Estate Administration Solicitors in Oldham

When someone passes away, the responsibility for administering their estate falls to the Personal Representative, whether that is an Executor named in the Will or an Administrator appointed by the Court. 

It is a role that carries real legal responsibility, and one that can feel daunting at a time when you are also dealing with grief.  Our specialist solicitors are here to support you through the process, handling as much or as little as you need.

In some cases, the terms of a Will may require a Trust to be established as part of the administration of the estate.  This is common where the deceased has left assets to minor children, where provision has been made for a beneficiary who lacks the capacity to manage their own affairs, or where the Will includes life interest arrangements, for example, where a surviving spouse is entitled to benefit from an asset during their lifetime before it passes to others on their death.

Establishing and administering a Trust is a distinct legal process and it must be handled correctly from the outset.  We can advise you on whether a Trust needs to be set up, what type of Trust is appropriate and what your ongoing responsibilities as a Trustee will be.

The time it takes to administer an estate will vary depending on its complexity.  A straightforward estate with no inheritance tax, a clear Will, and a small number of beneficiaries can often be administered within six months. 

More complex estates, particularly those involving property sales, inheritance tax, multiple beneficiaries, or international assets, will typically take longer.  We will give you a realistic indication of timescales at the outset and keep you updated throughout.