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Probate

Together, we will help you navigating the complexities of the probate proceedings as smoothly as possible.

As a family, losing a loved one is a difficult and stressful time and you might feel unable to handle the administrative and legal matters that need careful consideration.

Many executors choose to hand everything over to a specialist experienced team that can manage all the necessary matters in a way that is efficient, compassionate, and compliant with the law. This can have many benefits, but the main one is that it will allow you to focus on more personal matters.

We will help the family to see a clear way forward, ensuring all matters are handled with empathy and understanding. We acknowledge that the loss of a loved one frequently results in significant adjustments to family life - our primary goal is to make sure the family is not burdened with matters like interacting with the authorities, transferring assets to beneficiaries, and filing returns to HMRC.. We take pride in fulfilling our promises and agreeing in advance with you a timeline of actions and tasks taking that burden from you.

Prepare inheritance tax accounts and claim reliefs 

Apply for Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration

Taxation support for the individual that has died

Prepare inheritance tax accounts and claim reliefs 

Apply for Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration

Taxation support for the individual that has died

Preparation of Estate accounts and returns

Guidance on administering Will Trusts

Support on Estate administration 

Preparation of Estate accounts and returns

Guidance on administering Will Trusts

Support on Estate administration 

Learn more about our Probate work


Our latest insights

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Ladies talking over coffee
Autumn Budget: Individuals
The announced tax rises will impact nearly everyone, as the government reverses its pledge to not increase taxes for the working person.
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Consultation response: Reforming IHT
The proposed inheritance tax reforms introduce significant complexity, risk, and cost for families, personal representatives, and businesses.
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Businesses face rising inheritance tax pressure amid Business Property Relief reform
Crowe was invited to Parliament’s Call for Evidence on ‘Reforming inheritance tax.
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Digital assets and death: navigating the digital afterlife
As our lives become increasingly digital, it’s vital to consider the fate of our digital assets after we pass away.
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Income Tax reporting
Navigating the tax system after losing a loved one can be overwhelming. Understanding whether the estate is simple or complex is the first step.
typing-on-laptop-dark-image
Simple vs complex estates
Navigating the tax system after losing a loved one can be overwhelming. Understanding whether the estate is simple or complex is the first step.
Ladies talking over coffee
Autumn Budget: Individuals
The announced tax rises will impact nearly everyone, as the government reverses its pledge to not increase taxes for the working person.
Two ladies looking at desk with laptop
Consultation response: Reforming IHT
The proposed inheritance tax reforms introduce significant complexity, risk, and cost for families, personal representatives, and businesses.
parliament hd
Businesses face rising inheritance tax pressure amid Business Property Relief reform
Crowe was invited to Parliament’s Call for Evidence on ‘Reforming inheritance tax.
Desk with paper and calculator
Digital assets and death: navigating the digital afterlife
As our lives become increasingly digital, it’s vital to consider the fate of our digital assets after we pass away.
typing-on-laptop-dark-image
Income Tax reporting
Navigating the tax system after losing a loved one can be overwhelming. Understanding whether the estate is simple or complex is the first step.
typing-on-laptop-dark-image
Simple vs complex estates
Navigating the tax system after losing a loved one can be overwhelming. Understanding whether the estate is simple or complex is the first step.

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.
What is Probate?

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.

When is Probate required?
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.
Who can apply for Probate?
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.
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 happens if there is no Will?
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.
Can I apply for Probate myself?
Yes, there are fees associated with applying for Probate. The cost can vary depending on the value of the estate but is usually around £300.
Who pays if I need help to apply for Probate?
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?
Inheritance Tax is a tax on the estate of someone who has died. Before applying for probate, you must value the estate and determine if inheritance tax is due. See our article here for more details. The current threshold and rates can be found on the HMRC website here.
Can Probate be challenged?
Yes, 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.

We're here to help


Our 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 this for you, please get in touch.
Natalie Butt
Natalie Butt
Director, Private Clients