We’ve put together this guide to explain, in plain English, what probate is, what our service includes, and whether it might be right for you.

What Is a Grant of Probate?

A Grant of Probate is an official legal document issued by the Probate Registry. It confirms that the executors named in the Will have the authority to deal with the person’s estate.

You will usually need a Grant to:

• Access or close bank accounts
• Sell or transfer a property
• Cash in investments or life policies
• Finalise tax matters
• Deal with organisations that require formal proof of authority

Without a Grant, many institutions simply won’t release any assets. If the person passed away without a Will, the equivalent document is called Letters of Administration.

What Does Our One‑Off Grant of Probate Service Include?

This service is designed for people who are happy to handle most of the estate administration themselves, but want a professional to deal with the legal paperwork and HMRC forms.

Here’s what we do for you:

1. Initial Consultation

We’ll talk through the estate, review the information you’ve gathered, and confirm whether a Grant is needed. We’ll also explain what documents and valuations are required.

2. ID Checks for Executors

We carry out the standard identity and anti‑money‑laundering checks for each executor, a legal requirement.

3. Preparing All Probate Forms

We complete all the necessary legal documents, which may include:

• PA1P (if there is a Will) or PA1A (if there isn’t)
• The legal statement of truth
• Inheritance Tax forms (IHT205/IHT217 for simple estates or IHT400 for taxable estates)

4. Submitting the Application

We submit everything to HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS), deal with any questions they raise, and monitor the progress of your application.

5. Receiving the Grant

Once the Grant is issued, we send it to you so you can continue with the estate administration.

Who Is This Service Best Suited For?

This option is ideal if:

• The estate is fairly straightforward
• You’re comfortable gathering financial information
• You want to save costs by doing most of the work yourself
• You prefer a solicitor to handle the legal and tax paperwork

It’s not recommended for more complex estates involving business assets, trusts, foreign property, disputes, or significant tax issues. Those situations usually require full estate administration.

Why Choose a One‑Off Grant Service?

✔ Cost‑Effective

You only pay for the legal work needed to obtain the Grant.

✔ Reduces Stress

We handle the technical forms and HMRC requirements, so you don’t have to.

✔ Avoids Delays

Our experienced probate team ensures the application is completed correctly the first time.

✔ You Stay in Control

You manage the rest of the estate at your own pace — and you can always come back to us for extra help if needed.

What You’ll Need to Provide

To prepare the application, we’ll usually need:

• The original Will (if there is one)
• The death certificate
• A full list of assets and debts with date‑of‑death values
• Details of any gifts made in the last 7 years
• ID for all executors

Don’t worry, we’ll guide you through everything step by step.

How Long Does It Take?

Typical timeframes are:

• 1–3 weeks for gathering information and preparing the forms
• 8–16 weeks for HMCTS to process the application (depending on their backlog)

More complex estates may take longer.

What Happens After You Receive the Grant?

Once you have the sealed Grant, you can:

• Collect and close accounts
• Sell or transfer property
• Pay any debts and taxes
• Distribute the estate according to the Will

If you need extra help at this stage, we can provide guidance or additional support.

In Summary

A one‑off Grant of Probate service is a great option if you feel confident handling most of the estate yourself but want an expert to take care of the legal and tax formalities. It gives you reassurance, saves time, and keeps costs down, while still giving you access to professional support when you need it.