Probate & Estate Administration

“Wilsons are always responsive and happy to help. The probate and estate administration team are proactive and have a really good grasp of the important issues in dealing with probate, in particular complex tax matters. The contentious probate team are not only good strategically but also very pragmatic and cost effective, finding creative solutions to get the best outcome for the charity. We have always found them approachable and happy to talk things through.”

RSPCA, 2023

“We rely on Wilsons’ expertise in charity law, and their sympathetic and pragmatic approach to resolving complex matters - they always provide a friendly and efficient service. Wilsons have helped our charity over a number of years to safeguard legacy gifts which are vital to our work in providing care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia.”

Royal Star & Garter, 2023

“Wilsons’ private client practice punches well above its weight with the bigger based London law firms in this area.”

Legal 500, 2022

“Wilsons hold a unique position in the Wills and Probate sector, especially when dealing with charities, both as beneficiaries and executors. Their team have an intimate knowledge of the requirements of clients and beneficiaries, dealing with all aspects of administration with delicacy and understanding. When matters turn contentious, Wilsons contentious probate team are exceptional, giving excellent advice and ensuring costs are kept to a minimum and beneficiaries receive their full entitlement. ”

RNIB, 2023

“Our experience of working with Wilsons Solicitors LLP, in a variety of legacy and charity law matters, is consistently of the highest standard. They are able to consider matters quickly and efficiently and always provide clear and pragmatic advice on the best way forward. We have found them to have extensive specialist knowledge in a number of arears affecting charities that proves invaluable when seeking advice.”

Client, 2023

“Wilsons is one of the very few top-rank specialist 'private client tax' firms based outside London. It has great strength in depth, and a high number of very able, diligent and far-sighted advisers. It is without doubt a top-tier firm.”

Legal 500, 2021

“We have instructed Wilsons on a number of matters over the past year, and we’re always impressed with the consistent level of service received no matter which solicitor is dealing with it. They are a knowledgeable team, giving clear and thorough advice, and we particularly appreciate their wider work in support of charities and the legacy administration sector. We would definitely recommend them to other organizations, or individuals, looking for a friendly, professional and efficient firm.”

Client, 2023

“Wilsons is an exceptional group of lawyers with a unique blend of being at the top of its game but very down to earth.”

Legal 500, 2020

Always looking ahead

Funeral arrangements and preparing a will – to ensure our wishes are upheld – are topics all too easily avoided. However, if you can make some careful decisions now, you’ll be saving your loved ones considerable trouble and expense down the line.

Making sense of complexity

We have a national reputation when it comes to the administration of estates and our senior partner is described in Chambers UK as a leader in her field.  We advise executors and administrators about their duties and deal with all aspects of the administration of estates, and have particular experience in dealing with:
 

  • estates with agricultural and business interests, the availability of inheritance tax reliefs and negotiations with HM Revenue & Customs;
  • estates with conditionally exempt property and/or chattels;
  • estates with assets abroad;
  • estates including complex intestacies;
  • ad colligenda bona and s116 Senior Courts Act 1981 applications; and
  • the administration of estates on behalf of charities. 

We also prepare administration accounts and income tax returns on behalf of executors and administrators, and our partners regularly act as professional executors.

Our clients include individuals, land and business owners, foreign domiciliaries and charities.