DIY Probate Services
We offer targeted, individual support services to help DIY executors complete essential checks efficiently and accurately.
Important Advisory for DIY Executors While we provide these specialised verification and enquiry services directly to the public, estate administration involves strict legal duties under UK law. Personal representatives are personally liable for mistakes, unpaid debts, or missed beneficiaries.
Essential Estate Enquiries, Asset Searches, and Valuations for Personal Representatives
Managing the estate of a loved one can feel like a daunting administrative task. We do not advocate dealing with probate yourself as there is plenty of risk and you can be held personally liable for errors. If you decide to handle probate or estate administration yourself (the DIY route), ensuring accuracy from day one is essential. Incorrectly reporting estate assets, missing valid wills, or miscalculating property and asset values can lead to tax penalties, legal disputes, and personal financial liability.
For complex estates, high-value assets, or disputed wills, we strongly advise instructing an insured estate administration professional. A regulated or specialist professional carries Indemnity Insurance to safeguard the estate, ensuring all work is executed with complete legal protection.
Get in touch to find out more
Simply contact us here or call us 020 8150 2010 to arrange your free consultation. We look forward to clarifying your options and discussing the best way forward. Remember – your initial conversation with IWC is free of charge.
Our Individual Support Services for DIY Executors
Whether you need to confirm you hold the latest will or require accurate HMRC-compliant valuations for probate applications, you can instruct us for individual, standalone tasks:
1. Will Searches & Document Location
Before distributing any assets, you must verify that you hold the deceased’s final, valid Will.
- Countrywide Will Searches: We conduct thorough searches across national databases, local solicitors, and writing specialists to locate unregistered or hidden wills.
- Benefit: Protects you against distributing an estate under an obsolete will or an outdated intestacy rule.
2. Comprehensive Asset & Financial Searches
It is common for individuals to hold dormant bank accounts, old pensions, investments, or insurance policies that family members are unaware of.
- Financial Asset Tracking: We conduct systematic enquiries across banks, building societies, pension providers, share registrars, life assurance companies, and investment platforms.
- Benefit: Uncovers forgotten wealth and prevents incomplete probate declarations.
3. Share & Investment Valuations
Equities, stocks, and unit trusts require accurate market valuations as of the exact date of death for Inheritance Tax (IHT) and Probate filings.
- Formal Share Valuations: We provide official date-of-death valuations for UK and foreign holdings, including dividend calculations due to the estate.
- Benefit: Ensures full compliance with HMRC reporting guidelines.
4. Residential & Commercial Property Valuations
Porperty is often the largest asset in an estate. Estimating value without formal backing can trigger HMRC audits or delays in securing the Grant of Probate.
- Probate Property Valuations: We coordinate desktop or full professional valuations to establish accurate open-market value at the date of death.
- Benefit: Protects against capital gains miscalculations and HMRC penalty notices.
5. Motor Vehicle & Special Asset Valuations
Cars, classic vehicles, and specialised personal items must be accounted for at fair market value rather than rough estimates.
- Vehicle & Chattel Valuations: Fast, verified market valuations for vehicles, caravans, and personal property.
- Benefit: Provides clear documentation for equal beneficiary distribution or estate sales.
How can we help?
To discuss any aspect of our expert services, contact us here.
Or, for instant confidential consultation or impartial advice, please call 020 8150 2010.
Remember – your initial conversation with IWC is free of charge.
Explore our Probate services
Obtaining a Grant of Probate involves dealing with HMRC and the UK Probate Court, which can be complex and time-consuming. But not with our support. We provide free initial advice and offer fixed-fee services, and can visit you at your convenience for a no-obligation consultation.
Find a Will
Whether you are looking for the will of someone who has recently died or trying to locate a will for a person who passed away many years ago, we can help. We can also assist in establishing whether Probate has been applied for and provide guidance on the next steps.
Share Valuation for Probate
When dealing with estate administration, it’s important that Executors secure the correct valuation for stocks and shares held by the deceased. We offer expert help with the formal valuation required for Inheritance Tax, and can provide it via appointed solicitors, accountants or lay Executors.
Request a quote
Where to begin? It’s a question on many people’s minds when dealing with wills and probate, and it typically starts with an idea of how much it costs to hand the burden over to friendly experts. Our costs are low and fixed, so you can budget with confidence. Simply get in touch to discuss your needs
Probate guides and forms
What are all these forms I need to fill in? And where can I get them from? We know precisely which forms you need, and you can buy and download most of them from IWC’s Probate Resources Section. And if you need any help completing or checking them, just ask…
What's our story?
We’ve been around since 1999, and have built a trusted brand and a strong business on honesty, straightforwardness, wide-ranging expertise, full transparency and – of course – excellent customer service.
Why Use Our Verification Services?
| ✓ HMRC Compliance | Reports structured to meet official standards |
| ✓ Time Saving | We handle complex queries and institution follow-ups |
| ✓ Personal Protection | Reduces the risk of missing hidden liabilities |
When Should You Hand Over to a Professional?
While DIY administration is possible for simple estates, you should consider professional management if the estate involves:
- Taxable thresholds requiring Inheritance Tax (IHT) returns (IHT400).
- Complex family dynamics, potential disputes, or claims against the estate.
- Business assets, agricultural property, or foreign holdings.
- Insolvency or significant debts.
Remember: If an error occurs during a DIY administration, the executor is personally responsible for financially rectifying it. Professional estate practitioners carry dedicated insurance so the estate – and your personal finances – remain fully protected.
Still Have Questions?
Explore more information on our FAQ’s page or, to discuss any aspect of our expert services, contact us here.
Or, for instant confidential consultation or impartial advice, please call 020 8150 2010.
Remember – your initial conversation with IWC is free of charge.