Probate Explained: What Happens After You Die

When Emma's father died suddenly at 68, she discovered she was named as executor in his will. "I thought I just had to distribute his savings," she said. "I had no idea probate would take 9 months, cost £4,200 in professional fees, and involve coordinating with three banks, HMRC, and the Land Registry - all while grieving and managing my own family."

Emma's experience is not unusual. In 2024, approximately 27,400 grants of probate were issued monthly in England and Wales, with each case taking an average of 6-12 months to complete. For many families, probate becomes an unwelcome crash course in estate administration at the worst possible time.

This guide explains exactly what probate is, when it's needed, what the process involves, and how long you can expect it to take. Whether you've just been named as an executor, you're a beneficiary waiting for an inheritance, or you're planning ahead to spare your own family this burden, you'll find clear answers to the most common probate questions.

What Is Probate? The Legal Definition Explained

Probate is the legal right to deal with someone's property, money, and possessions - collectively called their estate - when they die. It's the process of proving a will is valid and confirming who has the authority to administer the deceased person's affairs.

In England and Wales, there are two types of grants you might apply for. A Grant of Probate is issued when there's a valid will, and it goes to the executor named in that will. Letters of Administration are issued when there's no will (or no valid will), and they go to the administrator - typically the closest living relative who applies.

Both executors and administrators are called "personal representatives." This is simply the legal term for anyone who has the authority to manage a deceased person's estate. The grant gives you legal power to access bank accounts, sell property, and distribute assets to beneficiaries.

Probate is required for approximately 50% of UK deaths, typically when the estate is worth more than £10,000. Each financial institution sets its own threshold - usually between £5,000 and £50,000 - for when they'll release funds without seeing a grant.

It's worth noting that the process differs in Scotland, where it's called "confirmation" rather than probate, though the basic principles remain similar.

When Is Probate Actually Needed?

Whether you need probate depends on the value of the estate and how assets are owned. This is often the first question bereaved families ask, and the answer isn't always straightforward.

The general rule is that probate is usually required if the estate is worth more than £10,000. However, each UK financial institution sets its own limit for when they'll release funds without seeing a grant of probate. Banks might release £5,000 to £50,000 without probate, but you won't know until you contact them directly.

Joint ownership is the key exception. Jointly owned property with "right of survivorship" passes automatically to the surviving owner without probate. The same applies to joint bank accounts. These assets don't form part of the deceased's estate for probate purposes.

Assets that typically require probate include solely owned property, bank accounts in the deceased's sole name, and stocks and shares held individually. If your mother owned her flat on her own, or your father had a savings account with £20,000 in his name only, you'll almost certainly need probate to access these.

Assets that typically bypass probate include life insurance policies with named beneficiaries and pension schemes with completed nomination forms. These pay out directly to the named person without requiring a grant.

Sarah discovered this distinction after her partner died. Their house was jointly owned, so it passed to her automatically. But his sole savings account held £18,000, and the bank refused to release it without probate - even though Sarah desperately needed those funds to cover the mortgage.

You may also need probate even for small estates if they include solely owned property. Land Registry won't transfer property ownership without seeing a grant, regardless of the property's value.

Executor vs Administrator: Understanding Your Role

The key difference between an executor and an administrator is simple: an executor is named in a will, while an administrator is appointed when there's no will.

Both roles carry similar legal responsibilities. The main difference is that an executor has the deceased's will to guide their decisions about who inherits what. An administrator must follow the fixed intestacy rules that determine inheritance when there's no will.

If you're named as an executor in someone's will, you're not legally obliged to take on the role. You can renounce your appointment if you don't want the responsibility. But if you've already started dealing with the estate - perhaps by accessing bank accounts or selling property - you've accepted the role and can't step back.

When there's no will, administrators are appointed in a specific order of priority. Surviving spouses or civil partners have first claim, followed by children aged 18 or over, then parents, then siblings. This order continues down through more distant relatives until someone eligible is found to apply.

It's important to note that separated spouses who haven't divorced still have priority over children and other relatives. This sometimes creates difficult situations when family relationships have broken down.

Both executors and administrators must collect all estate assets, value them accurately, pay any debts and taxes, and distribute what remains to the rightful beneficiaries. You're personally responsible for getting this right. If you distribute the estate incorrectly or before paying all debts, beneficiaries can sue you personally.

