Supporting trustees through estate and utility challenges

"Jacksons have been a huge help and reassurance to our family during what has been a difficult time. They were attentive to our questions, providing clarity and assurance throughout, and ultimately saved us from the cost, time, and effort that would have been involved with completing inheritance tax paperwork and applying for a grant of probate. They took a weight off our shoulders knowing the trust registration was being dealt with professionally, along with the assurance that we’d not missed other important items with the trust. This allowed us to focus on and start coming to terms with the loss of a loved one."

Background

Our client and his wife were trustees of a lifetime trust established by his father and late mother. Following her death, our client and his father approached us for assistance in administering her estate and for advice regarding responsibilities as trustees. Their immediate concern was accessing her pension and updating the name on a utility account, which the provider had insisted required a grant of probate.

Approach

We reviewed the circumstances and advised that a grant of probate was not necessary for the utility provider’s request. Our client and his family contacted the provider, challenging their requirement and explaining the legal position. This intervention led to the provider withdrawing their demand for probate.

In parallel, we registered the lifetime trust with HM Revenue & Customs’ Trust Registration Service, ensuring compliance with current regulations and providing the family with peace of mind regarding their responsibilities as trustees.

Outcome

Our advice and intervention saved the family the time and cost of applying for a grant of probate unnecessarily. The utility account was successfully updated without further issue, and the trust was properly registered with HMRC.

Supporting trustees through estate and utility challenges

Background

Approach

Outcome

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