When Someone Dies

When someone dies, dealing with their estate can be an upsetting and emotionally difficult task. We minimise the stress, acting for personal representatives and family members, to ensure that the estate is administered correctly as well as assisting with obtaining grants of representation.

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Supporting bereaved families

Whether your loved one left a will or not, we can help to administer their affairs in a hassle-free and compassionate way. We work with personal representatives to make certain everything goes according to either the will or the law of intestacy, and we can provide specialist advice on inheritance tax, minimising the liability through careful application of exemptions and reliefs.

In many cases we look after families and individuals over many decades, providing intergenerational estate planning advice. This proactive approach means we are often able to reduce a deceased’s estate’s exposure to inheritance tax and support the smooth succession of their assets.

 

We understand the complex provisions of the inheritance tax legislation and the exacting requirements of HMRC. As a result, we can ensure that all appropriate claims for reliefs, allowances and exemptions are made, and deal with any queries raised by HMRC.

Other taxes such as capital gains tax and income tax may be relevant and there may be scope for mitigation. We can also help if there is a trust involved.

We’ll handle all the paperwork, leaving you to deal with the more practical issues, such as personal items. We’ll also assist with the collection of assets and the settlement of the estate’s liabilities. We will help prepare estate accounts and deal with the distribution of assets to the beneficiaries.

Years of estate administration experience

Our team of private client lawyers have been looking after families’ estates for generations. We can help with all manner of complex issues, from discussions around what happens to children when parents die, through to the distribution and implications of owning overseas assets.

We’ll also help you to plan ahead to mitigate inheritance tax, and our vast experience enables us to advise on a range of different options, including setting up trusts and family investment companies.

Our pricing information

A helping hand in difficult times

Every now and again, there may be doubt surrounding how a will was made, or a dependant or family member(s) might feel that a will doesn’t make adequate provision for them. If a disagreement occurs between beneficiaries, our team of specialist Contentious Trusts Wills and Estates Team is on hand to support.

We are often called on to act as an independent administrator if, for example, there are conflicts between executors or there are other reasons why an independent executor is needed.

Services from our Private Client team

Our Private Wealth sector

Clients who have built a significant assets base may face a complex legal and tax landscape. Our experts, who cover a range of legal disciplines, are on hand to provide specialist legal guidance and support to help individuals, their families, trustees and family offices.

Services from our Private Wealth team

Legal updates and thought leadership

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Recognition of our work

Cambridge Law Society Private Client Services Team of the Year

Cambridge Law Society Private Client Services Team of the Year
Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2026

Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2026
Legal 500 2026 – Top Tier Firm

Legal 500 2026 – Top Tier Firm

Hear what our clients say about us

HCR has an eye for detail and undertakes thorough analysis to ensure that nothing is missed or overlooked. The team has good communication skills and ensures that we are kept updated, whilst also managing our time expectations. They also negotiate well on behalf of their client.

Client testimonial Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2026

HCR Law demonstrates a high level of technical expertise, commercial awareness and attention to detail, particularly on high-value and complex estate planning cases. They are adept at navigating nuanced issues and providing clear, practical advice to both advisers and clients.

Client testimonial Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2026

HCR Law provides expertise, flexibility and local knowledge. They have an excellent track record and take the time to understand complex situations.

Client testimonial Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2026

HCR Law cares. They provide exceptional services while maintaining respect and dignity and they generally want to understand your requirements and give you the best advice. All of the team members have time for you and communicate effectively in the correct manner and timescales.

Client testimonial Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2026

This department is distinguished by its efficient and highly responsive team, who consistently deal with matters in a prompt and professional manner. Communication is clear and timely, which helps ensure that transactions and client matters progress smoothly and without unnecessary delay. A further strength is the breadth of expertise available within the firm. They have well-established departments across a range of disciplines, meaning they are able to deal with whatever matter is presented.

Client testimonial Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2026

The team at HCR Law are very approachable, responsive, highly technical, and empathetic when dealing with vulnerable clients. They are excellent in their field.

Client testimonial Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2026

Can I take the opportunity to thank you for the very professional, kind and personable way in which you have guided us through the whole Will-writing process.

Client testimonial Wills

I am particularly grateful for your insight and guiding-assistance concerning the matter. Notwithstanding our only having just been acquainted through that call, it is without difficulty that I ‘voice’ my commendation and indeed doff at the manifest professionalism and courtesy you displayed (albeit virtually) in discussing the subject matter. With such mannerism and characteristic, re/commending you to others should pose little or no difficulty.

Client testimonial Private client

I cannot thank you enough for what you’ve done this week. I called you for help and you were incredible.

Client testimonial Private client

We were pleased and relived to know matters concerning our wills were being dealt with. Hauke has been patient and knowledgeable at all times. Thank you

Client testimonial Private client

Katie managed to get a successful conclusion to my case. Katie always remained professional and provided me with the correct advice at that time. I would have no hesitation in recommending Katie Maxwell-Stewart for legal representative regarding estate disputes.

Client testimonial Probate dispute

It has truly been a pleasure working with you, and I want to say that your professionalism throughout has been first class. Thank you for being there for me during what has been a difficult journey, and one that has now come to an end. Your support, guidance, and dedication made a real difference, and I am very grateful.

Client testimonial Disputed estate

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