James discovered the weight of this responsibility when, as executor of his uncle's estate, he distributed the inheritance only to discover an unpaid tax bill six months later. He had to personally repay £8,000 to cover the debt because the beneficiaries had already spent their inheritance.

The legal liability is real, which is why many executors seek professional help for complex estates involving property, business interests, or significant inheritance tax.

The Probate Process: Step-by-Step Timeline

Understanding what actually happens during probate helps reduce anxiety and set realistic expectations. Here's what you can expect at each stage.

Week 1-2: Immediate Aftermath

Register the death with the registrar and obtain the death certificate. You'll need multiple copies - at least six - as many organisations require an original. Locate the will if there is one, and secure the deceased's property. Notify key organisations like banks, employers, pension providers, and HMRC.

This early period involves a lot of paperwork while you're still in shock. Give yourself permission to take things slowly.

Month 1-2: Estate Valuation

Value all assets as of the date of death. This means getting current bank account balances, property valuations from estate agents or RICS surveyors, and valuations for shares, vehicles, and personal possessions worth significant amounts. Contact every financial institution to find out what the deceased held.

Don't forget to identify all debts - outstanding mortgage balances, credit cards, utility bills, and any other money owed.

Month 1-3: Complete IHT Forms

Complete the appropriate Inheritance Tax forms. Most estates use form IHT205 for excepted estates below the £325,000 threshold. More complex estates require form IHT400, which is substantially longer. If Inheritance Tax is due, you must pay it before probate can be granted - this creates a cash flow challenge we'll discuss later.

Note that as of January 2024, the IHT421 form has been removed, streamlining the application process.

Month 2-3: Apply for Grant

Submit your application for probate using form PA1P (with a will) or PA1A (without a will). The court fee is £300 for estates over £5,000, with no fee for smaller estates. Extra copies of the grant cost £1.50 each, and you'll need several if the estate includes multiple financial institutions or property.

Sign your statement of truth confirming that the information in your application is correct to the best of your knowledge.

Wait for Grant: 4-12 Weeks Typically

This is where significant improvements have been made. In December 2024, the average wait time was just over 4 weeks for online applications, down from 12 weeks at the end of 2023.

Paper applications take approximately 15 weeks. Around 80% of applications are now submitted online, and for those who complete the online application and submit their documents without any issues, probate is granted in less than a week on average.

However, over 25% of applications couldn't be issued at first attempt in 2024. Common reasons include incomplete IHT forms, issues when multiple executors don't all apply, and will validity questions.

Month 4-8: Collect Estate Assets

Once you have the grant, present it to banks, building societies, and other organisations holding the deceased's assets. Close accounts and transfer funds to an executor's estate account. If property needs to be sold, instruct estate agents and solicitors. Transfer or sell shares and investments. Collect any debts owed to the deceased.

This stage takes time because you're dependent on multiple organisations processing your requests.

Month 6-9: Pay Debts, Taxes, and Expenses

Pay the funeral costs, outstanding bills, and any final tax liabilities. If the estate is taxable, you may need to submit additional IHT calculations once assets have been sold and you know the exact values.

Place statutory notices in the London Gazette and a local newspaper to invite creditors to make claims. This protects you from unknown debts appearing later.

Month 9-12: Distribute Estate

Distribute assets to beneficiaries according to the will or intestacy rules. Obtain signed receipts from everyone who receives assets. Prepare estate accounts showing all income, expenses, and distributions. Keep detailed records in case beneficiaries or HMRC have questions later.

Total typical timeline: 6-12 months for straightforward estates. Complex estates with business interests, overseas assets, or disputes may take 18-24 months or longer.

How Much Does Probate Cost?

Probate costs often surprise families. Understanding the full picture helps you budget appropriately and decide whether to handle probate yourself or seek professional help.

The court fee is £300 for estates over £5,000, with no fee for estates worth £5,000 or under. Additional grant copies cost £1.50 each. This is the only mandatory cost if you handle probate yourself.

If you use a solicitor, fees typically range from £2,000 to £10,000 plus VAT, depending on estate complexity. Many solicitors charge 2-5% of the estate value, while others charge hourly rates between £150 and £300. For Emma's father's £420,000 estate, the solicitor charged £3,200 plus VAT.

Online probate services occupy the middle ground, charging £595-£1,495 for professional help without full solicitor involvement. DIY probate, where you handle everything yourself, costs £300-£500 total - the court fee plus small disbursements.

