About us
Who we are
Optimum Probate & Estate Administration (OPEA) is a firm of Chartered Accountants that was set up to deal with matters related to Probate and Estate Administration. The firm provides help and support to individuals going through the Inheritance Tax and Probate and Estate Administration process. Losing a loved one is never easy, and having the added burden of administering their estate can be emotionally draining. These matters are not always straightforward and normally require the assistance of a specialist. A service of this nature can be quite expensive and can leave you with a lot less than you inherited and are entitled to. OPEA have been set up to provide these specialists services at a more affordable cost to ensure beneficiaries receive more of what they are entitled to.
Chartered accountants granted opportunity
Recent changes in legislation have meant that the reserved legal activity of obtaining the Grant of Probate, which once upon a time could only be performed by a legal professional can now also be performed by Chartered Accountants. As long as the matter is non-contentious, OPEA will be able to act on your behalf and obtain the Grant of Probate. The intention of the changes in legislation is to provide individuals with greater access to justice and allow such services to be provided more cost-effectively.
You're in safe hands
At OPEA, the families who entrust us to take care of their estate administration are always in safe hands. We are authorised and regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). Its role is to provide supervision and guidance to the businesses they regulate with a goal of promoting high quality of service and protection for clients and their interests. The ICAEW ensures that all regulated firms hold appropriate insurance and are able to compensate in case a client suffers a loss.
Our Principles
We have a strict set of principles that we aim to abide by to ensure that our clients receive the best service possible and ensuring that OPEA are treating their customers fairly. Our principles are as follows:
- Act with independence and integrity
- Maintain high standards of work
- Act in the best interests of our clients
- Comply with our duty to the court
- Deal with regulators and ombudsmen in an open and co-operative way
- Promote equality of access and service
We go the extra mile for our clients
Our aim is to help families move on. We will do everything in our power to support and empathise the families that entrust us to take care of their estate administration. We understand that every estate and family is different so we go further to take care of everything that’s involved in the estate administration process.
Experts in estate administration
Estate administration is a core service of ours. Our teams have the expertise to advise on any situation. We know how to handle intestacy, locate missing beneficiaries, deal with foreign shares and reseal a Grant of Probate. We have an abundance of experience when it comes to dealing with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
Clear and transparent pricing
Our pricing is clear, and we aim to ensure that our clients are never surprised by the amount they pay us for our services. Our pricing structure comes with complete transparency and without the small print.
Paying your inheritance quickly
We’ll do everything we can to deal with the estate efficiently. We’ll distribute the assets as soon as possible so you and your family receive your inheritance quickly.
We'll take the legal burden off your shoulders
When administering an estate, the Executor(s) or Administrator(s) is legally responsible for the correct distribution of the estate. We’ll take on full responsibility so that you don’t have to worry.
You'll always receive a personal service
We believe you deserve the best possible service when going through a difficult time to administer an estate and deal with all the tasks that come along with it. Our aim is to make the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
Client monies protected
Our primary focus is always to act in our clients’ best interests. Part of this obligation is to protect the money and assets we hold on behalf of our clients until they can be distributed to beneficiaries. We therefore maintain a separate bank account to hold all estate monies.