Frequently Asked Questions

Is Probate expensive? Is Probate complex? Why do I need a Will? What is Tenants in Common? Just some of the Frequently Asked Questions with regards to Probate & Wills.

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions with regards to Probate, Letters of Administration and Making a Will. Please call 020 8150 2010 if you have any further questions with regards to Making a Will, Probate or our range of services.

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Who needs a Will?

Property or Land Owners, anybody with cash assets in excess of £5000 or whose estate will receive a payment in excess of £5000 after death i.e from an Insurance Company or Pension provider.

I don't have £5000, can I still write a Will?

Yes. You can write a Will to distribute personal effects but there is not generally a need to take the Will to Probate.

What is Probate?

An application to the High Court (Probate Registry ) to claim responsibility for and effectively deal with somebody’s money or assets.

Is Probate complex?

Not always. Every estate is different.

Is Probate exepnsive?

Every estate is different and of course the work can be varied. We offer a low cost guaranteed fixed price solution. You will know the total fees before we start work.

How much does Probate cost?

Every estate is different and of course the work can be varied. If you call us on local rate 0845 600 3527 we can quote you a low cost guaranteed fixed fee.

Do I need a Solicitor?

No. Personal application are accepted by the Probate Registry.

What is a Deed of Variation?

Please see our specific Deed of Variation page.

What is a Letter of Administration or what are Letters of Administration?

Almost exactly the same as Probate except you apply for a Letter of Administration if there was no Will. The procedure and forms are exactly the same as Probate.

What is Intestacy or Intestate?

If you do not make a Will you die “Intestate”.

Who will benefit if I die without a Will?

Governments have applied what is known as the Law of Intestacy, it will depend on who is your closest relative. See our specific chart on the Laws of Intestacy.

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Does my spouse inherit everything if I do not make a Will?

Absolutely not. There are limits laid down by the Laws of Intestacy.

Can I write my own Will?

Yes of course. But our Online Wills start at just £25.00, is it worth the risk?

Does my partner inherit my house if I do not make a Will?

Absolutely not. Partner’s inherit nothing.

What can I do to stop the tax man taking my hard earned money?

Call us.

Will my children be liable for inheritance tax?

If the total value of your assets exceeds the nil rate band (currently £325K as of April 2009) then the answer is yes. Inheritance Tax will most likely fall due.

What is a Caveat?

A form lodged with Probate registry that would register your interest in an estate and thus stop the probate registry from issuing a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration.

Can I stop someone applying for Probate?

Yes. You can enter a caveat which will stop the Probate registry from issuing a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration. It is strongly advisable to take legal advice before entering a caveat, please call us we can help you.

What are the Probate registry fees?

To make a personal application the Probate Registry charge £80 plus an additional £1 for every extra Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration required.

Where can I obtain the Probate forms.

Through our web shop (probate forms).

Are banks more expensive than a solicitor for Probate?

From our experience banks do NOT apply for Probate, banks use their in house solicitors as such the bank must charge a fee as will the solicitors, so the answer is most likely yes. Ask yourself this question: “Would you trust your solicitor with your savings?” Then why use a bank for Probate?

Do IWC cover my area?

For Probate or Letters of Administration the answer is yes as we are able to use a panel of solicitors covering all regions with the exception of Scotland. If you wish you Make a Will we offer nationwide coverage through our Online wills service however we only offer home consultations for will writing within our coverage area.

What we offer:

Comprehensive Services

Explanation of Intestacy Rules with a full account for Estate Distribution.

Deed of Variation

Deed of Variation to alter any distribution if required subject to agreement of all those affected.

Family Tree Research

Family Tree Verification via Genealogy research.

Personal Representative Advice

Advice on the Personal Representative’s Responsibilities and duties that must be carried out.

Will Finding Services

Advice on Missing Will Insurance that may be required before any distribution.

Inheritance Specialists

We are specialists in the field, fully conversant in current inheritance laws and taxation.

020 8150 2010

Choose Professional Probate Administration Services

You spend a lifetime caring for the people who matter most. Making a will is one simple way to continue looking after them, even when you’re no longer here.

Making a will doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. In many cases, it can be completed in less than an hour.