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Dealing with Probate?
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Losing a loved one is hard enough. Understanding what happens next — the paperwork, the property, the tax — shouldn't make it harder. Get free, plain-English guidance and speak to an independent SRA-registered probate solicitor at no cost.

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Probate Guidance
What Do You Need Help With?

Click any topic below for free guidance written in plain English — no legal jargon, no confusion.

Independent Legal Support

Speak to a Probate Solicitor — Free

Our independent SRA-registered probate solicitor offers a free initial consultation to anyone dealing with a probate estate in England and Wales. Get clear, honest advice with no obligation to proceed.

  • Grant of Probate applications
  • Letters of Administration (no will)
  • Inheritance Tax planning and advice
  • Selling a probate property
  • Trust and estate administration
  • Contested wills and family disputes
  • Executor rights and responsibilities
  • Capital Gains Tax on inherited property

This is an independent SRA-registered solicitor who operates separately from Probate Property Buyers Limited. You are under no obligation to sell your property or proceed with any paid services.

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What To Expect
The Probate Process — Step by Step

Every estate is different but the broad process follows these stages. Our solicitor can help at any point.

1

Register the Death

Register within 5 days. Order multiple death certificates — you'll need several copies for banks, HMRC and the Probate Registry.

2

Value the Estate

Every asset must be valued at the date of death. For property, you'll need a formal probate valuation from a qualified surveyor or estate agent.

3

Deal with Inheritance Tax

IHT must be reported to HMRC even if none is due. If tax is owed, it must be paid within 6 months of the date of death — even before probate is granted.

4

Apply for Probate

Once IHT is resolved, apply online via HMCTS. Current waiting times for the Grant of Probate are 14–20 weeks from application.

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Administer the Estate

Collect assets, pay debts, deal with the property. The property cannot legally be sold until the Grant of Probate is in hand.

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Distribute to Beneficiaries

Once all debts and taxes are paid, the remainder is distributed to beneficiaries according to the will or intestacy rules.

Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a solicitor to apply for probate?
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You do not legally need a solicitor to apply for probate — you can apply yourself online via HMCTS. However, for complex estates, those involving Inheritance Tax, disputes between beneficiaries, or where there is no valid will, professional legal advice is strongly recommended. Our solicitor offers a free initial consultation to help you understand whether you need professional help.
How long does probate take in 2026?
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Current waiting times are 14–20 weeks from the date the application is submitted to the Probate Registry. Before you can apply, you need to value the estate and deal with HMRC, which can add a further 4–12 weeks. In total, most families receive the Grant of Probate around 6–12 months after the date of death.
Can I sell the property before probate is granted?
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You can market the property, receive offers and instruct solicitors before probate is granted — but you cannot legally exchange contracts or complete the sale until the Grant of Probate is in your hands. Many cash buyers, including our partner company Probate Property Buyers Limited, will agree a price in advance and complete within days of probate being granted.
What happens if there is no will?
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If the deceased left no valid will, the estate is dealt with under the intestacy rules. The closest living relative applies for Letters of Administration rather than Probate. Who can apply — and who inherits — follows a strict legal hierarchy. Unmarried partners have no automatic right to inherit, regardless of how long the relationship lasted. Our solicitor can advise on your specific situation.
When is Inheritance Tax due?
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Inheritance Tax must be paid within 6 months of the date of death. This is an absolute deadline — HMRC charges interest on any unpaid tax after this point, even if the estate has not been fully administered or the property has not yet sold. This is one of the most important reasons to act quickly after a bereavement.
Is this a government service?
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No. Probate-Advice.co.uk is a private commercial service operated by Probate Property Buyers Limited (Company No. 17094262). We are not affiliated with HMCTS, the Probate Registry, HMRC or any government body. Our solicitor is an independent professional registered with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) who operates separately from our company.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Speak to our independent probate solicitor for free, or get a no-obligation cash offer for the property — whichever you need most right now.

Book Your Free Consultation → 020 3633 9458

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