Estate Administration

Probate & Estate Administration

Dealing with an estate after a death: obtaining the grant of probate or letters of administration, handling HMRC, and distributing the estate in accordance with the will or the intestacy rules.

IHT Mitigation

Trust Creation

Wealth Preservation

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Preserve Your Wealth

With inheritance tax at 40% on estates above the threshold, many families lose a significant portion of their hard-earned assets to HMRC. But with careful planning, you can legally reduce your IHT liability and pass more to the people you love.

At Sussex Law Solicitors, we take a holistic approach to estate planning. We consider your family circumstances, business interests, and long-term goals to develop a tailored strategy that works for you.

Our Estate Administration Services:

Inheritance tax planning — Strategies to reduce your IHT liability
Trusts — Discretionary, life interest, and protective trusts
Lifetime gifts — Potentially exempt transfers and gift planning
Business relief — Utilising BPR and APR reliefs
Family protection — Protecting assets from care fees and divorce

Transparent Pricing

Our Fees

Fixed fees for obtaining the grant and administering the estate.

Probate Application

From £995 + VAT

✓ Grant of probate or letters of administration

✓ HMRC inheritance tax forms

✓ Registration with asset holders

✓ Distribution in accordance with the will or intestacy rules

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Disbursements are paid to third parties on your behalf and charged at cost. The Probate Registry application fee for a grant of probate or letters of administration is £526, with additional copies of the grant at £2 each. Full estate administration quoted on request.

FAQ

Common Questions

What is the current inheritance tax threshold?

The main nil-rate band is £325,000 per person. If you leave your home to direct descendants, you may also benefit from the residence nil-rate band (currently £175,000). Married couples and civil partners can pass unused allowances to each other.

When should I start planning?

The earlier, the better. Many IHT planning strategies require you to survive for at least 7 years after making a gift. Starting early gives you more options and time to implement effective strategies.

Can I give my house away to avoid IHT?

Giving your home away while continuing to live in it won't work — it's a "gift with reservation of benefit" and remains in your estate. However, there are other ways to reduce the IHT on your home, which we can discuss.

What about care home fees?

Care fee planning is complex. If the local authority believes you've given away assets to avoid paying for care, they can treat you as still owning them. However, legitimate planning done well in advance can help protect assets for your family.

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