Case study: Managing a complex £2.1 million estate

Complex estates require more than probate knowledge alone. They demand clear communication, coordinated case management, and the ability to manage multiple moving parts over what can often be a lengthy administration period.

In this case, Kings Court Trust supported clients through the administration of a taxable £2.1 million estate involving numerous beneficiaries, charitable legacies, property sales, investments, and ongoing HMRC engagement.

While the estate presented significant complexity, a collaborative approach between our teams and engaged clients helped ensure the administration progressed efficiently and transparently throughout. 

The estate

We were introduced to the clients through a referral from a trusted partner.

From the outset, it was clear this would be a complex administration. The clients had a strong understanding of the estate and its assets, but recognised the value of having experienced probate professionals manage the process and guide them through the legal and tax requirements involved.

The estate included:

• 18 residuary beneficiaries, made up of both family members and friends, some based overseas

• Seven charitable legacies

• Two properties

• Eight bank accounts and Premium bonds

• Eight shareholdings

• Three investment portfolios

• Two life insurance policies

• Two pensions

The net estate value was approximately £2.1 million and was subject to Inheritance Tax.

Kings Court Trust began work on the estate in May 2022 and completed the full administration in November 2025.

Managing a complex administration

Estates of this nature naturally involve multiple workstreams progressing simultaneously. Alongside asset collection and valuations, there were property matters, estate accounts, tax considerations, beneficiary communication, and HMRC correspondence to manage throughout the administration period.

In this case, HMRC clearance for both Inheritance Tax and Income Tax took a considerable amount of time. While those timelines were outside of our control, our focus remained on progressing all other aspects of the estate wherever possible and keeping the clients fully informed throughout.

Regular communication played an important role in ensuring the administration remained collaborative and transparent. The clients opted for a combination of scheduled Teams calls and ongoing email updates, giving them visibility of progress and the opportunity to discuss any questions as the estate developed.

A collaborative approach

Complex estates require input from multiple specialists across different areas of estate administration.

While the Personal Estate Managers oversaw the administration and remained the primary points of contact for the clients, several Subject Matter Experts also supported the estate at key stages, including:

• Property specialists assisting with the sale of the estate property

• Technical Experts preparing estate accounts

• Support from tax specialists

• Additional case management support to ensure continuity through the administration

This collaborative approach helped ensure the estate continued progressing efficiently, while giving the clients confidence that each aspect of the administration was being managed by the appropriate specialist team.

The importance of continuity and communication

One of the key challenges with larger estates is maintaining momentum across a long administration period.

With multiple beneficiaries, numerous assets, and ongoing tax matters, proactive communication and strong internal coordination become essential.

By combining dedicated case oversight with wider team support, we were able to maintain continuity throughout the administration and ensure the clients always had access to guidance when needed.

The clients’ engagement and responsiveness also contributed positively to the smooth running of the estate, allowing decisions and actions to be progressed effectively.

What the clients said

Following completion of the estate, the clients shared the following feedback:

Following the death of a family member, and faced with a very complicated estate to administer, we enlisted the services of KCT, and were incredibly grateful we did.

Throughout the process, the team were patient, supportive, and accommodating. While the HMRC timeline was out of their control, their guidance and professional knowledge surrounding legal and tax issues were invaluable in helping us navigate the multiple hurdles we faced.

Their flat fee was very reasonable for the work undertaken.”

Working with Kings Court Trust

At Kings Court Trust, we understand that professional partners need confidence that their clients will receive both expert guidance and a high standard of care.

Our approach combines Technical Experts with structured case management and clear communication, helping to support Executors through even the most complex estates.

For partners, this means:

• Staying connected to the next generation through beneficiary introductions

• For every successful referral, you can earn a referral fee, donate it to charity, or pass the discount to your client

• We only offer probate and estate administration, so we'll never be competing for work

• We will always refer any relevant work, such as Will writing and financial advice, back to you

• You can provide practical, trusted help to your clients and their families when they need it most

Whether we are supporting clients directly or working alongside professional partners, our aim is always to deliver a probate service that is transparent, dependable, and designed around the needs of each estate.

If you have any questions or need any support with estate administration, please get in touch with us by emailing ClientServicesTeam@kctrust.co.uk or calling 0300 303 9000.