As a loving and responsible executor, you want to ensure that your loved one’s estate is handled with care and attention to detail. While it may be tempting to handle the administration process yourself to save money on probate specialists, recent news stories and legal cases have shown that enlisting the help of a professional may be a good idea.

One of the key reasons to consider a probate specialist is the protection they offer from financial risk. As an executor, you are accountable to the beneficiaries of the estate and can be personally liable for any mistakes or oversights. This can be a daunting prospect, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the legal system and financial institutions involved in the process. In fact, recent legal cases have highlighted the risks of handling probate without professional guidance. In one case, an executor was found liable for over £340,000 in unpaid inheritance tax due to a mistake in the estate valuation. By working with a probate specialist, you can rest assured that your loved one’s estate is in safe hands, and financial risks are minimised.

Another reason to consider a probate specialist is their expertise and access to resources. Administering an estate can be a time-consuming and complex process, particularly for those who are new to the role. A probate specialist works on these cases daily and has access to a range of resources and tools to ensure that the process is carried out efficiently. A specialist can save you significant time and effort, allowing you to focus on grieving and supporting your family during this difficult time. In addition, a specialist can help ensure that all necessary documents are filed correctly and on time, avoiding any potential legal issues or penalties. Recent news stories have highlighted the importance of this – in one case, a woman was left unable to access her mother’s bank account for almost a year due to errors in the estate administration process.

Handling the estate administration process yourself can also be a burden, particularly if you are grieving the loss of a loved one. It can be challenging to balance the emotional impact of the situation with the practicalities of handling the estate. A probate specialist can help alleviate this burden, providing professional support and guidance throughout the process. They can help manage beneficiaries’ expectations and provide clear communication and updates on progress, ensuring that everyone involved feels informed and supported. This is particularly important in cases where the estate is complex or disputes arise between beneficiaries. In one recent case, a family was left in turmoil after a dispute over a £10,000 inheritance led to a lengthy legal battle. By working with a probate specialist, you can help ensure that the process runs well with minimised stress.

Finally, it’s worth noting that the costs of working with a probate specialist are often more manageable than you might think. While it’s true that fees for administering an estate can be significant, they are typically payable out of the estate rather than by the executor personally. In addition, recent news stories have shown that the costs of handling probate yourself can quickly add up if mistakes are made. In one case, an executor faced legal costs of over £250,000 due to errors in the estate administration process.

In conclusion, while it may be tempting to handle the estate administration process yourself to save money on probate specialists, news stories and legal cases support the argument that enlisting professional help may be the wiser choice.

By working with a probate administration specialist like Laurelo, you can ensure that the process is carried out with care and attention to detail, and any financial risks or burdens are minimised. This can provide valuable peace of mind during a challenging and emotional time. Top of Form

Our mission is to provide a personalised, transparent, and compassionate probate administration service that goes above and beyond the industry standard. We challenge conventional thinking by putting our clients’ needs at the forefront of everything we do. Our goal is to create an environment where families feel supported, educated, and guided throughout the probate process. We strive to innovate, continuously improve, and deliver a service that adds value to our clients’ relationships and improves interactions with our partners. Ultimately, our mission is to make a positive difference to those we serve during a challenging time in their lives.

National award-winning probate administration from Laurelo.

For more information contact us: probate@laurelo.co.uk