Guides

Taking care of someone’s estate

How to compare probate services and prices

Before choosing your probate provider, it’s worth shopping around to find the best service at the best possible price. Here, we’ll look at the main things you need to look out for when comparing probate services in England and Wales.

What are letters of administration?

Letters of administration (also known as a grant of letters of administration) is a document issued by the probate registry. This allows someone to act as the administrator of an estate after someone has died.

What information do you need before applying for probate?

Before applying for probate, you'll need to gather details about your loved one's estate. Here, we'll cover what you need, why, and how you can find it – and we’ve also got a free probate checklist to help you keep track of everything.

Who can apply for probate?

After losing a loved one, you may need to apply for probate before you can deal with their estate – but only specific people can handle the probate application. Here, we’ll look at who can apply and how you can get started today.

What does the probate registry do?

The probate registry is responsible for handling probate applications in the UK. Once an application has been approved, the probate registry will issue a grant of representation to either the executor or administrator of the estate.

How to find a probate solicitor in the UK

You can find a probate solicitor near you by searching online or in telephone directories. Or, if you would prefer to sort out probate over the phone, you could use our nationwide probate service.

DIY probate: how to deal with someone's estate without paying expensive solicitor fees

Dealing with probate can be an expensive process. But by closing accounts, selling property and distributing assets yourself, you could save thousands in probate solicitor fees.

How to get probate without a will

To get probate without a will, you need to apply for a grant of letters of administration. This allows the next of kin to access the estate and distribute assets in line with the rules of intestacy – which we’ll explain in more detail here.

Is it possible for one executor to act without the other?

If you’re an executor of a will and other executors have also been appointed, you may have some questions about who should act and apply for probate and how. This article explains some of the things you may need or want to know as a co-executor.