Changing Executors and IHT with charity bequests

Perdusys1955

Has anyone had any experience of requesting solicitors named in the will to stand down in favour of family members? We have already dealt with probate for various relatives, and feel we could do this ourselves rather than the solicitors named as executors.  I understand it is possible to request this, but not sure how likely they would be to agree. 

Most of the estate is straightforward, though we have never dealt with charity donations before, my SIL will have the NRB from her late husband, and she has left her estate in 6 equal shares with three of those going to charity. The total of property and cash is likely to be in the region of £750K, I am sure I have been told that there will be no IHT liability as 50% of the estate is going to charity,  but would like to be sure.  

Obviously, if the general opinion is it is better to use the named solicitors, or they refuse to renounce, we would go with that but would value some advice.

RAS

If your SIL owned property (at death or previously) and the non charity shares are descendants, her IHT allowance could be £1m, otherwise £650k. But the IHT bill would be reduced by the charity donations.

Keep_pedalling

RAS said:

If your SIL owned property (at death or previously) and the non charity shares are descendants, her IHT allowance could be £1m, otherwise £650k. But the IHT bill would be reduced by the charity donations.

Even if there are no direct descendants receiving a share there will be no IHT as the charitable bequests are exempt leaving the remainder (£375k) more than covered with the NRB and the transferable NRB from her husband.

As you were a financial attorney for your SIL you are the best placed person to deal with the estate and the solicitors should have no real reason to refuse your request.