Disbursements are additional costs you'll pay regardless of who handles the probate. Property valuations cost £150-£400 depending on the property. Professional valuations for unusual assets like antiques or business interests cost extra. Bank searches to identify unknown accounts cost around £2 per beneficiary.

Then there's Inheritance Tax - potentially the largest cost. IHT is charged at 40% on estates above £325,000, with a potential additional £175,000 residence nil-rate band if you're leaving your main home to direct descendants. This means qualifying estates can pass on up to £500,000 before any IHT is due.

Only 4.39% of deaths result in Inheritance Tax being paid - meaning 95% of estates pay no IHT. However, IHT revenue reached £7.5 billion in 2023/24, showing that estates that do pay IHT often pay substantial amounts.

Emma's father's estate provides a realistic example. Estate value: £420,000. Court fee: £300. Solicitor fees: £3,200 plus VAT. Property valuation: £400. IHT on £95,000 (£420,000 minus £325,000 threshold): £38,000. Total costs before beneficiaries received anything: approximately £42,000.

For straightforward estates with no property complications and no IHT due, DIY probate can save thousands in professional fees. But executors can be personally liable for mistakes, so many people choose professional assistance for peace of mind.

Common Probate Delays and How to Avoid Them

Probate delays compound grief and create financial strain. Understanding what causes delays helps you avoid them.

Recent history shows significant improvements. Probate delays nearly doubled from April 2022 to April 2023, with CILEX reporting that severe delays saw clients being advised probate would take at least nine months. This created considerable stress for bereaved families.

The good news: average wait times were cut to 4 weeks in December 2024, down from 12 weeks in late 2023. The government reduced the backlog by over 50,000 cases between August 2023 and late 2024 through increased staffing and digital transformation.

Despite these improvements, delays still occur. Incomplete or incorrect IHT forms are the most common rejection reason. HMRC scrutinises these forms carefully, and mistakes mean your application is returned, adding weeks to the timeline.

Multiple executors not all signing causes problems. If a will names three executors but only one applies, you must explain why the others aren't applying. Without proper documentation, the registry will query your application.

Will validity issues create significant delays. Unclear wording, missing signatures, or witness problems may require legal opinion before the registry will issue the grant. If witnesses were beneficiaries, or if the will wasn't properly signed, you may face will dispute proceedings.

Disputes among beneficiaries or challenges to the will can extend probate to years rather than months. If someone believes the will doesn't reflect the deceased's true wishes, or that they should have been provided for, they may enter a caveat blocking the grant.

Hard-to-value assets like business interests, overseas property, or disputed valuations require specialist input. You can't complete your IHT forms until values are agreed, and HMRC may challenge your valuations if they seem too low.

Missing assets or unknown debts discovered late in the process force you to revisit completed work. If a beneficiary mentions a savings account you didn't know about three months into probate, you must amend your estate valuation and potentially your IHT forms.

Prevention strategies make a real difference. Respond promptly to any registry queries - delays in providing requested information extend your timeline. Use online applications rather than paper where possible - online applications take an average of just over two weeks compared to 15 weeks for paper. Ensure all executors coordinate early about who will apply. Get professional valuations for unusual assets to avoid HMRC challenges.

CILEX research on the emotional impact is stark. Delays compound grief, cause financial strain when house sales fall through, and create anxiety during an already difficult time. CILEX president Emma Davies stated that "ongoing delays are having a considerable impact on bereaved clients, causing stress and anxiety at an already difficult time."

The recent improvements mean well-prepared estates now move through the system much faster. But preparation is key.

Probate and Inheritance Tax: What You Need to Know

The relationship between probate and IHT creates one of the most challenging aspects of estate administration: you must pay Inheritance Tax before probate is granted, but you need probate to access the deceased's money to pay the tax.

This catch-22 situation causes real problems. The estate might have £400,000 in a bank account, but you can't access it without probate. Yet HMRC requires £30,000 in IHT before they'll clear the paperwork allowing probate to be granted.

The IHT threshold is £325,000 - called the nil-rate band. This threshold has been frozen since 2009. If you're passing your main residence to your children or grandchildren, you may benefit from an additional £175,000 residence nil-rate band, giving a potential total of £500,000 before IHT is due.

