Full Administration Probate — Complete Estate Management
What Full Administration Covers
Taking your instructions
Understanding the estate, the will (if there is one), the beneficiaries and your wishes as executor or administrator
Advising on the will and any codicils
Confirming the validity and effect of the will, identifying the executors and beneficiaries, and advising on any complications
Obtaining valuations of assets and liabilities
Establishing the value of all estate assets at the date of death, including property, bank accounts, investments, business interests, personal possessions and any other assets, and identifying all liabilities
Calculating and reporting inheritance tax
Preparing the HMRC inheritance tax account, calculating any IHT due, and arranging payment. For current IHT thresholds visit gov.uk/inheritance-tax
Applying for the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration
Completing and submitting the probate application to the Probate Registry and obtaining the sealed grant
Collecting the assets
Using the grant to collect in all estate assets — closing bank accounts, encashing investments, transferring or selling property, and receiving any other sums due to the estate
Settling liabilities and expenses
Paying outstanding debts, funeral expenses, and the costs of administration from the estate funds
Dealing with income tax and capital gains tax
Preparing and submitting any outstanding personal tax returns for the deceased up to the date of death, and dealing with any income tax or capital gains tax arising during the administration period
Preparing estate accounts
Producing a full set of estate accounts showing all receipts and payments during the administration, the assets remaining for distribution, and the entitlement of each beneficiary
Distributing the estate
Paying legacies and transferring or paying residuary shares to beneficiaries in accordance with the will or the rules of intestacy
What if the estate owes more than it is worth?
Where the liabilities of an estate exceed its assets, known as an insolvent estate, the administration follows a specific priority order for paying creditors rather than distributing to beneficiaries. We will advise you if the estate appears likely to be insolvent and can recommend specialist support where formal insolvency procedures may be required.
Can you deal with the property in the estate?
Yes. We coordinate the sale or transfer of property within the estate as part of full administration. The legal transfer of property itself requires a conveyancing solicitor. We instruct them on behalf of the estate and manage the overall process.
What happens if there are disputes between beneficiaries?
Our ICAEW licence covers non-contentious probate only. If a dispute arises between beneficiaries or anyone challenges the validity of the will, the matter becomes contentious and requires solicitors. We will advise you promptly if this situation arises and can recommend appropriate legal support.
How long does full administration take?
Full administration typically takes twelve to eighteen months or more for a straightforward estate. The timeline extends where property needs to be sold, there are HMRC queries on the inheritance tax return, there are multiple beneficiaries, or there are complex asset types such as business interests or foreign assets. We will give you a realistic indication of timescales at the outset.
What is the difference between full administration and just obtaining the grant?
Obtaining the Grant of Probate covers the application process only — we obtain the legal authority to administer the estate and hand it to you to proceed with the administration yourself. Full administration means we handle everything from start to finish: obtaining the grant, collecting all the assets, settling all liabilities, dealing with all tax matters, preparing the estate accounts and distributing to the beneficiaries. You remain the executor throughout — we act as your agent.
