IWC Reviews
We have many 5 star reviews from over 400 satisfied and happy clients. Feel free to browse our TrustPilot reviews below. We always insure we’re there for you whenever you need us.
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Get a Quote for Probate
Submit your Probate Application online and we will send you a full quote for our services
I was very confused. Having a will already made 20 years ago felt I had to update it soon. IWC were very helpful, clear and fast. Thank you. Highly recommended.
I had no idea what I was doing but Hannah really guided me through it! The service is quick, efficient and supportive of what you want to achieve. Thank you so much for all your help!
Found IWC online and contacted them in relation to a complicated will held in Spain.
The guys I spoke with were both extremely helpful , knowledgeable, timely and what really amazed me in todays world was they afforded me research and information without charging me anything..
Would recommend to anyone and would have no hesitation in contacting IWC for any future requirements.
I contacted IWC with help on obtaining an NIE number. Whole process was done and finalised within a week. Juan who I dealt with, was helpful, knowledgeable and replied promptly. Kept in contact to check how my appointment went and has confirmed he will be available if anything else is needed which was a nice touch. If I need any other assistance I will definitely use IWC as they have been brilliant throughout. Very happy 😊
I would like to recommend IWC to anyone looking for help with Probate, it has been difficult times and they have been very patient with regards my dads probate and have always replied to my emails promptly. If I have phoned they have been very helpful and friendly.
Dealings with IWC were very helpful and all staff I came into contact with were always friendly, and replies were always very prompt.Would recommend this company to anyone.
Ive just had dealings with IWC over my dads will and the help and guidance i received from Sam Hill and Sharon was simply second to none. At a difficult time with so much going on they made things a lot easier for me and i cant thank them enough.
I needed solicitors to deal with probate following the death of my brother. Due to remote working I didn’t get any replies to phone enquiries I made with local solicitors but an online search took me to IWC which had good reviews.
I’d like to thank Sharon Edward’s who dealt with Probate and Estate Management. All business was conducted quickly and efficiently by email and post.
Any queries I had were dealt with by return meaning the management of the estate was dealt with promptly and legacy payments were made much earlier than expected.
I’d like to thank Sharon for her dedication and friendly and approachable manner which made a difficult time easier to cope with.
Probate Services at a Glance
You take care of your family all of your life, don’t leave them in a mess when you’re not there. Making a Will is quick, simple and needn’t take more than an hour of your time!
Grant of Probate
A Grant of Probate is the official document issued by the Probate Registry when the deceased Made a Will.
Grant De Bonis Non
Grant De Bonis Non is required when a person named as an Executor on a Grant of Probate dies without having made a Will.
Letter Of Administration
Letters of Administration is Probate when the deceased person left no Will and died intestate.
Executors Duties
An Executor carries all the responsibility for administering an Estate. We can help Executors fulfill their duties.
Contentious Probate
Some contentious probate matters can be resolved without expensive litigation, we can offer advice.
Probate Guides & Forms
We supply a selection of Probate guides and forms which can help you during the probate process.
“I would like to say a big thank you to the team for all that you have done for me and my mother. We can not fault IWC and their staff, who kept us up to date with everything by phone or letter. Absolutely perfect. Thank you for everything. Take care.”
FAQ’s
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What's Included in Probate Costs in the UK?
- HMCTS probate application fee £300 but rising to £526 13thJuly 2026 and £16 per copy grant, decreasing to £2 on 13th July 2026 (subject to approval).
- Solicitor or probate specialist fees.
- Valuation fees for property and assets.
- Inheritance Tax (if payable).
- Land Registry and conveyancing fees.
- Bankruptcy searches and anti-money-laundering checks.
- Estate administration costs, such as selling a property or closing accounts.
- Property insurance and bills.
For simple estates, costs may be relatively small, while complex estates involving multiple assets or disputes can be significantly more expensive.
How Can I Check My Probate Application Status?
You can check your probate application status by:
- Logging into your online probate account if you applied online.
- Contacting HMCTS Probate Service.
