Probate Explained

Probate is the official legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate. This involves dealing with their property, finances, and personal belongings. In most cases, a legal document—either a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration—is required from the Probate Registry to authorise someone to manage the estate.

The process differs slightly depending on whether the deceased left a will:

• Grant of Probate – If there’s a valid will, the appointed executors apply for this document to carry out the wishes outlined in the will.
• Letters of Administration – If there’s no valid will (known as dying ‘intestate’), a close family member usually applies for this to manage the estate.

Regardless of the situation, the overall process is similar for both executors and administrators.

Dealing with an estate—also known as estate administration—involves several legal, tax, and administrative steps. The complexity can vary based on factors like estate size, inheritance tax liabilities, and the number of beneficiaries.

Key Steps in Probate & Estate Administration:

1. Identify & Value assets
   • List and assess all assets, including property, bank accounts, investments, and personal possessions.
   • Determine if Inheritance Tax (IHT) is due. If so, complete the necessary tax forms and submit them to HMRC, along with payment.
2. Apply for probate

   Once all of the estate values have been identified and IHT has been paid if applicable, executors must submit the application to the Probate Registry, along with the death certificate, original will (and copies), and an application fee.

3. Collect Assets & Pay Debts
   • Once probate is granted, the executor or administrator can gather funds from bank accounts, investments, and other assets.
   • Settle outstanding debts such as loans, utility bills, mortgages and any outstanding tax.
4. Distribute the Estate
   • Locate and verify beneficiaries.
   • b. Distribute inheritances according to the will or, if no will exists, in line with intestacy laws.

Not all estates require probate. A Grant of Probate may not be necessary if:

• The total estate value is under £5,000.
• Assets were jointly owned (e.g., a house jointly owned by a married couple automatically passes to the surviving spouse).

However, even in these cases, some legal procedures must still be followed to transfer ownership correctly.

Handling probate can be time-consuming and stressful, especially when grieving. Many families choose to work with professional probate specialists to ensure everything is handled smoothly, legally, and efficiently.

At Assured Probate Services, we take care of the entire process for you, from probate applications to estate distribution — allowing you to focus on what truly matters.

We offer an affordable fixed price*, no matter how complex an estate may be, providing you and your family with transparency and peace of mind. Wherever you are in the UK, we will provide a free no obligation consultation, usually as a home visit, where one of our highly qualified and experienced associates will give you all the advice and support you need. Our associate will be able to assess the estate and provide you and your family with clarity on the tasks involved and we can then provide a written quote for Assured Probate Services to administer the estate.

With highly qualified and expert associates, we are one of the most trusted and reliable probate and estate administration companies in the UK.

Contact us today to find out how we can help.