At Brethertons, we understand how complex and disruptive disputes between appointed administrators, trustees and beneficiaries can be. In some cases, the delays that stem from a dispute could result in losses, or additional expenses related to the estate or trust.
Our team are specialists in dispute resolution and litigation and will be able to act as independent estate administrators and trustees in a variety of situations. Our experience ensures that we are well positioned to support you, even where your case may be highly sensitive, striving to achieve the best possible outcome.
Our independent estate administrators and trustees will be able to act impartially to resolve any ongoing disputes, taking proactive decisions to ensure that progress as efficiently as possible. We understand that the decisions that need to be made may not always be immediately accepted by all parties, meaning we are well versed in handling these difficult conversations.
Our experts can help with:
- Acting as an independent estate administrator
- Acting as an independent trustee
Why choose Brethertons’ independent estate administrators and trustees
- We are experts in dispute resolution and litigation.
- We work closely with our Wills, Trusts, Capacity and Probate team, we have a deep pool of resources to fall back on and ensure we are able to carry out the role of an independent estate administrator or trustee as diligently as possible.
- We always tailor the service we provide to the circumstances of the situation to make sure that we reach the most suitable resolution.
- Our independent estate and administrators can support clients up and down the UK through videoconferencing, email and face-to-face meetings to offer a highly personalised service.
- We will be on hand to advise on the even the most contentious issues requiring the intervention of an independent trustee or probate administrator.
- Our team make sure to provide advice that is straightforward and jargon-free, helping you to clearly understand what steps need to be taken to secure a positive outcome.
Our independent estate administration and trustee services
Acting as an independent administrator
There are a range of reasons for appointing independent administrators of an estate. Whether it is because an appointed administrator is unfit to continue in their role, does not want to continue, or there is an ongoing dispute which cannot be resolved, involving an independent estate administrator may be the most sensible option.
With an independent estate administrator presiding over a case, they can take care of various issues, such as obtaining a grant of letters of administration, collecting any assets in the estate, and paying off any existing liabilities.
When instructed, our independent estate administrations will act to execute the estate as efficiently as possible, taking an impartial stance to ensure that the value of the estate is upheld, and the needs of the relevant beneficiaries are considered.
Acting as an independent trustee
Trusts can be extremely complex, which can pose an issue for any trustees. This is especially where there are any disagreements over the way the trust should is being/should be managed.
Our team can step in to act as independent trustees, resolving any potential issues where there are concerns about the conduct of a trustee, or you simply believe that the trust would benefit from professional intervention.
With our support you can be certain that the trust will be correctly managed, the beneficiaries will receive the maximum benefit and the possibility of further disputes is significantly reduced.
Independent estate administration and trusteeship FAQs
What is the difference between a trustee and an administrator?
Trustees and administrators of an estate perform different roles.
Trustees take responsibility for managing the money and assets that have been set aside in a trust. Trustees are only able to use the money or assets in a trust for the benefit of a named beneficiary.
Estate administrators are appointed to oversee the estate of someone who has died without a Will. Estate administrators are appointed by the court. This is different to an ‘executor’ who would take on a very similar role but are appointed in the terms of a Will.
What is the role of an independent administrator?
An independent estate administrator can fulfil a number of important roles during the process of executing an estate.
Upon appointment, an independent estate administrator can:
- Applying for Grant of Letters of Administration (if required)
- Gather financial information
- Securing the property
- Calculate debts and value the estate
- Notify beneficiaries
How do you appoint an independent administrator to an estate?
Where you wish to appoint an independent estate administrator, it will be necessary to make an application to the court. However, before this application is made, all of the parties will need to agree in writing to the appointment of the independent administration.
In many cases, an application to appoint an independent administrator will be made before a Grant of Letters of Administration has been issued. However, where a Grant has already been issued, an independent administrator can still be appointed where an original administration is failing to carry out their role, or they are no longer suitable to act in the role.
Consult our independent estate administrators and trustees in Banbury, Bicester and Rugby
To speak to our independent estate administrators and trustees today, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
We have offices in Banbury, Bicester and Rugby, working with clients across Coventry and Warwickshire, the West Midlands, Oxfordshire and nationwide.
