The process of administering estates is becoming more complex due to a number of factors, not only due to changes at the probate registry and HMRC but also because of economic changes. Digital assets, crypto currency and bitcoin are becoming more commonplace, and there are more widespread tax planning measures being undertaken by individuals in their lifetime due to the freezing of tax allowances for so long.
In addition, claims are being made more regularly against estates. It has never been more essential to protect yourself and your firm from claims against will validity and learning the processes for making or receiving inheritance act claims, and lodging caveats.
This 10 part series is designed to walk you through the process of an administration, the forms to complete, and dealing with challenges and claims. You will also learn some practical tips in respect of safeguarding your firm from these in the future.
What You Will Learn:
This course will cover the following:
- The initial stages of an administration, and the processes involved
- Whether a grant is required
- The different types of grant available
- The IHT 400 and pitfalls including valuation issues, disclosure of lifetime gifts, APR ad BPR
- The deceased’s tax position – Income tax, CGT
- The estate’s tax position – Income tax, CGT
- Completing the administration
- Missing beneficiaries and how to deal with them
- Challenges against Wills
- Caveats and how to deal with them
- Larke v Nugus
- Inheritance Act Claims; when they can be made, timescales and method
Who Should Attend:
This course is suitable for practitioners wishing to move into this field, those who require a refresher and for training paralegals and support staff to become more hands-on fee earners.
Level:
All levels can benefit from this seminar
Dates:
- Tuesday 7th Jan 11am
- Tuesday 14th Jan 11am
- Tuesday 21st Jan 11am
- Tuesday 28th Jan 11am
- Thursday 6th Feb 1 pm
- Tuesday 11th Feb 11am
- Tuesday 18th Feb 11am
- Tuesday 25th Feb 11am
- Tuesday 4th March 1pm
- Tuesday 11th March 11am
Speaker: Helen Forster – HTF Legal Limited

I am a solicitor and Trusts and Estates Practitioner. Since qualifying in 2009, I have specialised in Wills, Probate, Trusts, Tax and Court of Protection matters, and I am a Dementia Champion with Age UK, a member for Solicitors for the Elderly and also a member of STEP (The Society of Trusts and Estates Practitioners).
My other work includes seminars, lecturing and training throughout the Country with institutions such as regional Law Societies and MBL Seminars Limited, as well as providing in house training on a number of subjects.
In addition, I also teach night classes at Rossett School Adult Learning in Harrogate, giving individuals and insight into how legal documents such as Lasting Powers of Attorney are drafted, as well as pitfalls and problems.
Over my career I have been highly commended twice in the Yorkshire Legal Awards, as well as receiving an award for second place in the Modern Law Awards 2016 in the category of “Rising Star” in England and Wales. HTF Legal has recently won an award in the Retirement Planning Awards as best Wills and Probate Solicitor in Yorkshire in 2022