IHT is charged at 40% on the amount above these thresholds. For an estate worth £425,000 with the full £500,000 allowance, no tax is due. For an estate worth £525,000, IHT is 40% of £25,000 - which is £10,000.

Married couples and civil partners can combine their allowances. When the first spouse dies, any unused nil-rate band transfers to the survivor. This means couples can potentially pass on up to £1 million (£325,000 + £325,000 + £175,000 + £175,000) before their children face any IHT.

The forms differ based on estate complexity. Form IHT205 is for excepted estates - generally those below the £325,000 threshold with no complications. Form IHT400 is the detailed form for taxable estates, running to many pages and requiring comprehensive asset listings.

Payment is due within 6 months of death to avoid interest charges. Miss this deadline and you'll pay interest on the outstanding tax, increasing the total bill.

Solutions to the cash flow problem exist but aren't always straightforward. Some banks allow payment of IHT directly from the deceased's accounts before probate is granted - ask each institution about their policy. An instalment option exists for property, allowing IHT to be paid in 10 yearly instalments, though interest accrues. Some executors take short-term loans to pay IHT, then repay the loan once the grant is issued and funds are accessed.

David faced this situation when his mother died leaving a house worth £450,000 and savings of £80,000. IHT of £20,000 was due (40% of £50,000 over the £500,000 allowance including residence nil-rate band). The bank refused to release savings without probate. David eventually used his own funds to pay HMRC, then reimbursed himself once probate was granted and accounts were closed.

Looking ahead, IHT rules are changing. From April 2027, inherited pension pots will be charged to IHT, bringing substantial assets that currently sit outside estates into the IHT net. This makes proper will planning even more important.

For estates approaching the IHT thresholds, professional tax advice is recommended. Exemptions exist for gifts to spouses, charities, and certain business property. Reliefs can significantly reduce tax bills if properly structured.

What Happens If There's No Will? Intestacy Explained

Dying "intestate" means dying without a valid will. When this happens, your estate is distributed according to fixed legal rules, not your personal wishes.

The intestacy rules follow a strict hierarchy. If you're married or in a civil partnership and have children, your spouse gets all personal possessions, the first £322,000 of the estate, and half of everything above that amount. Your children share the other half.

If you're married with no children, your spouse inherits everything. If you have children but no spouse, your children inherit everything equally.

Crucially, unmarried partners get nothing under intestacy rules, no matter how long you've lived together. Parents, siblings, and other relatives only inherit if there's no surviving spouse or children.

The problems with intestacy are substantial. You have no control over who gets what. Unmarried partners inherit nothing, even if you've lived together for decades and had children together. There's no provision for friends, charities, or step-children who aren't legally adopted. Your estate can't be distributed until an administrator is found and appointed, which may take time if family relationships are complicated.

Mark and Lisa's story illustrates the harsh reality. They lived together for 12 years and had two children, but never married. When Mark died suddenly at 42 without a will, Lisa inherited absolutely nothing. Mark's entire £180,000 estate went to his children - aged 8 and 10.

Lisa, who jointly owned their home with Mark, suddenly faced a devastating situation. The children's inheritance included Mark's half of the house. Until the children turned 18, their court-appointed property trustee could theoretically force a sale to release their inheritance. Lisa spent £15,000 in legal fees negotiating an arrangement to stay in the family home.

A simple will would have prevented this entirely. Mark could have left his share of the property to Lisa, with provisions for the children. He could have specified how his savings should be used for the children's benefit while ensuring Lisa wasn't left financially vulnerable.

When there's no will, finding an administrator can cause delays. If the closest relatives don't want the responsibility or can't agree who should apply, weeks or months pass while the estate remains frozen.

Family disputes are more common with intestacy because the rules may not reflect what the deceased would have wanted. When distribution seems unfair - a estranged child inheriting equally with a devoted daughter who provided years of care - resentment builds.

Creating a will costs £49.99 with WUHLD and takes 15 minutes online. This small investment prevents the intestacy complications that can devastate families and cost tens of thousands to resolve.

Probate and Property: Selling the Deceased's Home

What happens to the deceased's house creates anxiety for many families. The answer depends on ownership structure and estate administration requirements.

You generally cannot sell property until you have the grant of probate. Conveyancing solicitors won't proceed with a sale without seeing the grant, as it proves your legal authority to sell. This means realistically you cannot list property until month 3-5 of the probate process, after the grant is received.

