Estate administration

Kings Court Trust will listen, answer immediate questions, and explain how they can help. At this point, it's useful for your client to start compiling a list of all assets (bank accounts, properties, shares, etc.) and liabilities (credit cards, utility bills, etc.) in preparation for the process.

Kings Court Trust will give your client a clear, fixed price tailored to the estate, without hourly rates or hidden extras, so your client can decide with confidence. This will be sent in a comprehensive quote document that sets out exactly what is covered.

If your client agrees to the quote, you'll both be introduced to the Personal Estate Manager. They are the specialist dedicated to the case to oversee everything, keep you and your client updated, and be your single point of contact. Depending on your client's preferences, we'll normally look after them either via email or phone primarily.

Kings Court Trust will complete ID checks and gather key documents from your client (such as the Will, death certificate, asset details, etc.) to get things moving quickly. Your client will need to fill in the Estate Information Form (EIF), which is where they collate all known information in one place.

Kings Court Trust will contact all known asset and liability holders, request valuations at the date of death, and ask them to deal with us directly. Your client will be given some breathing room to focus on remembering the person they've lost, rather than chasing or being chased by different institutions.

Kings Court Trust will establish the gross and net estate values and assess the legal and tax position. This ensures the Grant application is accurate the first time, avoiding delays.

Kings Court Trust will prepare and submit the Inheritance Tax (IHT) paperwork, arrange any payments due, and handle HMRC queries to avoid delays. IHT must typically be paid within six months of death, so we work hard to have the steps before this completed in advance.

Kings Court Trust prepares and submits the Grant of Probate (or Letters of Administration if there is no Will) and chases progress with the Registry. Whilst we are waiting for the Grant to be returned, we will begin writing to any beneficiaries to let them know what information we need from them.

With the Grant in hand, Kings Court Trust is now able to encash or transfer assets, settle liabilities, and progress property and shareholdings.

Kings Court Trust liaises with each institution's requirements, brings funds into the estate account, and pays verified debts and expenses.

Kings Court Trust will complete beneficiary ID and anti-fraud checks, provide regular progress updates, and, where appropriate, discuss interim asset distributions.

Kings Court Trust will reconcile Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax during administration and obtain tax clearances, so the estate can be wrapped up properly.

Your client will receive clear, comprehensive estate accounts showing all money in and out, ready for their review and approval.

Kings Court Trust will pay the beneficiaries in line with the Will or intestacy rules, provide completion paperwork, and close the estate - giving your client peace of mind.