Estate Administration
Estate administration — handled with care
Being responsible for someone’s estate can quickly become overwhelming. Many executors are dealing with grief at the same time as trying to manage paperwork, financial institutions, legal responsibilities, and pressure from family members — often with little clear understanding of where to begin.
In many cases, executors are appointed without fully realising the scope of their duties. They may need to identify and value assets, deal with banks and investment providers, arrange property sales, settle debts, complete tax matters, and ensure the estate is distributed correctly. Each step carries legal responsibilities, and mistakes can lead to delays, disputes, or personal financial liability.
People are frequently surprised by how much responsibility falls on an executor or administrator, and how easily errors or omissions can create complications, particularly where there are multiple beneficiaries or complex family arrangements.
At Ellis-Fermor & Negus, we support executors, administrators, and families through every stage of estate administration following a death. Some clients ask us to manage the entire process from start to finish, giving them peace of mind that everything is being handled correctly. Others prefer support with specific stages such as applying for probate, dealing with inheritance tax, collecting in assets, or ensuring the final distribution of the estate is carried out properly.
We also advise where complications arise, such as missing beneficiaries, contested estates, unclear wills, or difficulties accessing assets. Our role is to reduce pressure, provide clear guidance, and help ensure the estate is administered efficiently and in accordance with legal requirements.
Ultimately, our aim is to make a difficult process more manageable, protect executors from unnecessary risk, and ensure the wishes of your loved one or friend are properly carried out.
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‘Very happy with the service and guidance received and would have no hesitation recommending Grace to others. Grace was excellent.’
Grace Steele
Director and Head of Wills and Probate
Why choose Ellis-Fermor & Negus?
Clients choose us because they want clarity, reassurance, and confidence at a difficult time.
Taking care of the estate from start to finish
Support for executors, administrators and beneficiaries
A wealth of expertise in complex and high-value estates
Specialists in disputed and contentious estates if problems arise
Meet the team
Grace Steele
Grace is a Director and head of our Wills and Probate Department, with over 30 years’ experience in Private Client work in the East Midlands area. Graduating in Law from Sheffield University she trained with a large law firm in Derby. Grace specialises in Inheritance tax planning, Wills, complex and high-value Probate Administration. Grace has…
01773 307 362 | 07562 398394
grace.steele@ellis-fermor.co.uk
Grace Steele is based at our Belper Office.
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Kim Kirk
Kim is a qualified Solicitor and became Deputy Head of Department for Wills and Probate as of April 2025. Kim was made an Associate Solicitor as of May 2025. Kim graduated in law in Sheffield and completed her Legal Practice Course in Nottingham. Kim qualified as a Solicitor in 2012 after completing her training in…
Luke Smyth
Luke is an experienced solicitor and joined Ellis-Fermor Negus in May 2023 as part of the Long Eaton Private client team. He joined the Ripley team in May 2024. Luke qualified as a solicitor in 2014 and has worked in the legal industry since 2005. Luke studied at Sheffield University, graduated in Law and completed…
Joanna Bridges
Joanna qualified as a Chartered Legal Executive in 1996 and joined us in 2012 to work in the Wills & Probate department at our Beeston office. Joanna specialises in Wills & probate matters, acting in the preparation of Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney and in the administration of estates. She also deals with Court…
0115 922 1591
Joanna.Bridges@ellis-fermor.co.uk
Joanna Bridges is based at our Beeston Office.
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Rosie Woodward
Rosie is currently on Maternity leave until 2026. Rosie Woodward is an experienced Legal Executive and joined Ellis-Fermor & Negus Solicitors in November 2022 as part of the Belper Private Client team. Rosie completed a Law degree in Sheffield in 2017 and then trained at a rural branch office of a large Sheffield-based firm, qualifying…
01773 821 665
rosie.woodward@ellis-fermor.co.uk
Rosie Woodward is based at our Belper Office.
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Kenley Flint
Kenley started her career at our Ripley office in 2002 as an office junior straight from school. She then went on to become a Legal Secretary and has experience in Personal Injury, Conveyancing and Litigation. Kenley also completed 2 years at college, to qualify as a Paralegal in 2006. After taking some time out to…
01773 821665
Kenley.Flint@ellis-fermor.co.uk
Kenley Flint is based at our Belper Office.
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Elina Topham
Elina Topham joined our Belper team in July 2023 as a Paralegal in Wills & Probate. Elina has gained extensive legal knowledge working at local firms in Derbyshire and South Yorkshire in various different roles. Elina is experienced in advising and assisting clients with Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Court of Protection and Estate Administration…
01773 821 665
elina.topham@ellis-fermor.co.uk
Elina Topham is based at our Belper Office.
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Khloe Drabble
Khloe joined the Wills and Probate team at Ripley in 2025 having qualified as a Solicitor in 2023. She graduated from the University of Derby for both her law degree and legal practice course which she followed with a training contract at a firm in Nottinghamshire. Khloe specialises in Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney.…
01773 744744
khloe.drabble@ellis-fermor.co.uk
Khloe Drabble is based at our Ripley Office.
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Shane Nightingale
Shane is a Private Client Fee Earner in our Wills & Probate department at our Belper Office having joined us in April 2025 with previous experience in Wills & Probate at another local firm. Originally from Peterborough, Shane moved to Derby where he studied LLB Law at the University of Derby, graduating in 2022 with…
0115 821 665
shane.nightingale@ellis-fermor.co.uk
Shane Nightingale is based at our Belper Office.