The exception is jointly owned property. If the deceased owned property as "joint tenants" with someone else - typically a spouse - ownership passes automatically to the survivor. This property doesn't form part of the estate and can be sold without probate.

Property must be professionally valued as of the date of death for probate and IHT purposes. This valuation is what you report to HMRC, not the eventual sale price. Use estate agents who provide written valuations, or instruct a RICS surveyor for more formal valuation reports.

The timeline creates complications. Property values may rise or fall during the probate period. If you value a house at £350,000 in January but it sells for £385,000 in July, HMRC may question your original valuation and adjust your IHT calculation.

Empty property issues require attention. Standard home insurance often doesn't cover unoccupied properties - you'll need specialist empty property insurance, which costs more. Council tax may still be due, though discounts sometimes apply for empty properties. Maintenance costs continue - heating to prevent damp, garden maintenance, security.

If multiple beneficiaries inherit property jointly, all must agree to sale terms. This creates potential for disputes. One sibling might want to sell immediately to access their inheritance. Another might prefer waiting for market improvement. A third might want to keep the property as a rental investment.

Three siblings inherited their mother's £350,000 house in 2023. One needed funds urgently to cover debts. Two wanted to wait, believing prices would rise. As executor, the eldest had to mediate for 8 months before agreement was reached. During this time, empty property insurance cost £1,400, maintenance cost £800, and council tax cost £2,400. The delay cost over £4,600 in addition to the emotional strain.

Executors must be careful about timing. You cannot distribute estate assets until all debts and taxes are paid. If you sell a property and immediately give beneficiaries their share, then discover an unpaid tax bill, you're personally liable for that debt. Hold back a reserve until you're certain all claims are settled.

How to Make Probate Easier for Your Family

The complexity of probate becomes preventable when you plan ahead. These seven actions significantly reduce the burden on your loved ones.

Create a Clear, Legally Valid Will

This is the single most important step. Name your executors explicitly. Specify exactly who should inherit what. Include guardians for children under 18. Update your will when circumstances change - marriage, divorce, births, and deaths all require will reviews.

Use a professional will service like WUHLD or consult a solicitor. Homemade wills often have ambiguous wording or technical errors that create probate delays and potential legal challenges.

Organise Your Financial Documents

Create a comprehensive estate information document listing all bank accounts, investment accounts, pension schemes, life insurance policies, property, and debts. Include account numbers, provider contact details, and approximate values.

Note where important documents are kept - deeds, insurance policies, investment certificates. List passwords for online accounts, though check whether password sharing complies with terms of service. Update this document annually.

Your executor will bless you for this. Finding all accounts and assets is one of the most time-consuming parts of estate administration.

Choose Executors Carefully

Select organised, trustworthy people who are likely to outlive you. Ideally choose someone geographically close who can easily access property and documents. Consider appointing two executors for complex estates - they can share the workload and provide checks and balances.

Ask people before naming them. Being an executor is a significant responsibility. Some people - despite loving you dearly - are not suited to the administrative burden.

Discuss Your Wishes With Family

Reduce potential disputes by explaining your decisions while you're alive. If you're leaving more to one child because another received substantial gifts during your lifetime, explain this. If you're leaving nothing to an estranged relative, document your reasons.

These conversations are uncomfortable but prevent painful disputes during grief. Beneficiaries are more likely to accept distributions they consider unfair if they understand your reasoning.

Consider Simplifying Your Estate

Close unused bank accounts. Consolidate investments with one provider rather than spreading small amounts across six different platforms. Clarify joint ownership arrangements - ensure property is registered correctly as joint tenants if you intend it to pass to the survivor.

The fewer accounts and assets your executor must deal with, the simpler and faster probate becomes.

Keep Your Will Accessible

Tell your executors where your will is stored. Don't hide it somewhere "safe" where nobody can find it. Consider registering your will with the National Will Register or storing it with the probate service.

If your will can't be found after your death, you're treated as dying intestate even if a valid will exists somewhere.

Review Beneficiary Nominations

Life insurance policies and pension schemes with completed nomination forms bypass probate and pay directly to named beneficiaries. Ensure these nominations are current - not showing an ex-spouse from 15 years ago.

These direct payments can provide funds quickly to help with funeral costs and immediate expenses while probate proceeds.

