In England this work covers drafting and updating wills, creating lifetime and testamentary trusts, advising on powers of attorney and administering estates after death. A solicitor prepares wills and codicils, sets up trusts (discretionary, life interest and protective trusts), applies to HM Courts & Tribunals Service for grants of probate or letters of administration, collects and values assets, deals with HM Revenue & Customs on inheritance tax, draws estate accounts and transfers property at the Land Registry, and represents clients in contested probate and trust claims, including under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.
Where a solicitor protects your position
The critical steps are obtaining a grant of probate or letters of administration from the Probate Registry and complying with inheritance tax reporting and property transfer formalities; failing to obtain authority or to lodge required tax returns can prevent lawful distribution. Solicitors prepare and submit grant applications, calculate and report Inheritance Tax to HM Revenue & Customs, produce estate accounts and complete registration and transfer documents that secure beneficiaries’ entitlements.
