Probate basics in the UK
Probate is the legal authority to deal with someone's estate. It is not always needed, but it is important to check before moving money or distributing assets.
This is general information only. Probate, inheritance tax and estate administration can have legal and financial consequences, so use official guidance and professional advice where needed.
When probate may be needed
- The person owned property in their sole name.
- They had larger accounts or investments.
- A bank, provider or share registrar asks for a grant.
- There are assets that cannot be transferred without legal authority.
When it may not be needed
- Most assets were jointly owned and pass automatically.
- The estate is small and providers release funds without a grant.
- Assets were held in trust.
- Life insurance was written in trust.
What to check first
Find the will, identify the executor or administrator, list assets and debts, contact banks for their thresholds, and check whether inheritance tax reporting is required. The official probate starting point is GOV.UK applying for probate.
Organise the estate admin
The First Steps Pack includes prompts for assets, accounts, documents and follow-up calls so you can keep the early admin in one place.
Get the guide for £9