How difficult is it to do probate yourself?

Probate refers to the process of obtaining a Grant of Probate, which is a legal document that an Executor may need to administer the estate of someone who has died. Probate is not always required. It is generally required when:

• Registering the death

• Valuing the assets and liabilities

• Valuing the property

• Valuing any gifts made by the deceased

Once the estate has been valued for Inheritance Tax purposes (if applicable), an application can be submitted to the Probate Registry. This can take several months to be approved, and the process can be delayed by errors with the application or Probate Registry delays.

Many choose to instruct a professional to apply for probate on their behalf, as it is a complicated process that involves a lot of paperwork and legal knowledge. It’s best practice to obtain a range of quotes when choosing a professional provider so that you can understand what is included in each service and make an informed decision.

For advice on how to proceed with the probate process, get in touch.

It’s important to be aware of the costs associated with applying for probate and estate administration to help you plan for the financial impact. Probate Registry fees in the UK are charged by the government for issuing a Grant of Probate, which may be required to administer the estate of a deceased person.

These fees depend on the value of the estate. As of 2023, the fees are £273 if the estate value is £5,000 or over. However, no fees are applicable if the estate value is under £5,000. The fees are payable by the Personal Representative (the individual dealing with the estate) and must be paid before the Grant can be issued. It is important to note that these fees are separate from any fees charged by professional probate providers.

The cost of instructing a professional to complete the probate process or full estate administration can vary depending on the complexity of the estate, the size of the estate, and the specific services required. Professionals, such as probate and estate administration providers and Solicitors, can charge in a variety of ways, including fixed fee pricing, hourly rates, or a percentage of the estate. Many people find fixed fees preferable, as they provide a clear view of exactly what you will be paying upfront. Hourly rates can quickly add up and the final cost may be unclear at the outset. A percentage of the overall estate can be expensive, and it is not always reflective of the work involved.

In addition to the Probate Registry fees and probate service fees, there may be other costs associated with the estate administration process that should be taken into consideration, such as: valuation fees; insurance costs; court fees; and more.

By obtaining a clear breakdown of the costs involved before proceeding, you can ensure that there are no unexpected expenses. Executors can claim back reasonable expenses from the estate once the administration is complete