Probate Services

When you are grieving it can seem far too difficult to deal with tax and applying for probate (the process of dealing with the instructions left in a will).

Alliotts partner Delia Orme, and tax manager Jane Thackstone, are qualified to advise you on the whole process. This is as a result of changes to regulations for legal work allowing specially qualified accountants to do this work.

As most of the information needed is a financial exercise (and we as accountants are experienced in gathering financial information, producing valuations, IHT calculations and related tax returns), undertaking probate work is a perfect fit for us.

Apart from her technical expertise, Delia has years of experience in dealing with sensitive matters at difficult times and is able to provide that objective point of view and welcome voice of reason, when things may appear far too complicated, particularly where there may be tricky relationships involved.

Delia offers a flexible service, either taking on the whole probate process on your behalf, or providing essential support and advice to you as and when needed, should you choose to apply for probate yourself. 

Throughout the probate process we guarantee that

• We will explain everything to you in jargon free, plain English
• You will have personal direct contact with Delia and Jane
• You will be kept regularly updated as matters progress
• You will receive a service that is sensitive and responsive to your needs and those of your family

Delia offers a full range of services to support you though the whole probate process, alternatively you may decide that you need support and assistance at specific times.

We can assist you in the following areas:

• Checking that the Will is valid and is the last Will made by the deceased
• Assembling and checking of the deceased financial information
• Tracing and valuing assets
• Identifying and paying all debts of the estate
• Calculation of Inheritance Tax, Income Tax, and Capital Gains Tax due
• The preparation and submission of HMRC tax forms
• Tracing missing beneficiaries
• Arranging matters for the sale of property
• Preparing estate accounts showing the final position of the estate with all transactions reconciled to the probate valuations
• The payment of legacies to beneficiaries including charities
• Providing tax advice (IHT, CGT and Income tax) to the executors and beneficiaries helping them plan the structure of their inheritance
• Trust planning and trustee services including advising on Nil Rate Band Trusts
• Administering the estate of a person who died without a Will (intestate)

For a discreet and confidential discussion about how we can help you through the probate process please contact Delia Orme or Jane Thackstone.

Click here to view the ICAEW register of accredited probate firms. Please note that all probate work is undertaken from our Guildford office. Please contact our Guildford office if you require further information.