Yes, an executor can legally apply for and complete probate in the UK without hiring a solicitor. Thousands of people handle the entire probate process themselves each year through the government’s online probate service. Managing the paperwork yourself can save the estate thousands of pounds in legal fees, but it requires time, patience, and meticulous record-keeping.
Doing Probate Yourself
Taking on probate independently means accepting personal responsibility for winding up the deceased person’s affairs from start to finish. As the executor, you must locate the original valid will and track down every bank account, property, investment, and outstanding debt.
You will need to write to financial institutions to secure formal valuations as of the date of death. From there, you must calculate the total estate value, submit the correct tax declarations to HMRC, pay any Inheritance Tax due, and file your formal application with the Probate Registry. Once the grant arrives, you collect the money, pay off remaining bills, and hand out the inheritance to the beneficiaries. Before applying for probate, make sure you’ve completed the correct Inheritance Tax Forms required by HMRC.
HMRC provides detailed guidance on when Inheritance Tax is payable and how it should be reported. Pairing their support with the correct Probate Forms is essential to avoid delays and ensure your application is completed accurately.
When to Handle It Alone versus Hiring Help
Doing probate without a solicitor is usually straightforward if the estate is simple. This applies when there is a clear will, a few UK bank accounts, no property disputes, and an overall value falling safely below the Inheritance Tax threshold.
However, handling everything alone carries real legal risk because executors are personally liable for any financial errors. If the estate involves complex trusts, foreign property, business interests, or family disagreements over the will, it is usually wise to involve a solicitor. You can also take a middle ground by handling the general paperwork yourself and paying a professional just to help with tricky bits, like selling a house or completing complex tax forms.
Contact Probate Forms for probate advice on 020 9985 9553.
