In this episode, Kate Rutherford, Partner in our non-contentious private client team, explores the role of an Independent Administrator and how they can help when estate administration becomes difficult. Drawing on over 18 years’ experience, Kate discusses when an Independent Administrator may be needed, how they are appointed, what the role involves and the benefits of neutrality for families and legal advisers. She also shares practical tips for avoiding disputes, including key considerations when drafting wills.
Estates in Conflict: the role of an Independent Administrator
In this episode, we are joined by Kate Rutherford, Partner in our non-contentious private client team, to explore the role of an Independent Administrator and how one can help when the administration of an estate runs into difficulties.
Kate advises individuals and families on all aspects of estate planning and administration and has over 18 years' experience in private client law. She has particular expertise in administering complex estates involving high-value assets, business interests and cross-border matters and acts as an Independent Administrator alongside her wider private client practice.
The discussion covers what an Independent Administrator is, the situations in which one may be needed and how they are appointed. We also consider what the role involves day to day, common misconceptions, how neutrality works in practice and the benefits for families and legal advisers.
Offering insights from the perspective of both a private client solicitor and an Independent Administrator, this episode is valuable for lawyers, executors, beneficiaries and anyone facing a breakdown in trust in an estate.
We conclude with Kate’s practical tips for lawyers, executors and beneficiaries. Building on our earlier podcast with James Saunders on will validity challenges, she also shares what’s important when drafting wills to help avoid disputes after death.