Dealing with the estate of someone who died

A few key terms

• Dying intestate - dying without leaving a will
• The executor - the person responsible for dealing with the estate. There may be more than one.
• The administrator (England and Wales) - the person responsible for dealing with the estate if someone dies without making a will
• Probate (England and Wales) - a grant of probate gives a person the authority to deal with the estate of someone who has died
• Confirmation (Scotland) - this process is used in Scotland, and is similar to Probate in England and Wales (the differences are explained throughout this webpage)
• Letters of administration (England and Wales) - authority to deal with the estate if someone dies without leaving a will
• Bond of Caution (Scotland) - this is an insurance policy that protects the beneficiaries of an estate from certain things, such as a person obtaining Confirmation where they are not entitled to do so, or an executor failing to distribute the estate according to the law.

If there’s a will

If there’s a will, this should say who the executor is and how the estate should be divided. In England and Wales, the executor should apply for probate - see below.

In Scotland, if someone is named as executor in the will, they can apply for confirmation. There's no need to also apply for a Bond of Caution.

If there isn’t a will

In England and Wales

If there isn’t a will, there won’t be a named executor so an administrator will be appointed instead. If you’re the person’s next of kin, you may be able to apply to be the administrator. There is a strict order of priority for who can do this – read the government guidance on who can apply for probate for more information. 

The administrator should apply for letters of administration. The process is the same as applying for probate – see below. 

In Scotland

In Scotland, even if there isn’t a will or a named executor, you can still apply for confirmation (confirmation is the authority to deal with the estate of someone who has died). However, you may need to apply for a Bond of Caution, as an insurance policy.

A Bond of Caution protects the estate – for example, it protects against other people obtaining Confirmation when they are not entitled to do so. A Bond of Caution isn’t necessary if the total value of the estate is below £36,000 (this is known as a small estate). For more information, visit Office of the Public Guardian.

Valuing the estate and Inheritance Tax

Before you can apply for probate or confirmation, you’ll need to value the estate. You can then work out whether Inheritance Tax needs to be paid.

There are a number of things to consider when valuing the estate, such as savings, investments and debt. For more information, see our factsheet What to do after a death.

You can also call the Inheritance Tax Helpline on 0300 123 1072 for advice or visit Gov.uk for more information.

Applying for probate in England and Wales

The executor is responsible for getting probate – they can do this themselves or use a solicitor or other probate specialist. Many people get probate without using a probate specialist, but it may be best to use one if the estate is complicated. If you’re getting probate yourself, MoneyHelper has a useful guide.

If you’re using a probate specialist, they will charge a fee. You can search for a probate specialist through the Law Society.

To apply for probate you’ll need to:

• complete a probate application form - these are available from Gov.uk or you may be able to apply online. You can also apply by phoning the HMRC Probate and Inheritance Tax Helpline on 0300 123 1072.
• complete an Inheritance Tax form – you’ll need to fill in either a short form or a long form depending on whether Inheritance Tax is due. Gov.uk has more advice on Inheritance Tax forms or call the HMRC Probate and Inheritance Tax Helpline on 0300 123 1072.
• Send your application to the local Probate Registry. There are a number of things you’ll need to include with this application – see our factsheet What to do after a death for more information.

Before you send the form, you’ll need to pay an application fee of £273 for estates over £5,000. For estates under £5,000, there is no application fee.

You will also have to sign a statement of truth confirming that the contents of your application are true. Keep copies of everything you have to send. When you’ve done this, you’ll be sent a letter telling you if there is any Inheritance Tax still to pay. Once this has been paid, the grant of probate or letters of administration will be sent to you through the post.

Once probate or confirmation has been granted

Once you’ve been granted probate (or confirmation in Scotland), you’ll need to contact the organisations that hold the assets of the person who died – for example, their bank, building society, or pension provider. They will then release the assets. They’ll ask you for a copy of the grant of probate or letters or grant of administration.

It’s usually a good idea to set up a separate executor’s bank account in which to collect the assets. You’ll then need to:

• pay any debts, including tax owed and outstanding bills
• distribute the estate, according to the will, or intestacy rules if there is no will
• prepare the estate accounts. They will need to be signed off by you and the main beneficiaries.