- Asking your solicitor for an update if they’re handling the application.
Before contacting HMCTS, make sure you have your case reference number available.
Does Probate Take Longer with a Complex Estate?
Complex estates almost always take longer to administer because there is a lot more work involved, such as valuing assets, calculating and paying inheritance tax, dealing with multiple properties, overseas assets, businesses and much more. The executors may also need specialist valuations for business or properties and may need legal or tax advice which can delay the process. While a straightforward estate may be completed within several months, a complex estate can take 12-18 months or longer, depending on its complexity.
Can I Distribute Money Before Probate Is Granted?
In most cases, you should not distribute estate assets before probate has been granted. Without a Grant of Probate (or Letters of Administration), executors usually do not have the legal authority to access or distribute many assets. The only exceptions are some banks may release funds without a grant of probate should this be a small amount, generally below £5,000, or if the assets were joint these often pass automatically to the survivor or joint account holder.
Distributing money too early can mean the executor is personally liable if debts or unexpected claims/disputes arise later. It is recommended in all cases to wait the statutory 6-month period before distributing any monies.
How Long Do Creditors Have to Claim Against an Estate?
Creditors can make a claim against an estate if they are owed money by the deceased. To protect themselves from unknown claims, executors or administrators often place a Section 27 notice in the London Gazette and the local newspaper.
Once the notice is published, creditors generally have two months to come forward with a claim. If the estate is distributed after this period and no claims have been received, the executor is usually protected from personal liability for unknown debts.
Known debts, however, should always be settled before distributing the estate. If a creditor comes forward before distribution, their claim must usually be resolved first.
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Is Probate Taking Longer Than It Used To?
Although probate processing has improved since the significant delays experienced during recent years, it can still take longer than it did historically.
Straightforward applications are now often processed within 12–16 weeks, but delays can still occur due to incomplete applications, complex estates, IHT issues or if additional information is required.
The overall administration of an estate usually takes longer than obtaining the Grant of Probate itself, particularly where property needs to be sold or multiple beneficiaries are involved.
How Can I Reduce Probate Fees and Time?
While probate cannot always be completed quickly, there are several ways to reduce delays and unnecessary costs.
You can help speed up the process by:
- Gathering all financial information before applying.
- Obtaining accurate valuations for assets.
- Submitting a complete probate application, proof reading before applying.
- Paying any Inheritance Tax due promptly.
- Responding quickly to requests for further information.
- Keeping clear records throughout the estate administration.
If the estate is straightforward, some executors choose to handle probate themselves. However, for larger or more complicated estates, using an experienced probate administrator can help avoid costly mistakes and prevent delays, ultimately saving time in the long run.
How Long Does Probate Take for Small Estates?
Small estates are often quicker to administer than larger or more complex ones. In some cases, probate may not be required at all if the estate falls below the financial thresholds set by banks or financial institutions. Each bank has their own threshold and can decide if probate is needed for monies anywhere from £5,000 plus. If probate is not needed.
Where probate is needed a straightforward smaller estate may receive a Grant of Probate within 12–16 weeks, with the full estate administration often completed within 8-12 months.
How Long Between Death and Probate Application?
There is no legal deadline as such for applying for probate, but most executors begin the process within a few weeks to a few months after the death.
Before an application can be submitted, the executor usually needs to:
- Register the death.
- Locate the original will.
- Value the estate.
- Calculate any Inheritance Tax due.
- Gather financial information from banks and other organisations.
For straightforward estates, many probate applications are submitted within 1–3 months of the death, although complex estates can take longer.
What Happens If the Executor Doesn't Apply for Probate?
An executor is not legally required to act and may choose to renounce their role before dealing with the estate. If they do not wish to act, another named executor, or an eligible beneficiary may be able to apply instead.
If an executor simply fails to act without formally stepping aside, this can delay the administration of the estate. Beneficiaries may apply to the court in certain circumstances to have the executor removed or replaced if they are unreasonably refusing to administer the estate.
Delays can also lead to increased costs and frustration for beneficiaries waiting to receive their inheritance.
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.