Introducing our specialist probate services

Being an executor for an estate is a considerable responsibility. It is likely to be time consuming and can be an additional source of stress at a difficult time. That is why it is important to get specialist advice to support you through the probate process.

Thomas Westcott’s Exeter office is licensed by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW) to provide non-contentious probate services.

We can assist with all aspects of the probate process, including compiling details of the deceased’s assets and liabilities, calculating and agreeing IHT liabilities, gathering in and distributing the assets of the estate and the preparation of estate accounts.

We are happy to help as much or as little as you would like.  Many executors are keen for us to take over the whole process for them.  Others prefer to seek our guidance or help with specific issues or to deal with certain aspects of the estate’s administration.  We understand that you may begin with one intention and then decide to seek more or less assistance as matters progress.  We can be completely flexible.

We are able to offer our help both to existing clients and to others with whom we have no existing connection.  If we have already acted for the deceased or have knowledge of the estate’s affairs, which we might have built up over many years, our insights can be invaluable in ensuring that the administration of the state is dealt with accurately and this, of course, helps to minimise costs.

We will generally agree with you a fixed fee for the work we are to carry out at the time we are first instructed.  If the terms of engagement change over the course of that probate process, revised fee quotations can be agreed with you at each stage.  Our fees are based entirely on time costs; unlike some others we do not make additional charges calculated by reference to the size of the estate.

We understand that being an executor to an estate can be a daunting prospect. Our experience of guiding people through the probate process will help ensure the experience is as smooth as possible.

If you would like to find out more about the probate services offered by Thomas Westcott please contact me or your local Thomas Westcott Office.