Professional Probate Services from Licensed Specialists
Understanding the Probate Process
Probate is the legal process by which a personal representative is granted the authority to administer a deceased person’s estate. This authority is granted through what is known as a grant of representation.
There are two main types of grants
- Grant of Probate – applied for when there is a valid will and executors are named
- Letters of Administration – granted when no valid will exists (intestacy)
When Is Probate Required?
Probate may not be required if:
- The total value of the estate is under £5,000
- Assets pass directly to a surviving joint owner, such as a spouse (Note: assets owned as ‘tenants in common’ do not transfer by survivorship and must go through the estate)
For certainty, always check with your professional adviser.
Probate Timeline and Process
The probate process typically takes between 6 to 12 months, depending on the complexity of the estate and any delays in obtaining information or clearance from HMRC.
Licensed Chartered Accountants for Probate Services
Since 2014, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) has licensed members to provide probate services. Streets is proud to be one of these authorised firms*, offering a full range of probate services independently or in partnership with legal professionals.
Expert Probate Team at Streets
Our Probate Services are led by Linda Lord, a Partner and member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), with decades of experience in trusts, estates, and tax affairs.
She is supported by:
- Michael Ball, Tax Partner and Chartered Tax Adviser
- Our wider team of tax professionals and estate planning specialists
Comprehensive Probate and Estate Administration
We provide a comprehensive probate and estate administration service, including:
- Inheritance Tax advice and return preparation
- Estate valuation and liability review
- Statutory notices publication
- Application for Grant of Probate
- Collection and distribution of assets
- Use of Trusts for tax and succession planning
- Lasting Powers of Attorney guidance
- Will and estate planning advice
Transparent Probate Fee Structure
Our fees typically range from £1,500 to £10,000 + VAT, depending on the complexity of the estate and specific circumstances, including:
- Existence and location of a will
- Number of executors and beneficiaries
- Nature of the estate’s assets (e.g., offshore assets, property, securities)
- Taxable estate value and inheritance tax liability
Hourly rates for team members:
- Probate Partner: £450 + VAT
- Probate Director: £350 + VAT
- Tax Assistant: £200 + VAT
Why Choose Streets for Probate Services
- We often have an existing understanding of a client’s financial affairs, reducing administrative burden
- Compassionate and professional support during a difficult time
- Seamless service from trusted tax and financial advisers
- Licensed and regulated by the ICAEW for probate services*
Contact Our Probate Team
To find out more about how we can assist you with probate and estate administration, please complete the contact form below or contact your local Streets office.
Compliance Information
*Licensed by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales to carry out the reserved legal service of non-contentious probate in England and Wales.
Probate accreditation reference: ICAEW Reference C001224050
Probate Services – Streets Tax LLP
Diversity Survey: In 2023, 60% of staff were female and 40% male.
Probate Compensation Scheme: In rare cases where we cannot meet our obligations, you may seek a grant from the ICAEW’s Probate Compensation Scheme. Details are available on ICAEW’s website.
Complaints: Please refer to your client letter of engagement. If unresolved, complaints can be escalated to the ICAEW or the Legal Ombudsman.
