Probate Services
Full Estate Administration
Many executors choose to instruct solicitors to deal with the administration of an estate in full, particularly where matters are complex or emotionally difficult.
You remain informed throughout, while we handle the legal and administrative burden. Our role is to reduce stress, prevent problems and ensure the estate is administered lawfully and efficiently.
What We Manage on Your Behalf
We can manage the entire estate administration process from start to finish. You will be kept informed at every stage, and nothing will be done without your agreement.
Asset & Liability Valuation
Identifying and valuing all assets and liabilities in the estate, including property, investments and bank accounts.
HMRC & Inheritance Tax
Preparing and submitting inheritance tax returns and dealing with HMRC on your behalf.
Property Transfers & Sales
Managing the transfer or sale of property forming part of the estate, including liaison with the Land Registry.
Estate Accounts
Preparing full estate accounts showing all receipts and payments, for approval by the executors and beneficiaries.
Distributions to Beneficiaries
Distributing the estate to beneficiaries in accordance with the will or intestacy rules.
Protecting Executors
Advising on steps to protect executors from personal liability, including statutory notices and bankruptcy searches.
Typical Fee Range
£3,500 – £7,500+
Including VAT. Fees depend on the size and complexity of the estate.
- Size and complexity of the estate
- Number of assets and beneficiaries
- Whether property is involved
- Inheritance tax reporting requirements
A tailored estimate will be provided once we understand the estate. See full fee information.
How Long Will It Take?
A straightforward estate administration typically takes 6–12 months. More complex estates, or those involving disputes, property sales or inheritance tax, can take 12–18 months or longer.
We will give you a realistic estimate at the outset and keep you updated throughout.
Who Will Handle Your Matter?
Your matter will be handled by a qualified solicitor experienced in estate administration. You will be informed of the fee earner assigned to your case at the outset.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does full estate administration involve?
Full estate administration covers everything from the date of death to the final distribution of assets to beneficiaries. This includes obtaining the grant of probate, valuing and collecting all assets, paying debts and taxes (including inheritance tax), selling or transferring property, preparing estate accounts, and distributing the estate in accordance with the will or intestacy rules.
How long does full estate administration take?
A straightforward estate administration typically takes 9–12 months. More complex estates — those involving property sales, inheritance tax, multiple beneficiaries, or disputes — can take 12–24 months or longer. We will give you a realistic estimate at the outset and keep you updated throughout.
How much does full estate administration cost?
Solicitor fees for full estate administration are typically charged as a percentage of the estate value (usually 1–3%) or as a fixed fee. For most estates, fees range from £3,500 to £7,500 plus VAT, depending on complexity. We provide a tailored estimate once we understand the estate. The Probate Registry fee of £300 is payable in addition.
Can I instruct solicitors to handle everything on my behalf?
Yes. As executor, you can instruct solicitors to manage the entire administration on your behalf. You remain the executor and retain overall responsibility, but we handle all the legal and administrative work. You will be kept informed at every stage and nothing will be done without your agreement.
What is the difference between applying for probate and full estate administration?
Applying for probate is the process of obtaining the grant — the legal document that authorises the executor to deal with the estate. Full estate administration goes further: it covers everything that happens after the grant is issued, including collecting assets, paying debts, dealing with HMRC, and distributing the estate to beneficiaries. Some executors apply for probate themselves and then instruct solicitors for the administration.
What happens if there is no will?
If the deceased died without a will (intestate), the estate is distributed according to the intestacy rules. Instead of a grant of probate, the administrator applies for letters of administration. The process of administering the estate is broadly the same, but the rules governing who inherits are fixed by law rather than the deceased's wishes. We can advise on the intestacy rules and manage the administration on your behalf.
What if there are disputes between beneficiaries?
Disputes between beneficiaries — or challenges to the validity of a will — can significantly complicate and delay estate administration. As executor, you have a duty to act impartially and in the interests of all beneficiaries. We can advise you on your obligations, help manage communications with beneficiaries, and refer contentious matters to our disputed estates team where necessary.