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Elissa Dagnall
Elissa is a Private Client Fee Earner in the Wills and Probate team at our Beeston office. Originally from London, Elissa moved to Nottingham to study Law at the University of Nottingham. After graduating, Elissa completed an internship year at Trent Vineyard Church, helping within their Compassion ministry projects. Elissa then went on to work…
0115 922 1591
Elissa.Hartley@ellis-fermor.co.uk
Elissa Dagnall is based at our Beeston Office.
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Rebecca Green
Rebecca grew up in Long Eaton and started her career at Ellis-Fermor & Negus in 2002 as an office junior. Rebecca has worked in the legal industry for over 20 years and qualified in 2015. She re-joined the Long Eaton office in April 2024 as a Chartered Legal Executive in the Wills and Probate Department.…
0115 972 5222
Rebecca.Green@ellis-fermor.co.uk
Rebecca Green is based at our Long Eaton Office.
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Laura Ambalavanar
Laura is currently on Maternity leave until 2026. Laura qualified as a Probate Paralegal in November 2016 and has 4 years’ experience in Private Client work. Laura has experience in the preparation of Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and the administration of straightforward estates and works alongside Rebecca Green on all other Private Client work.…
0115 972 5222
Laura.amba@ellis-fermor.co.uk
Laura Ambalavanar is based at our Long Eaton Office.
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Matthew Insley
Matt is a Private Client Fee Earner in the Wills and Probate department at our Long Eaton office, he joined Ellis-Fermor & Negus in January 2025. Matt studied Law at the University of Hull and graduated in 2022. In 2023 Matt started studying for his LPC which he does part time at the weekends. Matt…
0115 697 7269
matthew.insley@ellis-fermor.co.uk
Matthew Insley is based at our Long Eaton Office.
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Jordan McGregor
Jordan is a Trainee Solicitor currently working in the Wills and Probate team at our Beeston office. Originally from Dorset, Jordan moved to Cardiff where he studied law at Cardiff University, where alongside his final year of study, he completed an internship year at his church Cardiff Vineyard. After graduating, Jordan spent a week with…
0115 922 1591
jordan.mcgregor@ellis-fermor.co.uk
Jordan McGregor is based at our Beeston Office.
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Reviews, what our clients are saying…
Estate Administration FAQs
Estate administration is the legal process of dealing with a person’s assets, liabilities, and affairs after their death. It applies whether the deceased left a valid Will or died without one.
Our solicitors support you with all aspects of estate administration, including:
- Identifying and valuing all estate assets, such as property, savings, investments, pensions, and personal possessions
- Identifying and settling outstanding debts, liabilities, and funeral expenses
- Calculating, reporting, and paying Inheritance Tax and dealing with HMRC
- Applying for a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration
- Preparing clear, detailed estate accounts for beneficiaries
- Distributing the estate accurately in line with the Will or intestacy rules
By involving a solicitor early, you can avoid common pitfalls, reduce delays, and ensure the estate is properly handled.
1. Understanding the Estate
We begin by reviewing the Will (if relevant), confirming who is legally entitled to deal with the estate, and identifying any immediate concerns such as inheritance tax, property issues, or possible disputes.
2. Initial Steps
We help gather information about the estate, including property, bank accounts, investments, pensions, and liabilities. We then prepare the Probate application and deal with any inheritance tax reporting required by HMRC.
3. Collecting and Distributing the Estate
Once Probate has been obtained, we assist with collecting assets, paying debts and expenses, preparing estate accounts, and distributing the estate correctly in line with the Will or intestacy rules.
4. Support With Complex Issues
Some estates involve additional complications such as overseas assets, business interests, inheritance tax concerns, or family disagreements. Where problems arise, we provide legal advice aimed at resolving issues efficiently and protecting executors from unnecessary risk.
Executors and administrators carry significant legal responsibility. Many people are unaware that mistakes—such as distributing the estate too early or underpaying tax—can result in personal financial liability.
Our role is to protect you by:
- Clearly explaining your duties and responsibilities
- Ensuring legal and tax compliance at every stage
- Reducing the administrative burden placed on you
- Managing communications with beneficiaries and HMRC
- Helping prevent disputes and misunderstandings
You remain in control, but with the reassurance that experienced professionals are guiding the process.
Some estates require specialist legal expertise due to their structure or value. We regularly advise on estates involving:
- Multiple or high-value properties
- Business interests, partnerships, or shareholdings
- Overseas assets or foreign property
- Trusts, lifetime gifts, or inheritance tax planning issues
- Family disagreements or contested estates
Early advice helps reduce risk, avoid delays, and prevent avoidable complications.
Ready to take the next step?
If you are dealing with an estate and want clarity, reassurance, and expert support, our team is here to help.
• Phone:
0115 972 5222 (Long Eaton)
0115 896 3390 (West Bridgford)
0115 922 1591 (Beeston)
01773 821665 (Belper)
01773 744744 (Ripley)
• Email: infomation@ellis-fermor.co.uk
• Online Enquiry: ellis-fermor.co.uk/contact-us
Contact Ellis-Fermor & Negus today to speak to an estate administration solicitor