Dealing with probate can feel overwhelming, especially when chattels, antiques, or collections are involved. At FEAC Legal, we provide HMRC compliant probate valuations for Chorley families, solicitors, and executors. Whether you’re handling a simple estate or a large rural property, we offer sensitive, timely, and accurate valuations across Lancashire.

How Does It Work?

Step 1: Book Your Valuation

For a personal quote or to book a probate valuation service, please get in touch with us.

Phone: 07984 733931

Email: admin@feaclegal.co.uk

Step 2: Schedule Your Valuation

Once your appointment is confirmed, our team of professional valuers will arrive promptly at 9:00 AM on the scheduled day. They will conduct the valuation thoroughly and take the necessary time to ensure an accurate and comprehensive assessment.

Note! We can collect keys if you are unable to attend the property, or, you can post them to our head office.

Step 3: Receive Your Report

Once the valuation at your property is complete, our valuers will return to head office to prepare a detailed probate report. This report will be finalised and emailed to you in PDF format within 5 working days of your initial appointment. You can then print and distribute as many times as needed to the appropriate parties.

Our Probate Services In Chorley

• Full chattels and household contents valuation for probate and inheritance tax
• HMRC Inheritance tax compliant documentation.
• Asset recovery service included.
• Flexible key collection and postal services for clients unable to attend in person, including those abroad or with busy schedules
• We can also offer full house contents clearance.

Why Choose Us?

• We are a family run business who have been operating for over thirty years.
• Our expert valuers have constant training in antique, fine jewellery, and specialist items. Making them the most knowledgable and best in the business.
• We cover the whole of the UK and Scotland.
• We work closely with over eighty solicitors throughout the UK.
• We have never had a report rejected by HMRC.
• We offer transparent, competitive pricing with no hidden fees.

Ready To Get Started?

Contact us today for probate and chattels valuation in Chorley and across Lancashire.
Call 07448259106 or email admin@feaclegal.co.uk.

What Executors Can Do If Valuation Errors Are Found

Valuation errors are more common than executors expect

Discovering an error in a probate valuation can be alarming, particularly once figures have been submitted to HMRC or shared with beneficiaries. Valuation errors may arise from overlooked assets, incorrect assumptions about value, missing documentation, or reliance on informal estimates. What matters most is how the executor responds once an error is identified.

Acting promptly, transparently, and correctly can significantly reduce legal, financial, and personal risk.

Understanding the types of valuation errors

Not all valuation errors are the same. Executors may encounter:

• Undervalued or overvalued items
• Assets omitted entirely from the valuation
• Incorrect categorisation of chattels
• Values based on outdated or unsupported information

Each type of error carries different implications, but all require careful correction to maintain compliance and fairness.

Why ignoring valuation errors creates serious risk

Failing to address known valuation errors can expose executors to personal liability. HMRC expects executors to correct inaccuracies once they are identified, regardless of whether the error was accidental.

If errors are left unresolved, executors risk:

• HMRC penalties or interest charges
• Delays to probate or estate distribution
• Beneficiary disputes or legal claims
• Allegations of negligence or mismanagement

Taking corrective action demonstrates good faith and responsible administration.

The first step: confirm and document the error

Before any correction is made, the error must be clearly identified and evidenced. Executors should gather all relevant documentation, including the original valuation report, inventories, photographs, and any new information that highlights the discrepancy.

Professional review is essential at this stage. Independent probate and chattels valuers can reassess the affected assets and confirm whether a genuine error has occurred and how significant it is.

When and how to notify HMRC

If probate figures have already been submitted, HMRC must be informed of any material valuation errors as soon as they are confirmed. Corrections are typically made through formal amendments rather than informal explanations.

Prompt disclosure often reduces the likelihood of penalties, particularly where the executor can demonstrate that:

• The original error was unintentional
• Professional advice has been sought
• Corrective action was taken immediately

Professional valuation evidence strengthens the executor’s position during this process.

Correcting errors before estate distribution

If the error is identified before assets have been distributed, correction is usually more straightforward. Revised valuation figures can be issued, inheritance calculations adjusted, and beneficiaries informed before final distributions are made.

This proactive approach helps avoid disputes and ensures that no beneficiary benefits unfairly from incorrect figures.

What if assets have already been distributed?

Errors discovered after distribution are more complex but still manageable. Executors may need to:

• Recalculate inheritance entitlements
• Recover overpaid amounts
• Adjust final accounts

While uncomfortable, addressing errors openly is always preferable to allowing inaccuracies to remain. Professional guidance is critical in these situations to ensure corrective steps are legally sound and properly documented.

How professional valuers resolve valuation errors

Professional probate valuers reassess assets using current market evidence and HMRC-compliant methodology. Revised reports clearly explain:

• What was incorrect
• Why the original value was inaccurate
• How the corrected figure was calculated

This transparency protects executors and provides clarity for beneficiaries and HMRC alike.

The importance of asset identification when errors arise

Many valuation errors stem from assets being overlooked entirely. Jewellery, documents, collectibles, and cash equivalents are frequently discovered later during clearance or property inspection.

Where errors relate to missing assets, specialist asset recovery can be essential to ensure the estate is fully accounted for before revised valuations are submitted.

Preventing repeat valuation errors

Once an error has been corrected, executors should review the entire valuation process to prevent further issues. This may involve:

• Ensuring all properties and contents are fully assessed
• Avoiding reliance on memory or informal estimates
• Using photographic inventories
• Engaging specialists for complex assets

Professional oversight significantly reduces the likelihood of repeated errors.

Why professional support protects executors

Executors are not expected to be valuation experts, but they are expected to act responsibly. Instructing qualified probate and chattels valuers demonstrates due diligence and provides a clear audit trail if errors arise.

FEAC Legal supports executors across England, Scotland, and Wales with accurate, HMRC-compliant probate valuations. With over 12 years of experience and no valuations ever rejected by HMRC, FEAC Legal provides reassurance even when complications arise. Where needed, services such as asset recovery and professional house clearance can be integrated to ensure the estate is fully and correctly assessed.

Contact FEAC Legal

Email: admin@feaclegal.co.uk
Phone: 07448259106
To make an enquiry or request a valuation, please contact us.