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Probate and estate administration lawyers
We view probate and estate administration as legal stewardship, rather than mere administration. It is the careful management of responsibility, risk and relationships at a pivotal moment for families and those entrusted with an estate.
Through this work, we support executors, trustees and beneficiaries with clear, strategic legal advice and practical guidance, applying judgement, discretion and care at a time when decisions can have long‑term personal, financial and reputational consequences.
Our work frequently involves high‑value and complex estates, multiple assets and trusts across multiple countries, and sensitive family dynamics. It demands experienced and coordinated legal oversight, and a measured approach at a time those involved are navigating both personal loss and significant legal obligations.
Our lawyers have a deep understanding and significant experience of the probate process, and the challenges and risks that can arise throughout estate administration. From the initial steps such as identifying and valuing assets, to mitigating tax and maximising final distributions to beneficiaries, at every step, we provide reliable, pragmatic support to help executors and trustees discharge their duties with confidence.
Managing complex estates
Clients often come to us when they have been named executor or trustee, or when they are facing the practical and legal responsibilities that follow a death where someone has died without a valid will, leaving them intestate. In complex and valuable estates, these responsibilities can be significant. Assets may be held across multiple jurisdictions or involve contentious elements related to trusts, lifetime planning structures, and business or property interests.
Legal, tax and family considerations are often intertwined. Our role is to bring clarity and structure at a time when complexity can feel overwhelming. Our lawyers work closely together to ensure continuity between lifetime planning and estate administration, integrating seamlessly with our wider Private Client services such as private property and private wealth disputes. Bringing in colleagues from across our full-service firm around the globe allows us to provide a comprehensive solution for our clients.
This multidisciplinary approach and our strong international presence help us to support those carrying responsibility following a death with continuity and compassion over the long term.
Our probate and estate administration services
Acting for complex HNW/UHNW clients
Acting for complex HNW/UHNW clients
Our team regularly advises on high‑value estates involving substantial property, business, investment and specialist assets, including art and heritage property. Drawing on our breadth of private capital expertise, we help protect value in the most complex and valuable estates.
Managing cross-border estates
Managing cross-border estates
Where estates span multiple jurisdictions, coordination and clarity are essential. Through our international network, we work closely with our colleagues in the UK, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the US as well as trusted overseas advisers to provide a cohesive approach to cross‑border estate administration, managing local requirements while maintaining a clear overall strategy.
Acting as independent administrator
Acting as independent administrator
We are regularly appointed as independent administrators where independence, experience and judgement are critical. This is often where relationships have broken down or where beneficiaries require reassurance. We can deal with difficult situations, taking a firm but balanced approach that prioritises fairness, transparency and trust. Our lawyers are experienced in acting as independent administrators and our trust company can take on this role too.
Charity legacy administration
Charity legacy administration
We advise charities and not for profit organisations on the full range of contentious and non-contentious legacy administration matters. We understand the governance, reputational and accountability considerations involved, and work sensitively with charities, lay executors and other stakeholders to ensure gifts are administered appropriately, efficiently and in line with charitable objectives.
Meet our probate and estate administration lawyers
Related pages
Family Investment Companies
Structuring and advising on family investment companies to support intergenerational wealth planning and long-term control.
International Wealth Structuring
We advise international individuals, and their trustees and advisers, on the establishment and administration of asset holding structures.
Landed Estates, Heritage and Agriculture
For multi-generational families to overseas investors, to those owning country houses, farms, stately homes and urban estates.
Mental Capacity & Court of Protection
For those preparing documents to help protect finances and welfare when you no longer have the capacity to act.
Private Client Property
For those with personal property assets or those looking to purchase them.
Private Wealth Disputes
We provide tailored solutions for all varieties of domestic and international disputes for families and private wealth professionals.
Reputation Management
Our team of experienced media dispute specialists is highly attuned to advising private individuals on ‘reputation management’ issues.
UK Wealth Structuring
For those wishing to draft a Will to distribute their assets through efficient structures.
Wills and succession planning
Advice on wills, succession planning and the transfer of wealth across generations, helping individuals and families structure their affairs with clarity and confidence.
What's important to you is important to us. Let's talk
If you would like to speak to a member of our Private Client team or to find out more about how we work, please get in touch.
Our thinking
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10 ways the new APR/BPR rules affect estate administration
Mary Perham
Insights
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Cristiana Felisi writes in We Wealth about the treatment of joint bank accounts on inheritance
Maria Cristiana Felisi
In the Press
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Why domicile still matters after the 2025 IHT changes
Harriet Betteridge
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Investors’ Chronicle quotes Harriet Betteridge on how to be a good executor
Harriet Betteridge
In the Press
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Cross-border estates and the new “non-dom” regime: UK IHT reporting on death
Harriet Betteridge
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Harriet Betteridge writes for Tax Adviser on pensions and inheritance tax
Harriet Betteridge
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