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    EstateCopilot

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    Do I Need Probate?

    Get instant clarity on whether you need probate for your loved one's estate. Take our free 2-minute assessment and receive personalised guidance.

    Free Assessment
    Instant Results
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    Up to 80% Savings

    Understanding Probate in the UK

    What is Probate?

    Probate is the legal process of administering a deceased person's estate. It involves proving the validity of their will (or applying for the right to administer the estate if there's no will), valuing the estate, paying any taxes and debts, and distributing the remaining assets to beneficiaries.

    Why is it Required?

    Banks, building societies, and other institutions often require a Grant of Probate (or Letters of Administration) before they'll release assets. This legal document proves you have the authority to access the deceased's assets and distribute them according to the will or intestacy rules.

    You Likely Need Probate If:

    • Property or land is owned solely in the deceased's name
    • Shares or stocks held in the deceased's name
    • Bank accounts over institutional limits (typically £15,000-£50,000)
    • Insurance policies or pensions requiring probate documentation

    You May Not Need Probate If:

    • All assets were held jointly and pass automatically to the survivor
    • Assets had nominated beneficiaries (some pensions, insurance policies)
    • Bank accounts fall below the institution's small estate limit
    • All property was held as 'joint tenants' with a surviving owner

    Find Out in 2 Minutes

    Answer a few simple questions to get personalised guidance on whether you need probate

    Probate Assessment

    Question 1 of 5

    Where was the deceased domiciled?

    Probate rules vary by jurisdiction within the UK

    Save Thousands on Probate Costs

    See how much you could save compared to traditional solicitor fees

    Estate Value

    £50,000

    Basic Tier
    EstateCopilot
    £279
    one-time fee
    Typical Solicitor
    £3,000
    average cost + VAT
    You Save
    £2,721
    (91% savings)
    Most Popular

    Estate Value

    £150,000

    Standard Tier
    EstateCopilot
    £449
    one-time fee
    Typical Solicitor
    £4,500
    average cost + VAT
    You Save
    £4,051
    (90% savings)

    Feature Comparison

    See what you get with EstateCopilot vs traditional solicitors

    Feature
    EstateCopilot
    From £279
    Traditional Solicitor
    From £3,000+
    Transparent Fixed Pricing
    Automated Task Management
    Real-time Progress Tracking
    24/7 Access to Your Case
    Deadline Reminders
    No Hidden Fees
    Document Generation
    IHT Calculation Support
    Legal/Tax Advice

    Why are solicitors so expensive?

    Traditional solicitors typically charge 2-5% of the estate value plus VAT, or hourly rates of £200-400+. These costs quickly add up with:

    • Multiple billable hours for routine administrative tasks
    • Partner and associate time charges
    • Communication costs (emails, calls, letters)
    • Disbursements and third-party fees
    • VAT on top of all fees (20%)

    EstateCopilot automates the routine work, giving you professional-grade tools and guidance at a fraction of the cost, while you retain full control.

    EstateCopilot does not offer legal or tax advice, so if your estate is complex you should seek advise from a solicitor. You can still use EstateCopilot to do other estate administrative tasks.

    The Probate Process Timeline

    1

    Registration

    Days 1-7

    Register the death and obtain death certificate copies. Locate the will and notify beneficiaries.

    2

    Valuation

    Weeks 2-8

    Value all assets and liabilities. Gather bank statements, property valuations, and investment details.

    3

    Application

    Weeks 8-16

    Complete probate forms, pay inheritance tax if applicable, and submit application to Probate Registry.

    4

    Distribution

    Weeks 16-52

    Receive Grant of Probate, settle debts, and distribute assets to beneficiaries. Close estate accounts.

    Average timeline: 9-12 months | With EstateCopilot: Stay on track with automated guidance

    Frequently Asked Questions About Probate

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    Save Up to 80%

    Compared to traditional solicitor fees

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