Helping you navigate life’s most difficult moments.

Losing a loved one is difficult enough without the added stress of managing their estate. We support clients as they navigate each step of the estate administration process, acting as executors or administrators on their behalf where appropriate and combining legal precision with compassionate guidance.

Our Expertise

At BCR, our team of experts understand that this process is often undertaken during a period of grief and uncertainty. We work alongside you with empathy and professionalism, providing clear, jargon-free advice and ensuring that the legal duties of managing an estate are fulfilled efficiently, transparently, and lawfully.

Our Approach

In Jersey, if a person dies testate (with a valid Will), they will usually have appointed one or more executors in that Will to handle matters on their death. An executor is responsible for carrying out the wishes of the deceased and managing the estate, from gathering in assets and paying debts to distributing what remains to beneficiaries.

If someone dies intestate (without a Will), the court appoints an administrator, usually a close family member, to perform a similar role. In both cases, this person is known as the Personal Representative (PR).

Our team can support the following:

Duties of Executors and Administrators

Whether named in a Will or appointed by the court, a personal representative must act with utmost care and diligence. The main responsibilities include:

• Obtaining a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration
  
  • This is the legal authority needed to manage the deceased’s affairs. In Jersey, probate is dealt with by the Jersey Probate Registry and governed by the Probate (Jersey) Law 1998.
• Identifying and valuing assets and liabilities
  
  • This includes property, bank accounts, pensions, investments, and personal possessions, as well as any debts or outstanding liabilities.
• Paying any debts and taxes
  
  • Including Stamp Duty, which is calculated based on the value of the estate, as well as any other liabilities owed locally or internationally.
• Distributing the estate in accordance with the Will or Jersey intestacy rules
  
  • Where there is no Will, Jersey’s Wills and Succession (Jersey) Law 1993 determines who is entitled to benefit.

These duties can be legally and administratively demanding. Errors or delays can result in personal liability, so professional legal support is highly recommended.

For clients who are willing to act as executors themselves but would like reassurance and guidance, we offer a supportive advisory service and can assist with the following:

• Preparing and filing the application for probate with the Jersey Royal Court.
• Drafting key legal documents.
• Liaising with the Probate Registry.
• Advising on tax and inheritance issues.
• Assisting with final distributions.

This approach suits those who want to stay involved while ensuring they comply with all their legal duties.

Full Estate Administration

In other cases, clients may prefer us to shoulder the burden and take full responsibility for an estates administration. Where named as professional executors or appointed as attorneys, we can administer the estate from start to finish. This comprehensive service includes:

• Valuing and gathering all estate assets.
• Settling debts and taxes.
• Completing any inheritance tax declarations (for UK-based assets, where applicable).
• Selling or transferring property and shares.
• Distributing the estate to beneficiaries.
• Preparing detailed estate accounts.

Our team ensures the estate is managed swiftly and with integrity. We maintain regular contact with beneficiaries and remain transparent throughout the process.

Cross-Jurisdictional Estates

Many estates today involve assets outside Jersey. Whether dealing with a UK bank account, property in France or foreign shareholdings, we are able to coordinate the administration across borders. We also assist in cases where a foreign grant of probate needs to be resealed in Jersey or where Jersey assets are being released to non-resident beneficiaries.

We work closely with international advisors and always ensure compliance with Jersey’s Probate (Resealing) (Jersey) Law 1961 where appropriate.

Our Values in Action

Excellence: Committed to clarity, accuracy, and creating a seamless experience throughout the estate process.

‍Delivery: Matters are proactively advanced to ensure estates are administered without unnecessary delay.

‍Respect: Every client, family, and beneficiary are treated with dignity and compassion.

‍Elegance: Complex issues are approached with discretion and grace, helping preserve family harmony wherever possible.

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Why BCR Law

Where families prefer the involvement of an independent third party, whether to avoid conflict, reduce administrative pressure, or ensure professional oversight, we can be appointed to act as an executor or administrator. This can be included in a Will during its drafting or varied by agreement after death with the consent of all interested parties.