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
As the UK approaches a £5.5 trillion intergenerational wealth transfer, what does this really mean for families beyond financial planning? In Mayfair Times, Partners Hayden Bailey and Nicola Bushby reflect on the long-term nature of this shift and why, in practice, “the challenge is never just legal” when managing succession and disputes.
Read more 04 Jun 2026 Clare Stirzaker, Emily Brand and Nicola Bushby to speak at TL4 HNW Private Client Advisory and Litigation ForumNext week in Versailles, Partners, Clare Stirzaker, Emily Brand and Nicola Bushby will be speaking at the TL4 HNW Private Client Advisory and Litigation Forum on 10–12 June. For its 3rd annual conference, Clare will join a panel discussion titled ‘The Global Race for Philanthropic Capital’ alongside Ed Powles and Joe Crome. Emily and Nicola will be joined by fellow speaker and host Rupert Ticehurst to discuss the panel ‘Stepmoms – Why do they have a bad reputation, and is conflict with children from a first marriage inevitable?’
Read more 03 Jun 2026 A shift in land investment: growing interest in English vineyardsIn a recent Telegraph article exploring alternatives to buy-to-let investment, buy-to-let returns face are increasing pressure, with investors turning to English vineyards as an alternative. In this article, Partner and Head of Residential Property, Saskia Arthur comments on how improving UK climate conditions and rising demand for English wine are driving interest, though success requires a long-term, hands-on approach and diversified income streams.
Read more 15 May 2026 Wait and LLC? Why UK residents are still taxed twice on US incomeDouble taxation remains an unresolved issue for UK residents holding investments through US LLCs. Private Wealth Partners, Laurence Morgan and Dom Rothbarth, and Senior Associate, Marie McCallum outline how conflicting UK and US tax treatments can lead to unfair outcomes and the grounds for optimism.
Read more