The Pitfalls of DIY Probate

Advice if you are considering a DIY Probate

Every now and again, we are contacted for advice on dealing with the property, possessions and finances of someone who died some considerable time ago; the executors (those who are responsible for administering the deceased’s estate) have found a problem and require our help to work out what steps to take to resolve it.

Sometimes errors in the administration of an estate do not come to light until we are asked to look into another matter, such as changing the name on the deeds of a house, or when we are asked to administer the estate of a spouse or partner, at which point it transpires that the original estate had not been dealt with correctly.

There are also times when a lay executor (someone with no legal qualification who executes a Will) realises that something complex has gone wrong.

We would always recommend that you seek advice from a Wills & Probate specialist solicitor at the very outset. The advice which they provide may be enough to enable you to deal with the estate yourself, and you can do so with the assurance that your planned approach is the correct one and that you understand the terms of the Will (or the application of the intestacy rules if there is no Will in place).

We are always happy to advise at any stage; in the days just after the deceased passing, or much later. In either case, it is always better and less costly to begin the process on the right track rather than trying to unpick what has already been done.

We can give as much or as little help as you need. We are happy to offer a free half hour consultation to assess the specifics of your matter. Often, a little advice can save a lot of time, money and distress.
Here are just a few of the problems we encounter:

The wording on the Will looks simple but may be anything but.
Any Will needs to be correctly interpreted. A Will may be challenged if someone expects to benefit but feels that they have been left out.

If there is a disagreement between family members it will often be easier to have solicitors involved who can offer a neutral voice.

A Will may provide for tax to be paid in a certain way, using some assets before others.

Inheritance Tax
Inheritance Tax; how do you work it out and what things count towards it? How many lifetime gifts were made, and which ones are taxable and at what rate? Can you ask the revenue to confirm that you’ve got it right?

In cases where the whole value of the estate is approaching the inheritance tax threshold then valuations will be important. They may also be important for Capital Gains Tax purposes even if Inheritance Tax isn’t an issue, especially when those assets are sold down the line.

Have assets increased in value? If so by how much? Is an asset taxable?

Inheritance Tax and Marriage
When the first person in a marriage dies it’s important that the estate is declared correctly; otherwise there can be Inheritance tax implications when the second person dies. For example, have lifetime gifts been declared correctly, have Inheritance tax allowances been applied where relevant.

Nil Rate Band Discretionary Trusts
If it is in the Will it must be dealt with. We have seen many cases where Nil Rate Band Discretionary Trusts have been missed, ignored or dealt with incorrectly. Many people fail to realise that a trust is in the Will – despite the fact they are often lengthy provisions. This can have major inheritance tax implications down the line.

Trusts are often used to save tax, protect assets or to deal with the complexities of second marriages. It is crucial to obtain specialist advice about Nil Rate Band Discretionary Trusts or any Trust in a Will – it may not be until much later that someone realises that an opportunity has passed to protect cash or homes from inheritance tax, nursing home fees or simply human nature.

If the trustees decide that they do not want to have a trust at all, this is often best to be dealt with inside two years of the death to protect inheritance tax allowances. Again, advice at the outset is important.

Deed of Variation
Deeds of variation are a unique tax planning tool and families will often make a Deed of Variation to pass on their inheritance to the next generation. A Deed of Variation must be made within two years of the date of death and it enables beneficiaries to pass on gifts or part of a gift such as money, property etc. to others. It writes the gift back to the deceased, meaning that the original beneficiary does not have to survive the gift by 7 years for it to fall outside of their personal estate for Inheritance tax purposes. A deed of variation can be used to ensure that a beneficiary’s own estate remains under the inheritance tax threshold or to minimise their Inheritance tax liability.

The problems we have seen in relation to Deeds of variation are twofold. Firstly, a valuable tax planning opportunity can be missed if a deed of variation is not carried out within the two year period.

Secondly, we have encountered estates where a deed of variation has been made in one estate and then on a subsequent death the deed of variation has been missed or misunderstood. Sometimes HM Revenue and Customs need to be aware of what’s been done at the time of making the deed of variation or on a subsequent death. There can be tax implications or benefits for not only the estate where the deed of variation took place, but also a subsequent estate. If a Deed of Variation is already in place, a solicitor can ensure that you are applying it correctly and dealing with the Inheritance tax implications appropriately.

Businesses/Agriculture and tax relief
What tax needs paying and when? Is any of it avoidable? Have you paid everything that’s due, obtained reliefs where appropriate or saved up a problem for later?

Do you need a Grant of Probate?
We have encountered estates where it was thought that a grant was not needed, and it transpired many years later that it was. If you think you don’t need a Grant of Probate, we can help you be certain that everything has been dealt with now, saving you from potentially complex legal issues later.

Why use us to support you with your Probate matter?

We are specialists in this area of law and all our team are either qualified members or working towards membership of STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners).

We are experienced with more than 70 years’ of helping, supporting, and advising clients on their Wills, LPAs, Trusts, Tax and Estates.

We understand the importance of delivering a considerate and approachable service when dealing with sensitive matters at what can often be a difficult time.

What our clients have said…

“I would like to thank you for your kind help, efficiency (and patience!) throughout this process. It hasn’t been an easy time personally, especially at the beginning soon after Mum’s passing. However, I am sure you have been responsible in many ways for making the process as stress free and as straight forward as possible.”
Cullimore Dutton Wills & Probate client

“I’ve been meaning to write to you for some time about the excellent and professional assistance my sons and I received from your associate Phil Appleby throughout the process of diligently resolving an estate on our behalf. I cannot praise him enough and he does great service for your company.”
Cullimore Dutton Wills & Probate client

For more information or help and advice on a probate matter, contact a member of our Wills & Probate Department on 01244 729 071 or email info@cullimoredutton.co.uk

Please note: This is not legal advice; it is intended to provide information of general interest about current legal issues.