overseas elements, trusts, or potential disputes. Choosing an experienced probate team reduces risk, protects executors, and ensures the estate is administered correctly.
At Bonallack & Bishop, our dedicated 15 strong team of probate and estate administration solicitors advises executors, administrators and beneficiaries across England and Wales.
Lost a loved one and looking for specialist help with estate administration? Call our highly experienced Probate Solicitors on FREEPHONE 0800 1404544 for FREE initial phone advice – with no strings attached.
What Is a Specialist Estate Administration Firm?
A specialist estate administration firm is a law firm with:
- Solicitors focused on probate and private client work
- Experience dealing with HMRC and Inheritance Tax
- Knowledge of trusts and complex wills
- Experience acting for executors and administrators
- The ability to manage contested estates where necessary
Unlike high-volume providers, a specialist firm can deal with complex or high-value estates, business assets, overseas property and tax planning issues.
When Should You Use a Specialist Probate Solicitor?
You should strongly consider specialist advice where:
- The estate is subject to Inheritance Tax
- There are business, agricultural or overseas assets
- The deceased owned property abroad
- There is no Will (intestacy)
- The Will contains trusts
- There is a risk of a will dispute
- You are an executor living outside the UK
- You want protection from personal liability
Even where an estate appears simple, mistakes in tax returns or distributions can expose executors to personal claims.
What Estate Administration Services Can a Specialist Firm Provide?
A specialist estate administration team can assist with:
- Applying for the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration
- Full estate administration from start to finish
- HMRC reporting and Inheritance Tax returns
- Identifying and valuing assets
- Dealing with debts and liabilities
- Trust creation and ongoing trust administration
- Acting as professional executor
- Advising executors who live abroad
- Handling contested probate matters
At Bonallack & Bishop, we regularly act in estates involving trusts, overseas executors, high-value property portfolios and complex family situations.
Can You Just Use a Firm for the Grant of Probate?
Yes. Some executors prefer a solicitor to:
- Obtain the Grant of Probate only, and
- Provide guidance on tax reporting
While they deal with asset collection themselves.
We offer both limited-scope and full estate administration services depending on your needs.
How Do You Choose the Right Specialist Firm?
When selecting a probate solicitor, you should consider:
- Experience in complex estates
- Whether they can act as professional executor
- Whether they handle trust administration
- Whether they can deal with disputes if they arise
- Their experience with international elements
Choosing a firm with a dedicated probate team reduces the risk of delays and errors.
Why Instruct Bonallack & Bishop To Help With Estate Administration?
We provide:
- Dedicated probate and estate administration specialists
- Advice on trusts and professional trustee services. We have a particular specialist on trusts – who used to lecture to solicitors nationwide on the subject
- Experience acting for overseas executors
- Inheritance Tax and wealth planning expertise
- Contentious probate support if required
- Clear, practical advice in plain English
We act for clients locally, nationally and for executors of UK estates who are based overseas.
Estate Administration Specialist Firm FAQ
What does a specialist estate administration solicitor do?
A specialist estate administration solicitor manages the legal and financial process of dealing with a deceased person’s estate. This includes applying for the Grant of Probate or Letters of
Administration, preparing and submitting Inheritance Tax returns, collecting and valuing assets, settling debts and liabilities, advising executors on their legal duties, and distributing the estate to beneficiaries. Where necessary, they also advise on trusts, overseas assets, or disputes relating to the estate.
Do I need a solicitor for probate?
You are not legally required to instruct a solicitor for probate, but professional advice is strongly recommended where the estate is complex, subject to Inheritance Tax, includes property or business interests, involves overseas assets, or where there is any risk of dispute. Executors are personally responsible for mistakes made during administration, so taking legal advice can reduce risk and provide protection.
Can a law firm act as professional executor?
Yes. A law firm can be appointed as a professional executor either in the Will itself or by agreement after death. A professional executor takes responsibility for administering the estate, ensuring compliance with tax and legal requirements, and managing distributions. This can be particularly useful for high-value, complex or potentially contentious estates.
How much does estate administration cost?
The cost of estate administration depends on the size and complexity of the estate. Some firms offer fixed fees for obtaining the Grant of Probate only, while full administration services are usually charged either on a fixed-fee basis or by reference to time spent. Factors affecting cost include the number of assets, tax complexity, existence of trusts, overseas elements, and whether any disputes arise.
What if the executor lives abroad?
An executor who lives abroad can still administer a UK estate, but there may be practical and tax complications. Banks and institutions often require certified documentation, and HMRC reporting obligations still apply. In some cases, it may be advisable to appoint a UK-based solicitor to act as attorney for the executor or to apply for probate and handled the estate administration on their behalf.
What happens if someone contests the Will?
If someone contests the Will, the estate administration process may be delayed while the dispute is resolved. Claims can arise under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, or challenges may be made on the grounds of lack of capacity, undue influence, or improper execution. Executors should seek specialist legal advice immediately to protect the estate and avoid personal liability.
Speak to a Specialist Probate Solicitor
If you are looking for a specialist firm to help with estate administration, contact our probate team for an initial discussion about your circumstances.
We will explain your options, likely timescales and costs at the outset.
