Probate can feel overwhelming when you are grieving and suddenly responsible for someone else’s money, property and paperwork. The process becomes more manageable when treated as a sequence: confirm who has authority, identify the estate, deal with tax, obtain the legal grant where required, collect assets, pay liabilities and distribute what remains.
One clarification comes first. The probate process UK families encounter is not identical across all four nations. This guide focuses mainly on England and Wales, where an executor named in a valid will applies for a grant of probate. Scotland uses confirmation, while Northern Ireland has its own Probate Office procedure.
Step One: Find the Will and Confirm Who Should Act
Search for the original, most recent will and any codicils that amend it. The will should name one or more executors. They are responsible for administering the estate and applying for the grant if one is needed.
If there is no valid will, the estate is intestate. An eligible close relative may apply for letters of administration instead, and the estate is distributed under intestacy rules.
An executor who does not want to act should understand the available choices before handling estate assets. Depending on the circumstances, they may renounce, allow another executor to apply while reserving their power, or obtain professional advice.
Step Two: Register the Death and Notify Organisations
After the death is registered, obtain several certified copies of the death certificate. Banks, pension providers, insurers and investment platforms may each require one. The Tell Us Once service can notify many government departments, but private organisations must still be contacted separately.
Secure the deceased’s home, redirect important post, maintain necessary insurance and protect valuable possessions. These practical executor duties begin before probate is granted.
Step Three: Decide Whether Probate Is Needed
A grant is not required for every estate. Jointly owned assets may pass automatically to the surviving owner, and some banks release smaller balances without probate. Each institution sets its own requirements, so contact every provider rather than assuming one threshold applies everywhere.
Probate is commonly required when the deceased owned property in their sole name or held substantial savings and investments. Avoid distributing money or committing to a property sale until the necessary authority is in place.
Step Four: Value the Estate
Create a complete inventory of assets and debts at the date of death. Include property, bank accounts, investments, vehicles, valuable possessions, business interests and money owed to the deceased. Record mortgages, loans, credit cards, household bills and funeral costs.
Use professional valuations for property, businesses or valuable collections where appropriate. Also investigate significant gifts made before death because they can affect Inheritance Tax.
A practical method is to keep a spreadsheet showing each organisation, account reference, date contacted, date-of-death value, supporting document and outstanding action. That record becomes the working map for the administration.
Step Five: Report the Estate and Deal With Inheritance Tax
Before applying, the personal representatives must establish the estate value for Inheritance Tax purposes. Many straightforward estates qualify as excepted estates and do not require a full IHT400 account. More complex or taxable estates may need detailed reporting to HM Revenue and Customs.
If Inheritance Tax is due, some normally has to be paid before the grant can be issued. Banks may sometimes release money directly to HMRC. Professional advice is useful where there are lifetime gifts, trusts, overseas assets, a business or specialist tax reliefs.
Step Six: Apply for the Grant
In England and Wales, an executor with a will applies for a grant of probate. An administrator normally applies for letters of administration where there is no will. Applications can often be made online, although some cases require paper forms.
As of July 2026, the probate application fee in England and Wales is £526 when the estate is valued above £5,000, with no application fee for an estate worth £5,000 or less. Help with fees may be available for eligible applicants.
Official guidance says probate is usually issued within 12 weeks after an application is submitted, although requests for further information, will problems, tax issues or disputes can cause delays. This is only the grant stage; completing the whole estate normally takes longer.
Step Seven: Collect Assets and Pay Liabilities
Once the grant arrives, send official copies to banks, investment companies and other organisations. Close or transfer accounts, deal with property and place estate money in a dedicated executor account rather than mixing it with personal funds.
Settle funeral costs, administration expenses, debts and taxes before paying beneficiaries. Keep invoices, statements and a clear record of every receipt and payment. Distributing too early can create difficulties if a valid debt or tax bill appears later.
Step Eight: Prepare Estate Accounts and Distribute
Prepare estate accounts showing the starting assets, income received, sale proceeds, debts, tax, expenses and the final amount available. Distribution must follow the will or, if there is no will, the intestacy rules.
Deal with specific gifts before dividing the remaining residue. Obtain receipts from beneficiaries and retain the estate records after the administration closes.
How Scotland and Northern Ireland Differ
In Scotland, the equivalent court authority is called confirmation and applications are handled through the sheriff court system. Scottish succession rules and forms differ from those in England and Wales. Northern Ireland uses grants of probate and letters of administration, but applications go through the Northern Ireland Probate Office and separate fees apply. Use the official guidance for the nation where the deceased was domiciled.
Do You Need a Solicitor?
You can often handle a simple, undisputed estate yourself. Professional advice is sensible where the will is unclear, relatives disagree, the estate is insolvent, tax is complex, assets are overseas, a business or trust is involved, or someone may contest the will. A solicitor can manage the whole estate or only the difficult stages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does probate take in the UK?
In England and Wales, the grant is usually issued within 12 weeks of a complete application, but administration may take many additional months. Property sales, tax work, missing beneficiaries and disputes can extend the timetable.
Can an executor pay beneficiaries before probate?
Small interim payments may be possible in limited circumstances, but executors should not distribute money needed for tax, debts or expenses. Paying too early can create personal risk.
What happens if there is no will?
An eligible relative may apply for letters of administration. The estate is divided according to the intestacy rules, which may not match what the family expected.
Can probate be avoided?
Probate may not be required for jointly owned assets passing automatically or assets an institution agrees to release without a grant. The answer depends on ownership and each organisation’s rules.
Moving Through the Process With Confidence
The safest approach is orderly rather than rushed. Confirm authority, build a reliable asset-and-debt record, complete the tax work, obtain the correct grant, and settle liabilities before distributing the estate. Careful records and early professional advice where needed protect both beneficiaries and the person carrying out the administration.
