Administration of Estates

We can assist in guiding you through the practical and legal steps following a death

The death of a loved one can be an extremely difficult and stressful time and dealing with valuing their assets, obtaining a Grant of Representation and administering their estate can become overwhelming. It is important to ensure that any legal requirements are complied with, such as correctly calculating and paying any Inheritance Tax due and liaising with HMRC. Where there is no Will, the process is different and the rules of intestacy must be followed.

How can we help?

We are able to help with every step of the process, from advising on the validity and effect of a Will and how the estate will be distributed, right through to ensuring the correct payments are made to each beneficiary. Our expert solicitors will guide you through applying for a Grant, calculating and paying any Inheritance Tax due and liaising with HMRC. We are able to administer the estate on your behalf, liaising with beneficiaries and ensuring that the terms of the Will are correctly carried out. We can also help to facilitate the sale of any properties or other assets, calculating and making payment of Capital Gains Tax where necessary. If required, we can also assist with registering complex estates with HMRC and ensuring completion and filing of any required Tax Returns.

Why choose Wallace Robinson & Morgan?

At Wallace Robinson & Morgan our experienced and friendly solicitors are here to help. We understand the importance of following the correct procedures after the death of a loved one and ensuring that an estate is properly administered.

Legal expertise – We have experienced and knowledgeable solicitors who can provide clear and concise advice.
Tailored advice – We understand that each estate and family are unique. Whether your particular situation is straightforward or more complex, we will work with you to make the process as stress free as possible, giving you the confidence of knowing that you are receiving expert advice and assistance.

FAQ’s

Discover answers to frequently asked questions about administering estates. Our FAQ’s provide support and clarity to guide you through this important process.

What do I need to do when someone dies?

The first requirement will usually be to obtain a death certificate. It is important to know if there is a valid Will and who the executors are. Following a bereavement, we would usually meet with you to discuss the next steps and go through the details of the estate with you.

What is a Grant of Probate?

A Grant of Probate (or a Grant of Letters of Administration where someone has died without a valid Will) is a legal document which gives certain people the right to realise the assets in an estate. A Grant may be needed where the person who has died had assets in their own name.

Will I need a Grant of Probate?

Whether or not you will need a Grant depends on the type assets in the estate and the value of those assets. We can advise you as to whether or not you will need a Grant.

How long will probate take?

This will generally depend on the assets in the estate, however it will usually take in the region of 12 months to obtain the Grant and fully administer the average estate. Very straightforward estates can usually be dealt with more quickly than this, however, complex estates can take longer to administer. It is important to ensure that deadlines regrading Inheritance Tax and other taxes are met, to avoid paying any penalties.

Contact Us for Advice on Your Matter

0121 705 7571

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What to do next?

Book an appointment with our dedicated Wills and Probate solicitors. Our Solihull and Dorridge teams are here to provide expert advice tailored to your needs.

Call us at 0121 705 7571 for Solihull or 01564 779393 for Dorridge. Alternatively, fill out the contact form below—your privacy is assured—and we’ll arrange a convenient time to assist you.

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Liam Wdowiak

Head of Wills and Probate Department, Solihull

Liam is a Director specialising in estate administration, Wills, and Lasting Powers of Attorney. An accredited member of the Law Society's Wills and Inheritance Quality Scheme (WIQS), he joined the firm in 2017 and provides a friendly, professional service.

Ruth Nolan

Head of Wills and Probate Department, Dorridge

Ruth is a Director and an accredited member of the Law Society’s Wills and Inheritance Quality Scheme (WIQS), providing tailored Wills and Probate advice to clients.She is also an accredited member of the Association of Lifetime Lawyers (ALL), specialising in legal advice for older people, and a full member of the Society of Trusts and Estates Practitioners (STEP).

Gary Sawyer

Solicitor - Associate - Commercial Property Department and Wills & Probate Department

Gary has been with Wallace Robinson and Morgan since April 2019. He initially worked in the plot sales team before starting his training contract in the family department in January 2020. During his training, he gained experience in property, commercial, corporate, and probate matters and is now an Associate Solicitor.

Uzma Rasool

Solicitor - Wills and Probate Department

Uzma is a solicitor in the Wills and Probate Department. She joined Wallace Robinson & Morgan as a paralegal in 2022 and qualified as a solicitor in January 2024.

Shola Parry

Solicitor - Wills and Probate Department

Shola is a Solicitor in our Wills and Probate department. She joined WRM in 2020 and assisted in our Wills & Probate team as a Paralegal before completing her training contract and qualifying as a Solicitor in August 2025.

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