If you've been named as an executor, you're facing months of legal paperwork, asset valuations, tax returns, and creditor notifications—all while grieving. Many executors feel overwhelmed by the responsibility and worry about making costly mistakes. You don't have to do this alone.
You've just lost someone close to you. Now you're responsible for obtaining the Grant of Probate, valuing all assets and liabilities, paying inheritance tax (if applicable), settling debts and notifying creditors, and distributing the estate correctly.
Without guidance: Many executors spend 100+ hours on administration, often making errors that delay distribution or create family disputes.
You think handling probate yourself will save money. But mistakes are expensive: incorrect valuations trigger HMRC investigations, missed creditors create legal liability, distribution errors lead to beneficiary disputes, and lost documents cause months of delays.
The result: What you save in fees, you often lose in time, stress, and potential penalties.
Multiple beneficiaries, different expectations, old tensions resurfacing. As executor, you're caught in the middle trying to be fair while managing everyone's emotions.
Without professional support: Family relationships fracture under the pressure—often permanently.
Probate typically takes 9-12 months when handled correctly. When executors handle it alone, the process often extends to 18-24 months because of incomplete paperwork, valuation delays, missed deadlines, and beneficiary disputes.
Meanwhile: Assets remain frozen, bills accumulate, and your family waits.
From the initial application to final distribution, we manage every aspect of the probate process so you don't have to navigate complex legal requirements while grieving.
We prepare and submit your Grant of Probate application, handling all forms, valuations, and HMRC submissions so you don't have to decipher legal paperwork.
We identify, value, and collect all estate assets—property, bank accounts, investments, personal possessions—ensuring nothing is missed or undervalued.
We notify all creditors, settle outstanding debts, and handle claims against the estate according to legal priority, protecting you from personal liability.
We complete all required tax returns (IHT400, estate accounts, income tax) and handle HMRC correspondence so you avoid penalties and investigations.
We keep beneficiaries informed throughout the process and ensure accurate, timely distribution according to the will or intestacy rules.
We ensure you fulfill your legal duties correctly, protecting you from personal liability for executor mistakes and providing peace of mind throughout.
Professional probate administration is valuable if any of these situations apply:
If any of these apply, professional support can save you time, stress, and potential costly errors.
Let us handle the complexity. Speak to Our TeamWe guide you through each stage of probate with clarity and compassion, handling the complex work while keeping you informed every step of the way.
We review the will, identify all assets and liabilities, complete required valuations, and submit the Grant of Probate application. You'll understand exactly what's involved and what to expect.
Timeframe: Month 1-3Once we receive the Grant, we collect all assets, settle outstanding debts, pay any inheritance tax due, and handle all creditor claims and HMRC correspondence.
Timeframe: Month 4-9We prepare final estate accounts, distribute assets to beneficiaries according to the will or intestacy rules, and provide complete documentation for your records.
Timeframe: Month 10-12Typical Timeline: 9-12 months for straightforward estates; 12-18 months for complex estates
(for estates under £500k)
What's Included:
Fee Structure:
• Fixed fee for straightforward estates under £500k
• Percentage-based fees for larger or complex estates (1-2% of estate value)
• No hidden charges—all costs outlined upfront
*Disbursements (probate court fees, property valuations, etc.) charged separately at cost
DIY Executor
vs.
Professional Probate Service
Going through probate as an executor has likely shown you how complex and overwhelming the process can be. Your family shouldn't have to face this when you're gone.
Comprehensive estate planning—including wills, trusts, and inheritance tax strategies—can significantly reduce the probate burden for your loved ones.
If you've experienced the stress of handling someone's estate, now is the time to ensure your family won't face the same challenges.
Planning Checklist:
Our Complete Estate Planning & Asset Protection service ensures your family won't face the probate challenges you've experienced. Let us help you plan ahead.
We understand probate happens during difficult times. You'll have a dedicated contact throughout the process, and we're always available to answer questions and provide support when you need it most.
Straightforward estates typically take 9-12 months from application to final distribution. Complex estates with multiple properties, business interests, or family disputes can take 12-18 months or longer. We provide realistic timelines based on your specific situation.
Yes, but it's demanding. Most executors spend 100+ hours on administration and risk making costly errors. If the estate is simple (under £100k, no property, single beneficiary), DIY may be manageable. For anything more complex, professional support typically saves time, reduces stress, and prevents mistakes.
The estate follows intestacy rules, which determine who inherits based on family relationships. We can still administer the estate—applying for Letters of Administration instead of a Grant of Probate—and ensuring distribution follows legal requirements.
Yes, potentially. Executors who misvalue assets, miss creditors, or distribute incorrectly can be held personally liable for losses. Professional probate support protects you by ensuring all legal duties are fulfilled correctly.
For straightforward estates under £500k, we charge a fixed fee starting from £2,995 +VAT. For larger or complex estates, we typically charge 1-2% of the estate value. All fees are discussed upfront with no hidden charges. Disbursements (court fees, valuations) are additional and charged at cost.
Losing someone is difficult enough without the burden of complex legal administration. Whether you're facing probate as an executor or want to spare your family this process, we're here to help.
Let us handle the legal complexity so you can focus on what matters—your family.