In the event of the loss of a family member or friend, the administration and winding up of their estate needs to be dealt with in an understanding and sensitive manner. This can be a lengthy and involved process and sympathetic and professional assistance is essential.
We can also advise on tax planning. The use of deeds of variation, effectively a posthumous rearrangement of your finances, can reduce your Inheritance Tax liability. Beneficiaries may wish a legacy they have received instead to pass to someone else such as their children which may also be of tax benefit to themselves. A deed of variation can easily solve such matters.
If you have foreign assets, such as a villa abroad, a grant of probate will also be required to be obtained in the relevant country. We are used to liaising with local lawyers and meeting their requirements.
We will take care of all dealings with the Inland Revenue including negotiations over Inheritance Tax liabilities.
In the unfortunate event there is a dispute over an estate, we can advise on all aspects including making or defending a claim. We work closely with our Litigation Department in connection with such cases.
