Can I Get Professional Probate Assistance?
Yes. Professional probate assistance is widely available in England and Wales, and executors are not required to handle the process alone. A solicitor, licensed probate practitioner, or specialist probate service can be appointed to act on your behalf, and their fees are paid from the estate rather than out of your own pocket.
Services range from a grant-only option, where the professional simply obtains the Grant of Probate for you, to a full estate administration service covering everything from valuing assets and submitting IHT forms to HMRC through to paying debts and distributing the estate to beneficiaries. Grant-only services typically start from around £595 plus VAT for straightforward estates. Full administration costs more but removes the burden entirely.
Online platforms such as Farewill and Rocket Lawyer UK now offer these services fully remotely, without requiring in-person meetings. For a comparison of the main providers, our guide on the companies that offer probate assistance lists the options available and what each one covers. You can also read about the best online platforms for probate assistance for a more detailed breakdown of pricing and features.
Whichever route you take, make sure the provider is authorised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority or the Council for Licensed Conveyancers. Both bodies regulate probate work, and using an authorised provider gives you recourse if something goes wrong. If you are not sure whether you need professional help at all, speaking to a probate specialist for an initial assessment can help you decide whether the estate warrants it.
Services range from a grant-only option, where the professional simply obtains the Grant of Probate for you, to a full estate administration service covering everything from valuing assets and submitting IHT forms to HMRC through to paying debts and distributing the estate to beneficiaries. Grant-only services typically start from around £595 plus VAT for straightforward estates. Full administration costs more but removes the burden entirely.
Online platforms such as Farewill and Rocket Lawyer UK now offer these services fully remotely, without requiring in-person meetings. For a comparison of the main providers, our guide on the companies that offer probate assistance lists the options available and what each one covers. You can also read about the best online platforms for probate assistance for a more detailed breakdown of pricing and features.
Whichever route you take, make sure the provider is authorised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority or the Council for Licensed Conveyancers. Both bodies regulate probate work, and using an authorised provider gives you recourse if something goes wrong. If you are not sure whether you need professional help at all, speaking to a probate specialist for an initial assessment can help you decide whether the estate warrants it.