Probate
Together, we will help you navigating the complexities of the probate proceedings as smoothly as possible.
Losing someone close to you is incredibly difficult, and dealing with the legal and practical responsibilities of their estate can feel overwhelming.
Many executors choose to place the administration of an estate in the hands of an experienced specialist team. We can take care of the legal, tax and practical matters with efficiency, compassion and care, giving you the time and space to focus on yourself and your family.
Our team of specialists at Crowe UK will guide you through each stage and provide a clear way forward. From dealing with HMRC and other organisations to collecting assets, preparing tax returns and transferring assets to beneficiaries, we will take care of the detail and keep you informed throughout.
At the outset, we will agree a clear plan with you, setting out what needs to be done, who will be responsible for each step and the likely timescales. Our aim is to ease the burden on you and your family and provide reassurance that the estate is being handled carefully and properly.
Preparing Inheritance Tax accounts and claiming reliefs
Preparing Inheritance Tax accounts and claiming reliefs
Obtaining the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration
Obtaining the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration
Final tax affairs of the person who has died
Final tax affairs of the person who has died
What we do for you
Every estate and every family is different. We take the time to understand the estate, your responsibilities and the level of support you need. From there, we will explain what needs to happen in clear, practical terms and agree a plan for moving matters forward.
Whether you would like us to manage the entire estate administration or help with specific aspects, we can deal with the legal, tax and practical requirements on your behalf. We will guide you through each stage, keep you informed and provide a clear way forward, giving you and your family the time and space to focus on more personal matters.
Why work with Crowe UK
Administering an estate can involve much more than obtaining a Grant of Probate. There may be complex tax issues, trusts, business interests, property, overseas assets or difficult decisions for executors and families.
Our Probate specialists work alongside Crowe UK’s tax, valuation, forensic and financial planning professionals, giving you access to the right expertise in one place. You will have a clear point of contact who will coordinate the work, explain matters without unnecessary jargon and make sure the estate is handled carefully, efficiently and with empathy throughout.
How we have helped our clients
Sole Executor
When our client's father, Mr R, passed away unexpectedly, she found herself overwhelmed with grief and now the daunting task of managing his estate.
Mr R had left a Will and his daughter Jane was named the sole executrix.
Succession planning
Mr and Mrs J were a wealthy couple who had built a substantial estate over their lifetime. Mr J passed away many years ago; Mrs J has recently passed away, leaving behind their adult children and school-age grandchildren. Mrs J's named her children as the primary beneficiaries.
Probate for a family business
The W family owned a successful third-generation manufacturing business.
Following Mr W’s death, his wife and two sons faced a complex estate involving business assets, investments, and property.
Probate rarely ends with the grant. Learn why estate administration takes time and how a cautious approach protects beneficiaries.
Seeking advice early can help executors avoid delays, disputes and personal liability.
Probate rarely ends with the grant. Learn why estate administration takes time and how a cautious approach protects beneficiaries.
Seeking advice early can help executors avoid delays, disputes and personal liability.
Frequently asked questions
Navigating the probate process can be challenging, especially during a difficult time. Here are some frequently asked questions to help you understand probate better.
When is Probate required, and who is eligible to apply?
Probate is the legal process of administering a deceased person's estate, ensuring that their assets are distributed according to their Will or, if there is no Will, according to the laws of intestacy.
You typically need probate if the deceased owned property, had significant assets, or if financial institutions require it to release funds. Probate may not be necessary for small estates or assets held jointly.
If there is a Will, the executor named in the Will applies for probate. If there is no Will, the closest living relative can apply for letters of administration.
What are the costs associated with Probate, including any disbursements or third-party fees? What factors might influence the overall price, and do you offer fixed fees?
Every estate is different, so the cost of probate and estate administration will depend on the complexity of the estate, the assets involved and the level of support the executors or administrators need.
As a guide, our fees for probate and estate administration work are usually based on the time spent by our specialist team. We will always provide an estimate of our fees at the outset, once we understand the estate and the support required. We will also keep you updated as the matter progresses, particularly if the scope of work changes or if additional complexity arises.
For estates which require preparation of IHT400’s have assets within the UK and some degree of complexity, our fees for applying for the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration may typically start from £8,000 plus VAT and disbursements.
For estates where we are asked to provide a fuller estate administration service, fees are likely to be higher and will depend on the assets, tax position and practical work required. We will provide a tailored estimate before any work begins.
Disbursements are costs payable to third parties. These may include, for example:
- probate application fees
- fees for official copies of the Grant
- bankruptcy-only Land Charges searches
- statutory advertisements
- valuation fees
- Land Registry fees
- foreign legal advice
- specialist tax advice
- other professional fees, where required.
We will let you know which disbursements are likely to apply and whether VAT is payable on them.
The cost may increase where, for example:
- the estate includes multiple properties or business assets
- inheritance tax is payable
- business property relief, agricultural property relief or other reliefs need to be claimed
- there are foreign assets or beneficiaries overseas
- there are lifetime gifts or trusts to consider
- the deceased had complex income tax or capital gains tax affairs
- there are missing records or incomplete information
- there are disputes or difficulties between executors or beneficiaries
- HMRC raises enquiries.
We will discuss any cost implications with you as soon as they become clear and will provide updated estimates where appropriate.
Where the work is clearly defined, we may be able to agree a fixed fee or a capped fee for certain parts of the probate process, such as preparing the probate application.
For more complex estates, a fixed fee may not be appropriate at the outset. In those cases, we will give you a clear estimate, explain the assumptions behind it and keep you updated on costs as the matter progresses.
What does your Probate service cover, and are there any exclusions I should be aware of?
Depending on what you need, our probate and estate administration support may include:
- reviewing the Will and identifying the executors
- advising on the information required to prepare the probate application
- identifying and valuing estate assets and liabilities
- preparing inheritance tax forms and claiming available reliefs and exemptions
- applying for the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration
- liaising with HMRC, HM Courts and Tribunals Service and other third parties
- advising on estate tax matters
- preparing estate accounts
- supporting executors with the administration and distribution of the estate.
We will agree on the scope of our work with you in advance, so you are clear about what is included.
Unless agreed with you separately, our probate pricing will not usually include the following:
- contentious probate or disputes between beneficiaries
- challenges to the validity of a Will
- claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975
- conveyancing or property sale work
- specialist foreign legal advice
- detailed trust advice beyond the estate administration
- tax planning for beneficiaries
- business asset valuation
- dealing with complex lifetime tax issues
- work required because the information provided to us is incomplete or changes significantly.
If additional work is needed, we will explain this clearly and provide a further estimate before carrying out that work.
How long does Probate take?
The probate process can take several months to over a year, depending on the complexity of the estate and any potential disputes.
What are the implications if there is no Will, and is it possible for Probate to be challenged?
If there is no Will, the estate is distributed according to the rules of intestacy, which prioritise spouses, children, and other close relatives. The court appoints an administrator to manage the estate.
Probate can be challenged if there are disputes about the validity of the Will, the executor's actions, or the distribution of the estate. This is known as entering a caveat.
Is it possible for me to apply for Probate independently, and if I need assistance, who is responsible for the payment?
There are fees associated with applying for Probate. The cost can vary depending on the value of the estate but is usually around £300.
Seeking advice can be beneficial, especially for complex estates, to ensure that all legal requirements are met and that the process runs smoothly, with the cost of that advice being an expense of the estate.
What is Inheritance Tax and how does it affect Probate?
We're here to help
Our Crowe UK team can provide support and assistance in this difficult time. We understand the frustrations of the Probate process and are here to take control and navigate it for you. Please get in touch.
