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Probate and estates
Practical help after someone dies: applying for probate, dealing with the bank and the tax office, and sharing out the estate.
Executors often come to us after weeks of trying to deal with banks themselves. We can do as much or as little as you need, from getting the grant of probate to handling the whole estate, and we'll give you an estimate in writing first.
What we cover
- Applying for the grant of probate or letters of administration
- Valuing the estate and inheritance tax returns
- Selling or transferring the family home
- Estate accounts and paying the beneficiaries
- Estates where there is no will
How it works
- A first meetingWe go through the will, the assets and the debts, and agree what you'd like us to do.
- Gathering the informationWe write to banks, pension providers and HMRC to value the estate.
- The grantWe apply to the probate registry for the grant.
- Collecting and payingWe collect the money, pay the debts and any tax.
- Final accountsWe prepare estate accounts and pay the beneficiaries.
Questions
How long does probate take?
Getting the grant usually takes 4 to 6 months. Finishing the whole estate usually takes 9 to 12 months.
Who pays your fees?
Our fees are paid from the estate, not by the executors personally.
Is inheritance tax payable?
It depends on the value of the estate and who inherits. Most estates pay none. We'll check it for you.