Managing an estate and applying for probate can be complex. Get clear guidance on executor responsibilities, the probate process, and estate administration.
Estate administration—the process of gathering assets, paying debts, and distributing what remains to beneficiaries—is one of the most complex tasks after someone dies. Whether or not probate is needed depends on the size and nature of the estate.
Do you need probate? Probate is a legal document (called a 'Grant of Probate' if there's a will, or 'Letters of Administration' if there isn't) that gives you authority to deal with the deceased's assets. You typically need it if the person owned property, had bank accounts or investments above certain thresholds (often £5,000-£50,000 depending on the institution), or had assets in their sole name.
When probate isn't needed: If all assets were jointly owned (and pass automatically to the surviving owner), if the estate is very small, or if assets are below individual institution thresholds, you may not need probate. Each bank and building society has its own rules.
The probate process in England and Wales involves several steps: valuing the estate, completing an inheritance tax return (even if no tax is due), applying for the grant, collecting assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing to beneficiaries. The application can be done online or by post.
As an executor, you have legal duties: to administer the estate according to the will, to pay debts and taxes before distributing assets, to keep accurate records, and to act in the best interests of the beneficiaries. You can be personally liable for mistakes, so seek professional help if the estate is complex.
Inheritance tax (IHT) is charged at 40% on estates above £325,000 (the 'nil-rate band'). However, there are important exemptions: anything left to a spouse or civil partner is exempt, and a residence nil-rate band of up to £175,000 may apply if the home passes to direct descendants. Most estates pay no inheritance tax.
Timeline: Probate typically takes 6-12 months to complete, though complex estates can take longer. The initial grant usually arrives within 4-8 weeks of application if there are no complications.
Professional help: Solicitors typically charge 1-4% of the estate value plus VAT for full probate administration. Probate specialists may be cheaper. For straightforward estates, many executors manage the process themselves using online guidance.
If there's no will (intestacy), the estate passes according to fixed rules: spouse/civil partner first, then children, then parents, siblings, and so on. If you need Letters of Administration, you must apply in a specific order of priority based on your relationship to the deceased.
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Farra is a digital assistant that helps with death admin and bereavement support in the UK. From registering a death to applying for probate, Farra provides step-by-step guidance, essential documents, and practical help for families navigating the administrative side of loss. Designed to bring clarity and compassion to the most difficult moments, Farra simplifies estate paperwork, bank notifications, and funeral-related tasks so you can focus on what matters.