Losing a loved one is a traumatic and often overwhelming experience and sorting out the financial and legal affairs following a death can be an additional burden at a distressing time.

The important thing however is not to panic about trying to do everything at once. Initially the concern should be to register the death and check if a Will exists as this may contain information as to funeral arrangements. Once the funeral has taken place families can turn to the matter of settling their loved one’s affairs.

Porter Dodson’s experienced specialist team understands that families need sympathetic, straight-forward advice and guidance at this difficult time. Here are some of the ways in which we are able to offer assistance:

• review the Will if there is one and advise on the legal position if there is not (the rules of intestacy)
• help identify and then gather in assets and settle liabilities
• help obtain a grant of probate if necessary in order to realise assets and prepare the paperwork for HM Revenue and Customs
• settle the tax affairs of the deceased to the date of death
• advise on the tax consequences arising on death, in particular inheritance tax and until the deceased’s affairs (the Estate) are wound up
• distribute the estate in accordance with the Will or intestacy and prepare Estate Accounts to complete the administration
• help set up and run any trusts arising under the Will or on intestacy

Relatives and friends often take stock of their own affairs at this time and we are able to help those who have inherited money consider how they can safeguard their assets for future generations. This may include writing or updating Wills and advice on Tax Planning.