Lecture Six: Estate Administration

Question 1

In what situations should there be two administrators?

Answer 1

If a beneficiary is a minor and/or there is a life interest.

Question 2

How is the entitlement to administer the estate decided in the absence of direction?

Answer 2

In an intestacy situation, the hierarchy under rule 22 applies. Where a will fails to appoint executors, rule 20 applies.

Question 3

What is the difference between when an IHT 400 form is required and when an IHT 205 form is required?

Answer 3

An IHT 400 form must be sent to Revenue and Customs if IHT is payable on the estate. An IHT 205 form must be sent to the probate registry if IHT is not payable on the estate.

Question 4

When are land searches made?

Answer 4

These occur to find potential claims from unknown beneficiaries or creditors to reveal existence of any liability in relation to the deceased’s ownership of an interest in land.