Flexible Support for Estate and Trust Administration
Administering an estate or managing a trust fund can feel overwhelming, especially when family members are grieving. At Vault Private Client, our experienced probate solicitors and trust administration advisors provide tailored services to help you handle the administration of trust structures, distribute assets, and comply with inheritance tax and income tax rules.
We know every estate is unique, which is why our estate administration services range from grant-only applications to full trust administration services. Whether you need help setting up a trust deed, managing the terms of the trust, or guidance on types of trusts such as discretionary trusts or interest in possession trusts, our team ensures your estate planning goals are achieved.
Our experts provide clear advice on inheritance tax liabilities, how trust fund setting up works, and the steps involved in the administration of trust arrangements. You can choose to remain hands-on or let us manage the entire process on your behalf.
Our Estate Administration Services
We offer two levels of flexible support to suit your requirements:
Grant-Only Service
For straightforward estates, our trust administration solicitors provide a fixed-fee service to secure the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration. This includes:
- Identifying the correct Personal Representatives and the relevant type of trust or grant.
- Reviewing the Will or applying the rules of intestacy.
- Advising on inheritance tax (IHT) and income tax issues.
- Preparing and submitting the probate application to the Probate Registry.
- Liaising with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and supporting estate tax planning.
Full Estate Administration
For complex estates or families seeking complete support, our full trust administration services manage the process end-to-end. This includes:
- Collecting and valuing assets.
- Paying debts, funeral costs, and tax liabilities.
- Preparing full estate accounts.
- Distributing the estate to family members and beneficiaries.
- Advising on trust fund setting up, ongoing management, and administration services.
This approach ensures peace of mind, whether the estate involves inheritance tax, settlor-interested trusts, or assets requiring tailored tax planning.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.
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1. What is trust administration?Trust administration is the legal and financial process of managing a trust after it has been created. It involves applying the terms of the trust deed, collecting and managing assets, paying tax, and distributing income or capital to family members and other beneficiaries. Solicitors can provide trust administration services to ensure compliance with inheritance tax, income tax, and trust law.
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2. When do you need full estate administration services?Full administration is often required when the estate is taxable, involves multiple properties, or includes trust arrangements. If there are complex tax rules, foreign assets, or family disputes, professional advice ensures the process is legally sound and tax-efficient.
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3. What taxes need to be considered in estate administration?Trust administration involves managing inheritance tax, income tax on trust income, and sometimes capital gains tax. Careful tax planning can reduce liabilities and ensure the estate is distributed in a tax-efficient manner.
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4. Can you set up a trust during the estate administration process?Yes. In some cases, family members choose to set up a trust as part of the estate planning strategy. For example, discretionary trusts or interest in possession trusts can protect assets, reduce inheritance tax exposure, and provide long-term stability.
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5. What are the costs of estate administration services?For non-taxable estates, fees are usually fixed. For complex estates involving IHT, discretionary trusts, or foreign assets, fees vary based on the work required. Vault Private Client provides transparent, upfront costings tailored to your needs.
THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS.
Our award-winning probate and trust administration team provides clarity, care, and confidence in every estate we manage. From simple grant applications to full trust administration services, we ensure your family receives the support they need.
Russell Kaminski
Partner and Head of Private Client
Lucy Cresswell
Associate
Alison Rocca
Partner
Jason Stanley
Partner
Holly Greensmith
Solicitor
Mark Dawson
Chief Executive Officer
Amanda McAlister
Head of Group Consumer Brands
Because we are here to help you.
Guiding you through every step of the estate and trust administration process with care and clarity – speak to our expert solicitors today for tailored advice on estate planning, trust fund setup, and long-term tax efficiency.
"Thank you ever so much, Russell and Lucy for helping me with the death of my father. The whole process of your services has been a godsend. Just wanted to say thank you and take care."
