The process
How the self-help pathway works
Twelve stages, in order, in plain English. You can complete them at your own pace and come back to the estate at any time.
One idea at a time
Each stage is broken into short questions with an explanation of why the information is needed. Nothing assumes you have done this before.1. Register the death and gather documents
Register the death, order several certified copies of the death certificate, and use the Tell Us Once service where it is offered. Institutions rarely accept photocopies.
- Order more copies than you think you need — five is a common starting point.
- Locate the original will and store it flat and unaltered.
2. Check whether the estate is suitable
Work through the free suitability checker. It looks at jurisdiction, disputes and complexity, and tells you plainly if the estate needs professional help.
3. Establish who may apply
If there is a valid will, the named executors apply for a grant of probate. If there is no will, the rules of intestacy set a strict order of priority and the person entitled applies for letters of administration.
4. Notify organisations and secure assets
Tell banks, pension providers, insurers, utilities and landlords. Make sure property is secure and insured — many policies change or lapse when a home becomes unoccupied.
5. Value the estate
Record the open market value of every asset and liability at the date of death, and gather written confirmation for each figure.
- Property, bank accounts, investments, pensions, life policies and personal possessions.
- Mortgages, loans, credit cards, tax owed and funeral costs.
- Gifts made in the seven years before death.
6. Work out the Inheritance Tax position
The platform guides you through the nil-rate band, the residence nil-rate band, transferable allowances from a late spouse, and the spouse and charity exemptions, then tells you which HMRC route applies.
7. Report to HMRC where required
Most estates only need the excepted-estate information given as part of the probate application. Where a full account is required, you must report to HMRC and pay any tax due before the grant can be issued.
8. Prepare the probate application
Your answers are assembled into a clear summary matching the official application. You check every line, make the statement of truth yourself, and submit it to HMCTS.
9. Pay the fees and send the will
The HMCTS application fee is currently £526 for estates above £5,000. Extra copies of the grant cost £2 each when ordered with the application. Fees are set by HMCTS and paid directly to them — always check the current figure. Last checked 6 August 2026.
10. Receive the grant and collect the assets
Send a copy of the grant to each institution, close accounts, sell or transfer property, and pay the money into an executor's account.
11. Settle debts and protect yourself
Pay valid debts before distributing anything. Placing statutory notices and waiting the required period gives protection against unknown creditors.
12. Distribute and produce estate accounts
Pay legacies, then divide the residue. Produce estate accounts showing everything received, everything paid out and each beneficiary's share, and ask beneficiaries to sign a receipt.
Where this stops
We do not submit anything for you and we do not advise on your specific legal position. If the estate becomes disputed, insolvent or unexpectedly complex at any stage, stop and take advice. See when to use a solicitor.