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 more families consider passing on wealth during their lifetime, striking the right balance between supporting loved ones and maintaining your own financial security is essential. In The Telegraph, Private Client & Tax Partner Clare Stirzaker discusses the importance of factoring in retirement, future care and healthcare costs, and inflation before making significant lifetime gifts.
Read more 11 Aug 2026 Why more US UHNW individuals are considering relocation to the UKWhy more US UHNW individuals are considering relocation to the UK. As tax, political and economic considerations become increasingly important for US ultra high net worth (UHNW) individuals, a growing number are exploring opportunities to live, invest and structure their affairs internationally.
Read more 06 Aug 2026 Could owning a home abroad affect the SDLT payable on a UK property purchase?Could owning a home abroad affect the SDLT payable on a UK property purchase? In recent articles for Taxation and PrimeResi, Private Wealth Associate, Will Timbrell explores how overseas property held through structures such as Delaware LLCs and French SCIs can impact whether the additional 5% SDLT surcharge applies, and why understanding how those assets are held is crucial when assessing the SDLT position before committing to a purchase.
Read more 21 Jul 2026 The evolving role of family officesPrivate Wealth Partner, Kyra Motley comments in TheWealthNet and eprivateclient on the importance of coordinating advice for ultra-high net worth families with interests across multiple jurisdictions. The article explores how the role of family offices is evolving beyond traditional tax and investment considerations, with increasing focus on stability, cybersecurity, healthcare, education and cross-border planning.
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