How Does our Probate Assistance Service Work?

Supporting you with Probate Assistance

Losing a loved one is never easy. Amidst the emotional challenges, there can also be practical and legal matters to handle — such as sorting through finances, property and paperwork. At Beneficial Family Wills, we understand how overwhelming this can feel, which is why our Probate Assistance Service is here to guide you with care and compassion.

Our role is to take away as much of the administrative and legal stress as possible, so you can focus on your family, your memories, and the process of healing.

What Is Probate?

When someone passes away, their estate — including their home, savings, investments and personal belongings — needs to be valued, their debts settled, and their remaining assets distributed to the right people.

To do this, a Grant of Probate (if there’s a will) or Grant of Letters of Administration (if there isn’t) may be needed. This official document, issued by the Probate Registry, gives the executor or administrator the legal authority to deal with the estate.

Probate is usually required when the estate is valued at over £5,000, or when financial institutions ask to see the Grant before releasing funds.

The Probate Process Explained

Every estate is unique, but most follow a similar set of steps. Here’s a simple overview of what’s involved:

1. Registering the death and gathering documents

The death must be registered, and certified copies of the death certificate obtained.
The will (if there is one) must be located and reviewed.
Organisations such as banks, pension providers and insurers need to be notified, and details of the estate’s assets and liabilities gathered.

2. Valuing the estate and checking for Inheritance Tax (IHT)

The estate’s value must be calculated — everything owned, minus any debts owed.
If Inheritance Tax applies, the relevant forms must be completed and sent to HMRC, and any tax paid before the Grant can be issued.
Even if no tax is due, the estate’s value still needs to be declared.

3. Preparing and submitting the application

The correct forms must be completed, depending on whether a will exists.
The original will and supporting documents are sent to the Probate Registry.
A small application fee is payable at this stage.

4. Waiting for the Grant to be issued

Once reviewed, the Probate Registry will issue the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration.
This document allows the executor or administrator to legally deal with the estate’s assets.

5. Administering the estate

With the Grant in hand, the executor can collect in assets, pay debts and taxes, and distribute the estate to the beneficiaries.
Records must be kept carefully, and any ongoing tax matters (such as rental income or capital gains) may also need attention.

How Our Probate Assistance Service Can Help

Our friendly and experienced team can help you navigate the process smoothly and confidently.

Here’s what’s included in our service:

Preparation of the probate application based on the information and values you provide.
Submission of the application to the Probate Registry once all documents are ready.
Completion of inheritance tax forms and submission to HMRC, if required.
Calculation of any tax due before the Grant is issued.

Throughout the process, we’ll keep you updated, explain everything clearly, and ensure you feel supported every step of the way.

How Much Does Probate Assistance Cost?

Because every estate is different, we’ll provide you with a fixed-fee quote based on your individual circumstances before we begin any work.

You’ll receive a clear breakdown of costs and a Letter of Engagement, so you know exactly what’s included.

The fee can vary depending on factors such as:

The number of Inheritance Tax reliefs being claimed (e.g. Residence Nil Rate Band, Transferrable Nil Rate Band).
Gifts made by the person who has passed away within the last seven years.
Complex tax calculations or reliefs such as Business or Agricultural Property Relief.
Any issues with the will that need to be resolved before applying.

If extra work arises after the fixed fee has been agreed, we’ll always discuss this with you first and provide a new quote — so you’re never caught off guard.

A Helping Hand When You Need It Most

At Beneficial Family Wills, we believe that compassion and clarity go hand in hand. Our Probate Assistance Service is designed to make a difficult time a little easier by taking care of the legal and practical details on your behalf.

If you’d like to speak to us about how we can help you with probate — or if you simply want some friendly guidance on what to do next — please get in touch.

We’re here to listen, support and guide you, every step of the way.

📞 Contact us today to find out how we can help you manage your loved one’s estate with care and confidence.