Losing a loved one is one of life’s most difficult experiences. Curtis Legal guides you through every stage of the probate process with clarity and care with no upfront costs and a same day callback guarantee.
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Probate is the legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate — gathering their assets, settling any debts, and distributing what remains to the rightful beneficiaries. In England and Wales, most estates require a Grant of Probate (or Letters of Administration where there is no will) before financial institutions will release funds or property can be transferred.
There are strict legal requirements, HMRC deadlines, inheritance tax calculations, and court applications to manage. Getting something wrong can create delays, personal liability for the executor, or family disputes.
Curtis Legal handles probate matters for clients across England and Wales. Whether the estate is simple or complex, we do all of the work for you so that you can relax knowing that you are in safe hands. Our friendly and sympathetic staff understand your worries and concerns and are on hand to provide practical and reassuring advice and support. In many cases one call is all you need — in over half of all matters there is no need for legal assistance if you follow our simple free advice. If you do need help, we offer a competitive fixed fee service so you will know exactly what the legal costs will be before we start — with no upfront costs to pay.
Plain-English guide written by Simon Jenkins — covering every stage of the probate process.
Every estate is different, but the legal framework follows a consistent path. Here is what to expect when Curtis Legal handles your probate matter.
The death must be registered and a death certificate obtained. We help you locate and review the Will — or advise on intestacy rules if there is no valid Will.
We identify and value all assets — property, bank accounts, investments, personal possessions — and liabilities. This is required for both the probate application and any inheritance tax calculations.
We prepare and submit the probate application to HMCTS, including all HMRC inheritance tax forms. Once granted, the Grant of Probate gives us authority to act on the estate.
We collect all assets, settle debts, liabilities, and any outstanding tax — including any income tax due for the year of death and on income arising during administration.
Once all debts are settled and the estate accounts are prepared, we distribute assets to the beneficiaries in accordance with the Will or intestacy rules, and close the estate.
Every estate is different, so every fee is different. Use the estimator to get a realistic guide to what Curtis Legal would charge for your estate — based on the factors that genuinely drive complexity and cost.
All figures shown are exclusive of VAT and court disbursements. For a precise fixed-fee quote, call Simon Jenkins directly.
Answer three questions for a guide figure.
Estimates are a guide only and do not constitute a formal quotation. Disbursements (court fee £300, searches) are additional. VAT at 20% applies to professional fees.
Our probate guides cover every aspect of the process in plain English.
Steps, timescales, and what to expect from start to finish — including Grant applications and dealing with HMCTS.
Read guideSolicitor fees, court fees, and disbursements explained clearly. Fixed fees and hourly rates — what to expect.
Read guideThresholds, nil-rate bands, reliefs, exemptions, IHT400, and how to minimise the tax burden on an estate legally.
Read guideWhat an executor is responsible for, the risks of getting it wrong, and when to instruct a solicitor to assist.
Read guideWhat happens when someone dies without a Will — the intestacy hierarchy, who inherits, and what you can do.
Read guideCollecting assets, dealing with banks and HMRC, settling debts, and distributing to beneficiaries correctly.
Read guideChallenging a Will on grounds of undue influence, lack of capacity, or fraud — and defending a valid Will.
Read guideProperty & financial and health & welfare LPAs — why you need them and how to put them in place.
Read guideEvery area we serve has its own dedicated page with real local data — average property values, your nearest probate registry, and estate administration guidance specific to your region.
Call Simon Jenkins directly for a free, no-obligation discussion — or use the enquiry form and we will call you back same day.