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Probate & Estate Administration · England & Wales

We'll guide you through probate, one gentle step at a time

Losing someone is hard enough. We take care of the paperwork, the legal process and the estate admin — so your family can focus on what matters.

★★★★★Compassionate support across England & Wales · Fixed pricing

Why families choose Oak Stone Wills

Caring, professional estate administration — handled properly and in line with the law of England & Wales.

Local, trusted experts

A friendly UK team who guide families through probate with patience and care.

Clear, fixed fees

No hidden costs or surprises. Fees are explained upfront so you know what to expect.

Home & video visits

Meet at home or by secure video appointment, at a time that suits you.

Handled with compassion

We understand this is a difficult time and treat every family with kindness.

Secure & confidential

Sensitive information is handled with care and stored safely and privately.

Ongoing support

We're with you from the first call to the final distribution of the estate.

Sorting an estate alone can feel overwhelming

When someone passes away, the person responsible — the executor named in the Will, or an administrator if there's no Will — has a legal duty to deal with the estate correctly. It's a lot to take on while grieving, and mistakes can be costly.

Mountains of paperwork
Valuing the estate, tracing assets, settling debts and completing HMRC and probate forms.
Legal & tax responsibility
Executors can be held personally liable if Inheritance Tax or the estate is handled incorrectly.
Months of delay
The process can take many months. Getting it wrong can hold everything up even longer.

We handle the whole process for you

From the first form to the final penny, we take care of the estate so you don't have to.

Valuing the estate

Identifying and valuing property, accounts, investments and possessions.

The probate application

Preparing and submitting the application for the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration.

Inheritance Tax forms

Completing the required HMRC Inheritance Tax forms and arranging any tax due.

Settling debts & bills

Paying off liabilities, closing accounts and dealing with utilities and providers.

Property & assets

Arranging the sale or transfer of property and distributing the estate's assets.

Distributing to beneficiaries

Ensuring everyone named in the Will — or entitled under intestacy — receives what they should.

"You don't have to face the paperwork alone. Let us carry the process, so your family can simply take the time to grieve."

Probate made simple, in three steps

01

Tell us what's happened

A gentle, no-pressure chat to understand the estate and what needs doing. We'll explain everything clearly.

02

We handle the paperwork

We value the estate, complete the tax forms and apply for the Grant of Probate on your behalf.

03

The estate is settled

We pay debts, collect in the assets and distribute the estate to the right people — properly and in full.

Simple, fixed-fee pricing

Know exactly what you'll pay before we begin. No hourly rates, no percentage of the estate, no surprises.

Grant only

You handle the estate, we get the grant

From£XXX

We prepare the probate application
Inheritance Tax forms completed
Grant of Probate obtained for you
You distribute the estate yourself

Full estate administration

We take care of everything

From£XXX

Everything in Grant only
Valuing the estate & settling debts
Collecting & selling assets
Distributing to all beneficiaries

Prices exclude the probate registry application fee and any Inheritance Tax due, which are payable separately. Final fees confirmed once we understand the estate.

Families trust Oak Stone Wills

★★★★★

"After losing Dad, I had no idea where to start. Oak Stone handled the probate and paperwork with such care. A huge relief."

Sarah M.

Manchester

★★★★★

"They explained every step in plain English and dealt with HMRC for us. I couldn't have faced it all on my own."

Anne T.

Bristol

★★★★★

"Kind, patient and completely on top of everything. The fixed fee meant no nasty surprises. Highly recommend."

James R.

Leeds

Your questions, answered

What is probate?

Probate is the legal process of dealing with someone's estate after they die — proving the Will, valuing the estate, paying any tax and debts, and distributing what's left. If there's a Will, the executor applies for a "Grant of Probate". If there's no Will, a close relative applies for "Letters of Administration".

Is probate always needed?

Not always. It often depends on the size and type of the estate. Assets held jointly usually pass automatically to the surviving owner, and some banks release smaller amounts without a grant. Larger estates, or anything involving property held in the deceased's sole name, will normally need probate. We can tell you quickly whether it's needed.

What happens if there's no Will?

The estate is shared according to the "rules of intestacy", which set a strict legal order of who inherits. These rules make no automatic provision for unmarried partners or stepchildren. A close relative applies for Letters of Administration and takes on the role of administrator.

What about Inheritance Tax?

Inheritance Tax may be due depending on the value of the estate and available allowances. The relevant HMRC forms must be completed, and any tax often has to be paid before the grant is issued. We prepare the forms and guide you through what's owed and when.

How long does probate take?

It varies with the size and complexity of the estate, but many estates take several months to a year to fully administer. We keep things moving and keep you updated at every stage, so you're never left wondering.

Do I have to use a professional?

No — an executor can handle probate themselves. But executors are personally responsible for getting it right, and the paperwork, tax and legal duties can be a heavy burden while grieving. Many families prefer to hand it over for peace of mind and to avoid costly mistakes.