Probate and Estate Planning
We support families and executors through will structuring, grants of probate, letters of administration, estate valuation and the transfer of estate assets.
Two situations, and they are not the same conversation.
Nobody has died. You are arranging what happens when someone does.
Wills, the appointment of executors, and how business interests and property will pass.
Someone has died, and the estate has to be dealt with now.
Probate where there is a will, letters of administration where there is not, and the transfer of assets to the people entitled to them.
A will that will hold when it is read.
Most estate disputes are about a document that was ambiguous, an asset that was never mentioned, or an executor who could not act when the time came.
We advise on the structure of a will and the choice of executors, so the appointment is workable rather than symbolic.
Probate, or letters of administration.
The court grants probate where there is a valid will. Where there is not, it grants letters of administration instead.
Establishing the position
Whether there is a valid will, who may apply, and what the estate consists of.
The application
Timelines and documentation for the probate court process.
Valuation
Real estate and business interests valued so the return is accurate.
Transfer of assets
Assets transferred to the beneficiaries once the grant is issued.
Bring what you have. We will tell you what is missing.
The will, if there is one
The original if you have it, or a copy and where the original was kept.
Death certificate
Plus any hospital or coroner documentation issued with it.
Asset documents
Title deeds, share certificates, bank statements, insurance policies.
Identification
For each executor or applicant, and the beneficiaries where known.
Clients on this service often also use
Nominee Services
Where interests are to be held for beneficiaries during or after administration.
Company Secretarial
Where the estate includes shares in a company whose records need to be brought current.
Escrow Services
Where estate proceeds need a neutral holder pending distribution.
Speak to us about an estate.
Whether you are planning ahead or dealing with an estate now, the first conversation is without obligation.