The gift of a clear will and organised estate information can save your family months of stress, thousands in professional fees, and the emotional burden of guessing your wishes while grieving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Probate

Q: Do I need probate if my spouse dies?

A: You may not need probate if assets were jointly owned. Jointly owned property, joint bank accounts, and assets with "right of survivorship" pass automatically to the surviving spouse without probate. However, you'll likely need probate if your spouse had accounts in their sole name worth more than £5,000-£50,000 (threshold varies by institution), solely owned property, or assets specified in a will. Even married couples should check which assets were jointly versus solely owned.

Q: How long does probate take in the UK?

A: Straightforward estates typically take 6-12 months from death to final distribution. The grant itself takes an average of 4 weeks for online applications (as of 2024), down from 12 weeks in late 2023. Paper applications take approximately 15 weeks. Complex estates with business interests, overseas assets, or disputes may take 18-24 months or longer. Around 80% of applications are now submitted online, significantly reducing processing times.

Q: Can I sell a house without probate?

A: You generally cannot sell a house without probate in the UK. Solicitors won't proceed with property sales without seeing the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration, as this proves your legal authority to sell. The exception is jointly owned property with "joint tenants" ownership, which passes automatically to the surviving owner without probate. For solely owned property, you must wait for the grant before listing or selling.

Q: How much does probate cost?

A: The court fee is £300 for estates over £5,000, with no fee for smaller estates. DIY probate costs £300-£500 total (court fee plus small disbursements). Online probate services charge £595-£1,495. Full solicitor services cost £2,000-£10,000+ depending on estate complexity, typically 2-5% of estate value. Additionally, Inheritance Tax may be due at 40% on estates above £325,000 (with potential additional £175,000 allowance for main residence). Only 4.39% of UK deaths result in IHT being paid.

Q: What's the difference between an executor and an administrator?

A: An executor is named in the will and applies for a Grant of Probate. An administrator is appointed when there's no will and applies for Letters of Administration. Both roles involve the same responsibilities: collecting estate assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing to beneficiaries. The main difference is that executors follow the will's instructions, while administrators must follow intestacy rules. The order of priority for administrators is: spouse/civil partner, children 18+, parents, siblings, then other relatives.

Q: Can I do probate myself without a solicitor?

A: Yes, you can handle probate yourself (DIY probate) for straightforward estates with no property complications, no inheritance tax, and no disputes. You'll pay the £300 court fee plus small disbursement costs. However, estates involving property, business interests, complex assets, inheritance tax complications, or potential disputes often benefit from professional legal help. Executors can be personally liable for mistakes, so many people choose professional assistance for peace of mind, particularly for estates worth over £100,000 or those including property.

Spare Your Family the Probate Burden

Dealing with probate while grieving is one of the most challenging administrative burdens families face. The complexity Emma experienced - coordinating with multiple institutions, navigating HMRC requirements, and waiting months for resolution - is a reality for thousands of families each year.

But it doesn't have to be this way for your loved ones.

Key takeaways:

Probate is required for approximately 50% of UK deaths when estate value exceeds institutional thresholds, typically £5,000-£50,000
The process takes 6-12 months on average for straightforward estates, with significant 2024 improvements bringing grant processing down to 4 weeks for online applications
Total costs range from £300-£500 for DIY probate to £2,000-£10,000+ for professional services, plus any Inheritance Tax due (40% over £325,000, though only 4.39% of estates pay IHT)
Common delays include incomplete IHT forms, executor coordination issues, and will validity problems - all largely preventable with proper preparation
The most effective way to ease probate for your family is to create a clear, legally valid will and organise your estate information now

A legally valid will is the single most important step you can take to simplify probate for your family. WUHLD lets you create a complete, legally sound will online in just 15 minutes for £49.99 - no solicitor appointments, no expensive hourly fees, no subscriptions.

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Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information about the probate process in England and Wales and does not constitute legal advice. Probate requirements and procedures may vary based on individual circumstances. For advice specific to your situation, particularly for complex estates, contested wills, or unusual assets, please consult a qualified solicitor or probate specialist. WUHLD's online will service is suitable for straightforward UK estates; complex situations may require professional legal advice. This article focuses on England and Wales - probate rules differ in Scotland (confirmation) and Northern Ireland. Inheritance tax rules are complex and subject to change; for estates with significant value or unusual assets, professional tax advice is recommended.

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