Home help

Dealing with the properties left in your charge as part of a deceased person's estate is an inevitable task. Unfortunately it's one that draws on knowledge, skills and resources that fall far outside most legal professionals' day-to-day activities.

Properties filled with belongings left uninsured and unoccupied not only present a potential drain on estate funds but also a huge drain on your time. If there are no family members to share the responsibility, the difficult task of managing the property will probably fall to you. With so many factors to consider and services to choose from, you could spend a significant amount of time calling around and comparing quotes for services for a property that you have never even seen.

Recognising how laborious this work can be, leading probate research firm Fraser & Fraser has developed a range of services to support the legal profession in every step of estate administration. Property management is part of the firm's services portfolio designed to share the burden of extra work and provide solutions for property valuations and sales, clearance and cleaning, maintenance and security, and empty property insurance.

One case demonstrates how Fraser & Fraser assisted with the kind of property-related problems that frequently occur on both testate and intestate estates*.

Troublesome case

When Eric Price died last year without a Will, he left behind a close circle of friends but no known family to help administer his estate and take care of his property. The researchers set about tracing Eric's missing family members, locating those entitled to inherit his estate under his intestacy. The missing heirs on this occasion were cousins, all of whom had not known the deceased and lived several counties away.

Locating the family was one giant hurdle out ?of the way in this troublesome case, but there was ?still the time-consuming task of selling Eric's home ?to realise this valuable asset and divide the funds between the cousins.

While work was progressing, the solicitor asked the team at Fraser & Fraser to protect the property. The firm arranged a visit to check the structure and security, making sure all was safe and secure. Unfortunately, when Eric died, his home insurance cover had ceased, so Fraser & Fraser arranged specialist replacement cover, taking into account that the property was now vacant and would hopefully sell in the short term.

Before the property could be sold, it had to be cleared and cleaned. Although he did not have a Will, Eric left a letter expressing his wishes about some personal effects. He had collected memorabilia throughout his life and had some items of fairly high value, which he wanted to offer to a local charity for fundraising. Specialist and experienced contractors took care of this sensitive work, ensuring that all items were located, itemised, photographed and logged along with any other valuables, before being delivered.

Streamlined process

Fraser & Fraser also handled the sale of the property. From the valuing to the marketing, the firm worked to ensure that the process was streamlined, and coordinated all communication with the buyer's solicitor to avoid unnecessary phone calls for the administrator and minimise the risk of the sale falling through. By using only one firm to support all aspects of Eric's case, from finding the missing beneficiaries through to the sale of his property, the administrators not only saved time and money but also knew they were always in safe hands.

Although there are many companies in the marketplace providing property services, there are clear advantages in using a firm that understands the estate administration process and the special requirements that often come about as part of these cases. Fraser & Fraser not only has this experience but is dedicated to sharing its expertise.

To find out how we can help, call 020 7832 1430 or email legal@fraserandfraser.co.uk

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*Minor details changed because this case is ongoing

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