The Step-by-Step Probate Guide
Probate can take months and carries personal financial risk if you get it wrong. This plain-English guide walks you through the full process.
What the guide covers
Do you need probate?
How to work out whether the estate requires a grant, and when you can skip it entirely.
Gathering the documents
A full checklist of what you need before you apply, so nothing delays the process.
Applying for the grant
Step-by-step: whether to apply online or by post, the current court fee, and what happens next.
Dealing with the estate
Collecting assets, paying debts, and distributing to beneficiaries. In the right order.
When to get professional help
The situations where a solicitor is worth the cost, and how to find fixed-fee probate.
Who this guide is for
- Executors named in a will who are not sure where to start
- Family members dealing with an estate for the first time
- Anyone who wants to understand the process before deciding whether to use a solicitor
This guide is for general information only. It is not legal or financial advice. For decisions specific to your situation, speak to a qualified solicitor.
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