Administrating an estate

[Elm1972]

After my mum died, I hired a legal team to administrate my mums estate as it was clear that inheritance tax would be due and I just wanted the weight lifted off my shoulders, and to have it done properly.

I hired them in february,after agreeing a fixed fee for a complete administering of the estate.

The inheritance tax is due to be paid in 13 days, and they still havent assesed the value of my mums estate (they have had 5 months to do this and i have provided them with as much detail as i can, including a property valuation, all mums bank account info, stocks, shares, policies, debts, everything they have asked for).

They are now asking me if I want a 'probate property valuation' done, as apparently the first valuation I sent them wasnt a 'probate valuation' and might be higher than it needs to be. Fair enought.....but......

Surely there is not enough time for this? I sent them that first valuation beginning of march!!!!!!

Am I right to be worried. What happens if they dont pay the inheritance tax on time? Are they liable for any interest incurred, or me?

Going to speak to them this morining and just wanted to hear others opinion on the situation first.

Thanks

[themas]

From what you say, they don't appear to be very efficient so yes - you are right to be worried.

I'm not sure what you mean by "legal team". If you mean a firm of solicitors then you can go through their complaints procedure (they should have set it out in the letter of engagement they should have sent you) & - if necessary - then to the Law Society website to find details of the independent complaints process.

[Elm1972]

Thanks for the quick reply themas.

By legal team I actually meant 'The Co-operative Legal Services' . Hope its ok to name names!!

I did manage to speak to them today, explained my worries and they have assured me that the IHT will be paid on time so I will just have to trust them for now.

Hopefully I won't need to make a complaint, but thanks once again for the info. I now know where to start should I need to go down that road.