Probate Service

When a loved one passes, the last thing you want to deal with is their financial affairs and in particular Probate.

It is always a sad time when a loved one passes away. At such a time, it doesn’t help that you have to think about arranging the funeral service and clearing up any outstanding financial affairs, which can be very stressful, in particular, probate. Whether you’re new to this or have been through it before it isn’t easy and shouldn’t be done alone. In your time of need, Berley Chartered Accountants are the superheroes that will help you with probate every step of the way.

What is probate?

Probate is the first step in the legal process of administering the estate of a deceased person resolving all claims and distributing the deceased’s assets under a Will. Please note that the process for probate is known by different names in Northern Ireland and Scotland and is also dealt with separately in those countries. In Northern Ireland it is known as ‘grant of probate’ and in Scotland, it’s known as ‘confirmation’.

In the past, probate used to be something only a solicitor could do. In August 2014 however, accountants were also given the right to offer probate services. Allowing accountants to provide a probate service saves time as the lawyer will, in any case, have to get in contact with an accountant for financial information on the deceased at some point.

Why go to an accountant to do probate?

By going directly to an accountant first, rather than the time honoured tradition of going to a lawyer, you are cutting out the middle man which saves time for you. Dealing with probate is a very numerical matter that requires the accounts for the deceased person. To get the account information of the deceased that is needed for the solicitor, they will have to go to an accountant or the accountant of the deceased. It also saves money as hiring a lawyer can cost considerably more than it would if you went to an accountant. Unlike solicitors and banks that charge on a percentage of the assets, accountants usually just charge on a time basis.

Berley will hold your hand through this difficult and sensitive time

Berley has managed the financial affairs of many individuals and families over the years, some have become personal friends. As such we understand that dealing with probate is a sensitive issue and it’s being done at a very sensitive time in your life. Our accountants have excellent client services and are very understanding. We will help you assemble all the information regarding the assets and liabilities of the deceased loved one. Additionally, we will assist you in the preparation of any personal tax returns that are required up to the date of death and the tax returns that are required to pay any Inheritance Tax that may be required before the grant of Probate can be issued.

Berley accountants will organise everything so that any liabilities and expenses of the estate are paid before distributing the assets. We will also ensure that the assets are distributed to those that are legally entitled to them (this is normally dealt with by the deceased’s will). We will liaise with any wealth management advisors you may have or, as this is also a service we provide, assist you in investing the assets.

How much does our probate service cost?

Berley works on a clear fee structure agreed in advance, unlike solicitors and banks that traditionally charge on a percentage of the assets, we charge on a time basis. For more advice on probate or for extra information on how Berley’s probate service can help, give us a call today at 020 7636 9094 or email us at info@berley.co.uk.

Berley Chartered Accountants are licensed by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales to carry out non-contentious Probate in England and Wales.