What happens to the property when someone dies?

Dealing with the aftermath of a loved one's passing is never easy, especially when it involves managing an estate. This term encompasses all the money, property, and assets they've left behind. When someone dies, certain legal and financial steps must be followed to ensure that their estate is handled appropriately. This process is not only about respecting the deceased's wishes but also about adhering to legal requirements. The responsibility for managing the estate falls to a key individual, either an Executor or an Administrator, depending on whether a valid Will exists. This blog aims to clarify what happens to a person's property after their death, outlining who is responsible for managing the estate and the initial steps they need to take to begin the process.

Understanding Key Roles

As above, when someone passes away, handling their estate becomes a responsibility that falls to either an Executor or an Administrator. They are tasked with a range of duties from settling debts and taxes to distributing assets as specified in the Will. If the deceased did not leave a Will, or the Will is deemed invalid, an Administrator is appointed instead. This appointment is often made by the court to ensure that the estate is managed according to the laws of intestacy, which govern estate distribution in the absence of a valid Will. Both roles require handling sensitive financial and legal matters, often necessitating legal advice from a solicitor to navigate the complexities involved.

Initial Steps in Managing the Estate

The initial steps after a death in managing an estate involve securing access to the deceased's assets. This process may require the Executor or Administrator to obtain a grant of representation, which serves as a legal validation for undertaking this responsibility. There are two main types of grants: probate and letters of administration.

Probate is issued when there is a valid Will, confirming the Executor's authority to manage the estate. In contrast, a Grant of Letters of Administration is granted when there is no valid Will, empowering the Administrator to act. The application for either type of grant is made to the Probate Registry, which assesses the situation and issues the appropriate documentation. This step is crucial as it legally empowers the designated person to access bank accounts, sell property, and perform other tasks necessary to settle the deceased's affairs.

Tax Implications and Duties

The management of an estate after someone has passed away often involves intricate tax implications and responsibilities. One of the primary concerns is Inheritance Tax, which must be evaluated and potentially paid before the estate can be fully processed. Executors or Administrators need to contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) promptly to understand what taxes are due, including any outstanding tax liabilities of the deceased. This may involve filling out a Self-assessment tax return on behalf of the deceased. Additionally, if the deceased was self-employed or made voluntary National Insurance contributions, it is crucial to inform the National Insurance Contributions Office to cancel these payments. Addressing these tax obligations early in the estate management process is essential to avoid legal complications and ensure a smoother transition of the estate to the beneficiaries.

Specifics of Property and Other Assets

The property forms a significant part of most estates and can include tangible assets like real estate, cars, and jewellery, as well as intangible assets such as stocks, shares, and intellectual property. If the deceased owned property solely, the disposition of these assets typically follows the directives laid out in the Will. However, if no valid Will exists, such properties are distributed according to the laws of intestacy. Additionally, if the deceased owned property jointly with others, the nature of the joint ownership affects how that property is handled.

For properties owned as 'beneficial joint tenants', the deceased's share automatically transfers to the surviving owners and is not considered part of the estate for probate purposes. However, the value of the share might still be factored into Inheritance Tax calculations. Moreover, any increase in the value of the deceased's assets from the time they were acquired to the date of death could be subject to Capital Gains Tax if sold by the Executor or Administrator. Understanding these distinctions and how they impact the estate is vital for proper management and distribution.

Dealing with Jointly Owned Property

When property is jointly owned, its management after the death of one owner can vary depending on the type of ownership agreement. In cases where the deceased was a 'beneficial joint tenant', their share of the property automatically passes to the surviving joint owners, effectively bypassing the probate process for that portion of the estate. This form of ownership is common among spouses and family members, as it allows for a smoother and immediate transition of property.

However, despite not forming a part of the probate estate, the value of the deceased's share is still considered when calculating the estate's total value for Inheritance Tax purposes. On the other hand, if the property was owned as 'tenants in common', the deceased's share does not automatically transfer to the co-owners. Instead, it becomes part of the probate estate and is distributed according to the Will or, if no Will exists, under the rules of intestacy. This distinction is crucial for Executors and Administrators to understand, as it affects how they should handle the property and potentially complex legal arrangements.

Managing Financial Responsibilities

The Executor or Administrator is legally bound to settle all debts and financial obligations of the deceased before distributing the remaining estate assets. This responsibility includes paying any outstanding taxes, utility bills, mortgage payments, and other debts. It is important for the Executor to make a concerted effort to notify potential claimants by placing legal notices in local and national publications.

This step helps protect against future claims by creditors or other parties who might have a legal claim against the estate. In addition to settling debts, the Executor must also manage ongoing expenses such as insurance and property maintenance costs during the administration period. These financial responsibilities can be daunting, and they require careful management of the estate's funds to ensure that all obligations are met and that the remaining assets are distributed according to the deceased's wishes or the laws of intestacy.

Collecting Money Owed to the Deceased

Collecting money owed to the deceased is an important part of administering their estate. This includes not only obvious assets like bank account balances and stock portfolios but also less tangible items such as tax rebates, payments from life insurance policies, and benefits from pension schemes.

Executors and Administrators need to identify all sources of income or capital that the deceased was entitled to up to the time of their death. They may need to claim these amounts to ensure that the estate is as complete as possible before distribution. It's crucial to contact each institution involved such as banks, insurance companies, pension funds to understand the procedure for releasing these funds to the estate. Special attention should be given to understanding the terms of life insurance policies and pension plans, as these can vary significantly and may provide substantial benefits to surviving relatives or other beneficiaries.

Documentation and Financial Record Keeping

Proper documentation and financial record-keeping are crucial for the smooth administration of an estate. Executors and Administrators must gather all pertinent documents, such as the deceased's tax returns, insurance policies, property deeds, and account statements. These documents provide a roadmap of the deceased's financial landscape and are necessary for accurately assessing the estate's value.

Opening an estate account is advisable to ensure that all financial transactions related to the estate are clearly documented and separate from any personal finances. This account will be used to pay the estate's debts, collect owed money, and eventually distribute the remaining assets to the beneficiaries. Maintaining thorough records is essential not only for transparency and accountability but also for fulfilling legal requirements and resolving any disputes that may arise during the estate administration.

Protecting the Estate

Protecting the estate from fraud and theft is a critical concern, especially in the immediate period following someone's death when the risk of identity theft increases. Executors and Administrators should be vigilant and take proactive steps to secure the deceased's personal information and assets.

This includes notifying banks, credit agencies, and other institutions of the death to freeze accounts and prevent unauthorised access. It's also prudent to advise the postal service to redirect the deceased's mail to prevent sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands. Taking these protective measures helps safeguard the estate's assets and ensures that they remain intact for distribution according to the deceased's wishes.

Additional Considerations

Handling an estate also involves addressing various other considerations, such as notifying government agencies of the death to cancel benefits like Social Security payments or returning items like a Blue Badge for disabled parking. The Executor or Administrator should also be aware of any ongoing obligations that might not immediately cease with the death, such as utility payments or rent, and ensure these are managed appropriately to avoid accruing additional debts against the estate.

How can Premier Solicitors help?

Managing the estate of a deceased person involves complex legal responsibilities that require precision, understanding, and professionalism. At Premier Solicitors, we specialise in providing expert legal services in areas such as Probate and Estate Administration. Our team of dedicated lawyers is committed to offering professional and affordable legal solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients.

For more information about how we can assist you with the estate management process or any other legal services, please call us at 01234 358 080. Alternatively, you can visit our contact page to send an enquiry form.