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Estate Administration & Probate

Estate and Trust Administration

Our specialist estate and trust administration lawyers bring the experience and expertise that families, executors, beneficiaries and trustees depend on following a death. The work that we do is often complex, high-profile and multi-jurisdictional. From managing the entire day-to-day administration of an estate and obtaining the grant of probate to providing strategic advice on relevant tax and fiduciary issues, we will make sure a family's inheritance is protected now and in the future.

Where investments and assets are held in different countries we work closely with our network of international lawyers and advisors to ensure a seamless service. We frequently deal with applications to the UK Probate Registry in cases where foreign individuals die owning assets in the UK, whether or not they left a valid Will.

Our US lawyers, based in London, Singapore and Hong Kong advise on reporting obligations in the US when a US person dies. We are authorised providers of the Medallion Signature Guarantee, which is essential to the transfer of US securities.

Clients also benefit from the support of our colleagues across the firm, including our specialist Real Estate, Corporate, Art and Luxury Assets teams. 

Our Private Wealth Disputes team helps resolve trusts and estates disputes that arise in the UK and internationally. These disputes may involve issues such as international probate, trust litigation and asset tracing.

Mishcon de Reya Trust Corporation Limited

Mishcon de Reya Trust Corporation Limited ("MDRTC") is our trust corporation whose directors are all experienced lawyers at Mishcon de Reya in the field of trusts and estates work.

MDRTC can act as trustee or executor for UK wills and trusts and as protector or trustee for non-UK trusts or foundations where appropriate. It can be appointed alone or to act jointly with other trust corporations or individuals.

Key estate and trust administration services

  • Full management of the entire estate administration process
  • Administering both domestic and international estates involving assets in multiple jurisdictions
  • Dealing with all tax issues including the application of double tax treaties
  • Liaising with HM Revenue & Customs and the IRS as necessary to negotiate and resolve valuation issues and claim tax reliefs
  • Obtaining grants of representation to deal with the UK assets of foreign resident and foreign domiciled individuals
  • Providing a Medallion Signature Guarantee to enable the transfer of US securities

  • Applying for UK recognition of a foreign grant of probate (or equivalent)
  • Advising on conflicts of law between foreign forced heirship and UK succession rules including inheritance under Islamic law
  • Meeting tax compliance and regulatory obligations

  • Provision of trustee services through Mishcon de Reya Trust Corporation Limited
  • Administration of trusts involving assets in multiple jurisdictions and asset classes
  • Provision of trust accounts
  • Meeting tax compliance and regulatory obligations such as the Trust registration Service

Since December 2018 Law Society rules require us to publish fee information about UK uncontested probate and estate administration services. View our Fee Information

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