Plan Ahead
Estate Administration & Your Wider Planning
Wills & Estate Planning
A professionally drafted will makes estate administration significantly simpler — appointing executors, setting out your wishes clearly, and potentially reducing inheritance tax.
Explore Wills & Estates →Lasting Power of Attorney
An LPA manages your affairs during your lifetime if you lose capacity. It ends at death — at which point your executor and the estate administration process takes over.
Explore LPA →Inheritance Tax Planning
Inheritance tax is often the largest single cost in estate administration. Planning ahead — through wills, trusts, and lifetime gifting — can significantly reduce the liability.
Explore IHT Planning →Explore Further
Related Probate Services
Related: Lasting Power of Attorney
Dealing with a loved one's estate often prompts people to put their own affairs in order. A Lasting Power of Attorney ensures someone you trust can manage your affairs if you ever lose capacity — avoiding the need for a costly Court of Protection application.
Related: Wills, Trusts & Estates
Probate is closely connected to will writing, trust planning and inheritance tax. Our wills, trusts and estates team can help you plan ahead — so that when the time comes, the administration of your estate is as straightforward as possible.
What Full Estate Administration Involves
Full estate administration is the complete process of winding up a deceased person's affairs — from the date of death through to the final distribution of assets to beneficiaries. It goes beyond simply obtaining the grant of probate: it encompasses every step required to collect, manage and distribute the estate in accordance with the will or the intestacy rules.
The process typically begins with a thorough review of the estate — identifying all assets (property, bank accounts, investments, pensions, personal possessions) and liabilities (mortgages, loans, credit cards, outstanding bills). Where the estate is above the inheritance tax threshold, an inheritance tax return must be submitted to HMRC and any tax due must be paid before the grant of probate is issued.
Once the grant is obtained, the executor can begin collecting assets. This involves notifying banks and financial institutions, closing accounts, transferring or selling investments, and dealing with any property in the estate. Property transfers require liaison with the Land Registry and, where the property is being sold, with the conveyancing team.
After all assets are collected and all debts and taxes paid, the executor prepares estate accounts — a formal record of all receipts and payments — for approval by the beneficiaries. Once approved, the estate is distributed in accordance with the will or the intestacy rules. The executor then obtains receipts from beneficiaries and the administration is complete.
Throughout this process, executors have a legal duty to act in the interests of all beneficiaries and can be held personally liable for mistakes. At PDA Law, our estate administration solicitors in Chester manage the entire process on your behalf — keeping you informed at every stage and ensuring the administration is completed correctly and efficiently. Call us on 01244 757 352 for a free initial discussion.
Let Us Handle the Administration
We offer a confidential initial discussion to help you understand the process and your options. There is no obligation to proceed.
No obligation — talk through your options first · Clear fees confirmed in writing
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Our Probate Team
Speak to a Member of Our Team
Nikolina Vukovic
Legal Executive — Wills, Trusts & Estates
Nikolina specialises in probate, wills, trusts and estate administration. She supports clients through what is often one of the most difficult periods of their lives — from straightforward administrations to complex estates involving property, inheritance tax and sensitive family circumstances.
Darren Steele
Senior Private Client Executive · STEP Member
Darren has worked in the legal sector since 1998 and has been a STEP member since 2011. He specialises in wills, trusts, lasting powers of attorney and probate — with particular expertise in inheritance tax planning and complex estate structuring.
Laura Kirton
Wills & Probate Solicitor · 10 Years Qualified
Laura is a qualified solicitor with ten years' post-qualification experience, specialising in wills, probate, and lasting powers of attorney. Known for her calm, methodical approach, she brings both legal expertise and genuine insight to every matter — particularly in emotionally complex family situations.
David Stahler
Wills, Trusts & Estates Executive
David is our first point of contact for clients enquiring about probate and estate planning. He brings a warm, personable approach to what can be a sensitive subject — and clients consistently remark on how at ease he makes them feel. Discreet, approachable, and thorough.