Probate & Administration of Estates
Our long history of advising on trusts, wills and probate provides us with the practical experience and technical expertise to guide our clients through the challenging times when someone dies.
Probate and administration of estates
The highly experienced team guide you through the process ensuring that probate can be obtained efficiently. They have a wealth of experience in advising clients on UK and cross-border estates meaning that they are well placed to advise on:
- Cross-border estates for both UK domiciled and non-domiciled individuals
- Post death variations
- Taxes including inheritance tax, including business and agricultural property reliefs
- Intestacy
- Heritage assets and reliefs, conditional exemption and offers in lieu of tax
- Complex asset types
See here for further details and information on our fees.
Wills & Probate Disputes
Sadly, when someone dies, problems can occur. The Will itself might be unclear or not legally binding; family members or dependants may feel they have been unfairly treated and make a claim; or there may be a conflict with a Will from another country. In these circumstances, our highly rated Trust & Probate Disputes team are well placed to advise on how best to solve the problem.
Planning for the Future
Often, a death might impact on a business or trust structure and the probate team work closely with other Boodle Hatfield lawyers to review the structures in place for the heirs and beneficiaries.
Recommended reading
In the Spring 2026 issue of Family Office Magazine, Partner and Philanthropy Expert, Clare Stirzaker explores why philanthropy should be treated as a core part of succession and financial planning rather than an afterthought. The article highlights the importance of values‑led conversations, building trust with charitable organisations and balancing the growing demand for impact with the practical realities charities face.
Read more 13 Apr 2026 Competing for the future: the UK’s strategy to attract AI innovatorsAs global competition for AI expertise intensifies, the UK is refining its immigration framework to stay ahead. In The AI Journal, Immigration Partner, Zoe Jacob examines how recent policy direction and visa reforms are strengthening the UK’s appeal to international AI talent, founders and fast‑growing tech businesses.
Read more 10 Apr 2026 Cutting the IHT bill without losing control of your businessWhen does a smart tax move start to strain the way a business is run? In the Financial Times, Senior Associate, James Woods‑Davison looks at the practical realities behind using the expanded £2.5m BPR allowance. While reorganising shareholdings might ease future inheritance tax exposure, it can also reshape internal dynamics – from decision‑making to minority shareholder expectations – if governance and control aren’t firmly anchored.
Read more 01 Apr 2026 Boodle Hatfield unveils 2026 promotions roundWe are delighted to announce the promotion of two new Partners, Clare Pooley and Michael Duffy (Private Wealth) and five new Senior Associates, Alex Gamble and Jessica Woollard (Private Wealth), Emilie Bladon and Rosie Larwood (Litigation), and Nick Salmon (Property). Congratulations to all of our colleagues on this fantastic achievement. Their expertise, dedication and commitment to delivering exceptional client service continue to strengthen our firm and the work we do.
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