The loss of a relative or friend is always difficult whatever the circumstances. Whilst we are not qualified to address that issue there are often ways in which we can help.

Estates of deceased persons need to be handled with care and an eye for detail. They also need to be carefully administered with proper record keeping so that when everything is concluded the position of both the executors or administrators and the beneficiaries are fully protected. When Christie Solicitors are instructed to deal with an estate this is the objective. Geoff Christie has dealt with many probate cases both large and small and also administers a number of ongoing trusts. With a sympathetic and friendly approach he can guide personal representatives through the time consuming process of estate administration on a cost effective basis.

When a will has been left it will usually be necessary for the executors appointed in it to make an application to the Probate Registry for a Grant of Probate. The estate will then be collected and distributed in accordance with the terms of the will.

Where there is no will (an 'intestacy') a Grant of Letters of Administration can be obtained. The Intestacy laws provide who can apply for the grant and act as an administrator. They also provide how the estate should be distributed.

At Christie Solicitors we will deal with the entire process which will include:

• making an accurate assessment of the assets and liabilities
• completing and filing the Inheritance Tax return which is required even when there is no tax to pay
• applying for the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration
• liaising throughout with the beneficiaries to keep them advised about progress
• collecting in the assets
• discharging liabilities
• resolving any issues relating to other taxes
• where Inheritance Tax is payable considering what might be done to mitigate the liability and advising accordingly
• producing estate accounts for approval by all concerned
• distributing and winding up the estate
• retaining our file in case any issues arise at a later stage