Private client

Probate and estate administration

Probate and estate administration

Introduction and overview to probate and estate administration

We recognise that the legalities arising from the death of a loved one can add to your burden at an emotionally distressing time. So our team is here to guide you through each stage of the process, giving you the reassurance that everything is being handled promptly and professionally as well as cost-effectively.

Whether you are a beneficiary or the executor of a will, you will have a dedicated solicitor and legal assistant working with you throughout, ensuring you can always speak with someone who has a clear understanding of the estate and its requirements.

How our solicitors can help you with probate and estate administration

Key services offered

The breadth of our probate and estate administration expertise means we can handle everything from large, cross-border estates and complex disputes to the many administrative tasks that come with even the most simple estates.

Typical areas we help with include:

  • collecting in assets and arranging valuations
  • obtaining the grant of probate
  • calculation and payment of inheritance tax
  • calculation of Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax, and correspondence with HM Revenue & Customs
  • payment of debts and executor expenses
  • distributing the estate to the beneficiaries
  • disputes arising over who should benefit from an estate

Many estates require a property to change hands within the family or be sold, and our buying and selling residential conveyancing team is on hand to offer advice and make sure the process runs smoothly.

Why choose Russell-Cooke for probate and estate administration?

About our private client team

For our clients with business assets and international connections, we work closely with specialists from:

If an estate includes large gifts to charities or unincorporated associations, then our charity law non profit team can help.

Testimonials and legal directory quotes

Here are some comments made about us.

The team are highly ranked in The Legal 500 (2023) where a commenter notes the team's capacity to deal with large and "complex estates" and praised their "grasp of issues that only comes with experience."
The Legal 500 (2023)

Probate and estate administration charging information

We recognise that the legalities arising from the death of a loved one can add to your burden at an emotionally distressing time. So our team is here to guide you through each stage of the process, giving you the reassurance that everything is being handled promptly and professionally as well as cost-effectively.

Find out more about our pricing, including examples of fee estimates. We would be pleased to discuss your requirements free of charge and tailor a costs proposal accordingly.

Russell Cooke Private Client Charging Info

Private client charging information

As each estate is different, we provide a personal fee estimate at the outset and keep you updated each month so you can stay in control of costs...

Get in touch

If you would like to speak with a member of the team you can contact our private client solicitors; Holborn office +44 (0)20 3826 7522; Kingston office +44 (0)20 3826 7529 or Putney office +44 (0)20 3826 7515 or complete our form.

Related insights

The latest news and insights from our private client team

News

27.10.2025

Are the proposed inheritance tax reforms a step in the right or wrong direction?—Today’s Wills and Probate

Partner James Cook has written in Today’s Wills and Probate on proposals for inheritance tax (IHT) reform and their impact on succession...
James Cook, Partner in the Russell-Cooke Solicitors, private client team.
James Cook
1 min Read
News

17.10.2025

Russell-Cooke celebrates double success at the Surrey Law Society Awards 2025

Russell-Cooke is proud to announce a double win at this year’s Surrey Law Society (SLS) Legal Awards, taking home Private Client Team...
Russell-Cooke Solicitors staff photograph. Silhouette of a female team member against the backdrop of an office window with a soft focus effect.
Russell-Cooke Team
1 min Read
News

14.10.2025

Russell-Cooke named among eprivateclient Top Law Firms in 2025

Russell-Cooke has once more been recognised in eprivateclient’s Top Law Firms list for 2025, which recognises excellence in the private client sector. For over a decade...
Andrew Godfrey, Partner in the Russell-Cooke Solicitors, private client team.
Andrew Godfrey
1 min Read
View all News & Insights