Probate is the exercise that needs to be undertaken on death to enable the transfer of assets from
the deceased to the beneficiaries set out in the Will. It is the duty of the executors named in the Will
to handle the estate administration and obtain the Grant of Probate. Probate is essentially a fact
gathering exercise to pull together a balance sheet of the deceased’s assets (property, possessions,
personal funds) and liabilities (debts) on death; attending to any tax issues, filing the necessary
returns and obtaining the grant that enables the estate to be distributed to the beneficiaries
Whether you choose to carry out the probate and estate administration process yourself, or you
instruct us to do the work for you, the application for probate is still the same. It involves:
- Finding the will.
- Applying for the grant of representation.
- Administering the estate.
- Preparing the estate accounts.
- Distributing the assets to the beneficiaries of the estate.
Why should I use an accountant and not a solicitor for probate work?
From our existing knowledge of financial affairs and our expertise in personal financial management,
such as estate and tax planning, probate and Wills is a natural extension of our service. We already
have an in-depth knowledge of our client’s financial matters and through our regular meetings are
able to form close relationships with our clients, enabling us to be in the best position to deal with
probate and estate administration when the time comes.
SPECIALISTS
We are one of only a few qualified accountancy firms in the country who are licensed to carry out
probate work. This, combined with our expertise in all areas of accounts, tax and estate
administration, means you can have total confidence in us handling the whole process for you.
BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE
If the deceased was a client of ours, we are likely to have all the necessary financial information and
background details to make the probate process as smooth as possible. If they were not a client, we
can still deal with the probate application, should their existing accountant not be licensed to do this
work.
QUICKER PROCESSING = REDUCED COSTS
As accountancy and tax specialists, we are used to gathering and calculating financial and tax related
information. In doing so, we can reduce the amount of time it takes to compile the necessary
information. By speeding up the process we can help you to keep the costs down, leaving more for
the beneficiaries.
COMPETITIVE PRICING
Whilst solicitors and banks can also carry out probate work, they tend to charge a fixed percentage
based on the value of the estate. This could be as high as 4% even for simple estates. We feel that
we are very competitively priced compared with other probate specialists. We are happy to give you
a quote based on the volume and complexity of the work that needs to be carried out. We are
confident that our approach to gathering the relevant information, calculating what tax is due and
administering the estate, is quicker and more succinct. Therefore keeping costs to a minimum.
PERSONAL SERVICE
Whilst carrying out any probate work, we are always sensitive to your needs and emotions during
this time. You can be sure that we will treat your legal and financial affairs discreetly and in the
strictest confidence. Taking the administrative burden away from you wherever possible.
To ensure we offer a cohesive service of the highest standard, ensuring you receive the right advice
for you from the best people, our Probate service is undertaken by Bell Maison Wills & Estate
Planning Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England
and Wales to carry out the reserved legal activity of non-contentious probate in England and Wale’s.
Details of our probate accreditation can be viewed at icaew.com/probate under reference number
C004358880.