Our DIY probate kit can be used for straightforward (non-complex) estates with UK only property
and assets (excluding any business assets). It works if there is a will or no will.
The most up-to-date probate kit on the market - updated November 2024
"I just wanted to thank you for your prompt and helpful service. All my paperwork has now been received, many thanks. I will certainly recommend you to anyone in the same position as I was in December."
- Miss S Gray
" Really appreciate your kindness and support at what was an immensely difficult time for my family when my father died and left us as executors and beneficiaries of his will. Would definitely recommend anyone to try to do probate themselves using your DIY Probate Kit, together with your unwavering phone support."
- Mr R Hussain
"Having to deal with my sister's death and starting the probate process was extremely difficult. This Let's Do Probate Kit really helped me deal with probate and the support team were really kind and helpful when I called needing additional help. I can't recommend this highly enough!"
- Brian Caldew
" I looked at some other books and kits to help do probate myself, but found the Let's Do Probate Kit to be really helpful and written in plain English - I also liked the fact that it was specifically updated for use during the COVID crisis."
- Peter Patrick
" This Kit came in very handy when our elderly Aunt died and we needed help with probate and inheritance tax.
Many thanks Fiona! "
- W J McCormick
" I found the kit really easy to use and very interesting. I have submitted my Inheritance Tax paperwork and hope to have probate done in the next 8 weeks (fingers crossed)."
- Mrs B. Cartwright
Do I Need To Apply For Probate?
If the deceased left assets in their sole name with a total value of more than £5,000 then you will usually need to obtain a Grant of Probate (if there is a will) or Letters of Administration (if no will or no valid will).
When Is This Let's Do Probate Kit Suitable For Use?
You can use this DIY Probate Kit to do probate yourself, if at the date of death, the deceased:
• Lived in England or Wales and had no overseas assets.
• Their total assets did not exceed £1,000,000.
• Did not make any gifts or transfer any assets of more than £150,000 in total value,
in the 7 years prior to their death.
• The value of their estate is below the current Inheritance Tax threshold (£325,000 currently)
Can I Use This Kit If There Is No (Valid) Will?
If there is no (valid) will, then the process for applying to become the Administrator (rather than Executor) of an estate is similar and you would apply for Letters of Administration rather than Probate. Despite the different names for the different processes, they are essentially the same process. The Letters of Administration process is also included in the DIY Probate Kit, so yes you can use this kit if there is no (valid) will.
When Should I Use A Solicitor?
If there is are any disputes, if there is a large extended family, a business or foreign property involved, or if there are insufficient assets to pay all of the debts or a significant amount of money. Also if there are complex inheritance tax calculations required and substantial inheritance tax to pay.
How Much Does Probate Cost Through A Solicitor?
On average you can expect to pay £5,000 – £6,000 + VAT for an average sized straightforward estate. Solicitors will usually charge an hourly rate typically £150 - £300 per hour plus an additional fee typically 0.5% to 1.5% of the value of the estate and then there's 20% VAT on top of that. Because they charge on an hourly basis solicitors have an incentive to make the work last as long as possible. Banks typically charge a percentage of the estate (around 4%).
How Long Does Probate Typically Take?
It can range from 6 - 10 weeks to 12 months and longer, depending on the complexity of the will and estate, for example if there are family disputes and inheritance tax is due etc. The simpler the will and estate, the quicker it is typically to deal with HMRC and get probate granted.
How Difficult Is The Inheritance Tax & Probate Paperwork To Do?
The process is fairly straightforward but there are legally required timelines for submission of Inheritance Tax paperwork to HMRC (Revenue & Customs) before you can apply for Probate. If the value of the deceased's estate is under £325,000 then there is typically no inheritance tax to pay and the paperwork if far simpler to complete.
What If I Need Extra Help?
If you need any extra help, you can contact us FREE of charge via email or phone 9am - 6pm (Mon - Fri) and via chat support over the weekends. We will help you as much as we can but we do not offer legal advice.
If you need additional support or would like us to take over the inheritance tax paperwork and probate process, you can upgrade to our Supported Probate Service or Fully Managed Probate Service at any time and we will refund you the cost of the Let's Do Probate Kit purchase.
Can You Do The Inheritance Tax & Probate Application Paperwork For Me?
Yes, we can take over the probate application paperwork for you at any time - we have a separate fee structure for this. Whilst the process is fairly straight-forward, it can sometimes be overwhelming due to the time involved and the effects of grief.
You can do this simply by upgrading to our Supported Probate Service. We are unable to provide detailed guidance on your particular estate with regard to the IHT400 forms other than providing an example in this kit. We can refer you to regulated accountants who are sufficiently qualified to help you with IHT calculations if you require. There are phone numbers of HMRC Inheritance Tax queries and help with completion of your IHT400 forms inside the kit.
How Do I Get A Refund If I'm Not Satisfied?
We are sure you will find our Let's Do Probate Kit easy to follow, useful and that it gives you all the tools you need to gather the relevant information for inheritance tax and probate application paperwork together and get both of these done in a timely, cost-effective manner.
If you are not happy with the kit for any reason, we will refund you the purchase price of the kit no questions asked.
DISCLAIMER: Exclusion of Liability & Disclaimer
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that this product provides accurate and expert guidance, it is impossible to predict all the circumstances in which it may be used. Accordingly, neither the publisher, authors, nor solicitor who has assisted in the production of this product and updated or refined it, or whose name is credited as having so assisted and updated or refined it, nor retailers, nor any other suppliers shall be liable to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damage caused or alleged to be caused as a result of the use of the information contained in or omitted from this product.
This product gives you a limited guarantee. If for any reason you are not happy with your purchase, you may contact us with your receipt within 30 days of the date of purchase for a full refund. In no event shall our liability exceed the purchase price of this product. Use of this product constitutes acceptance of these terms.
For use in England & Wales probate applications only
"The Let's Do Probate Kit" is a trading style of The Financial Rebel Company Ltd
Company Reg. No: 14624684 | Registered Office: 27 Old Gloucester Street, LONDON, WC1N 3AX |
Telephone: 0330 229 0319
Copyright - The Financial Rebel (2023)