Probate Services Companies in the UK: A Practical Overview

When someone dies, sorting out their estate usually involves probate – the legal steps to identify assets, settle debts and taxes, and distribute what’s left to the right people. Many UK companies specialise in this, offering anything from full estate administration to just applying for the grant of probate so executors aren’t left managing it alone. Options range from dedicated probate specialists to larger legal practices that include it in wider services, and a lot now use fixed fees instead of taking a cut of the estate value, which makes costs clearer upfront.

The field covers nationwide providers with online tools for remote work, as well as more hands-on ones that do home visits and personal support. The stronger ones generally stand out for clear pricing, proper regulation (think SRA or ICAEW oversight), and help with practical bits like inheritance tax paperwork, valuing assets, or dealing with beneficiaries. Picking the right one depends on how big or complicated the estate is and how much the executor wants to stay involved.

Acumon

Acumon is a UK-based company of chartered accountants providing probate and estate administration services, with ICAEW authorisation for non-contentious probate work.

The company combines estate administration with integrated tax planning to support executors and administrators in handling the full probate process while focusing on regulatory compliance and efficient outcomes.

Services cover straightforward and complex estates, drawing on the firm’s accounting and tax expertise to manage inheritance tax matters alongside legal administration steps.

Acumon assists with the complete probate journey, from initial estate review through to final distribution and accounts.

The approach includes preparation and submission of probate applications, completion of inheritance tax forms (IHT400 and IHT205), liaison with the Probate Registry, professional asset valuations, debt settlement, tax-efficient distribution, and preparation of estate accounts.

Integrated tax strategies aim to identify reliefs and exemptions during administration.

Services extend to establishing and managing trusts where required for ongoing wealth preservation.

The company emphasises transparent fixed-fee arrangements for probate work.

All services are delivered by UK-based professionals, including tax specialists with prior HMRC experience.

Probate Capabilities:

Acumon provides probate and estate administration services across a range of estate types and complexities.

These include:

• Estates with or without a will
• UK-based estates requiring grant of probate or letters of administration
• Estates involving property, investments, business interests, and personal possessions
• Estates needing inheritance tax compliance and returns
• Estates where trusts are created or managed post-distribution
• Complex estates requiring asset valuation and debt settlement

Probate engagements are typically led by experienced chartered accountants and tax professionals with direct involvement throughout the process.

Regulatory Authorisations and Registrations:

Acumon holds relevant authorisations that enable it to offer probate services in the UK.

These include:

• ICAEW authorisation for non-contentious probate
• Professional indemnity insurance
• Probate protection policies

These authorisations support the delivery of probate administration in compliance with UK regulatory standards.

Core Services:

In addition to probate application and grant, Acumon provides a range of services that support estate administration and related compliance.

These include:

• Probate services in UK
• Probate application and submission
• Asset valuation and verification
• Inheritance tax form completion and HMRC liaison
• Debt identification and settlement
• Tax-efficient asset distribution
• Estate accounts preparation
• Trust establishment and management
• Ongoing tax compliance support

Probate work is often delivered alongside discussions with executors regarding tax positions and beneficiary communications.

Supporting Executors and Administrators:

Many executors encounter probate requirements following a death and need guidance on the legal and tax steps involved.

Acumon works with executors who are:

• Managing their first probate responsibility
• Handling estates with significant assets or complexities
• Seeking integrated tax and administration support
• Looking for fixed-fee clarity in the process

Early engagement can help ensure accurate documentation, timely submissions, and efficient estate closure.

Contact Information:

• Website: acumon.com
• Phone: 020 8567 3451
• Email: mail@acumon.com 
• Address: 1-2 Craven Road, Ealing, London, W5 2UA, UK

IWC Probate Services

IWC Probate Services provides probate and estate administration across most of England, with options for full or partial involvement depending on needs. The company assists with obtaining the grant of probate or letters of administration, handles contentious probate where disputes arise, and supports executors in fulfilling their duties. It covers grant de bonis non in specific cases where an executor has passed away.

Fixed fees are agreed upfront with no hidden charges or advance payments required, and fees come from the estate itself. The service includes compassionate guidance from qualified practitioners, many with law degrees or STEP membership, and offers no-obligation consultations at home during daytime or evenings. Nationwide reach comes through a head office in Croydon and satellite locations, focusing on stress-free support from initial advice through to completion.

Key Highlights:

• Fixed fees agreed in advance
• No upfront charges
• Compassionate and expert guidance
• Nationwide coverage in England
• Free initial consultations
• Qualified probate practitioners

Services:

• Obtaining grant of probate
• Applying for letters of administration
• Handling contentious probate
• Assisting with executors’ duties
• Full or part estate administration
• Grant de bonis non applications
• Providing probate guides and forms

Contact Information:

• Website: www.iwcprobateservices.co.uk
• Phone: +442081502010
• Email: admin@iwcprobateservices.co.uk
• Address: IWC Suite 3, 9-13 Bocking End, Braintree, Essex CM7 9AE
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/IWCProbate
• Twitter: x.com/iwcltd
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/iwcprobateservices

Kings Court Trust

Kings Court Trust specialises in probate and estate administration, offering support that ranges from help with the grant application to managing the entire estate process. The company assists executors by preparing and submitting forms for grant of probate or letters of administration, valuing assets, handling inheritance tax requirements where applicable, dealing with debts, and distributing to beneficiaries according to the will or intestacy rules. It provides dedicated personal estate managers for consistent contact throughout.

Fixed fees apply across different levels of service, with transparent pricing and no surprises in the process. The approach emphasises clarity and efficiency, allowing executors to retain control where desired or hand over full responsibility. As licensed specialists regulated by ICAEW, the company focuses on compassionate handling and accurate completion of all steps, including gathering documents like death certificates and original wills early on.

Key Highlights:

• Fixed fees for transparency
• Dedicated personal estate manager
• ICAEW licensed
• Compassionate support
• Options for partial or full involvement

Services:

• Apply for grant of probate
• Handle inheritance tax forms
• Value assets including property
• Deal with debts and liabilities
• Distribute assets to beneficiaries
• Prepare and submit application forms
• Full estate administration

Contact Information:

• Website: www.kctrust.co.uk
• Phone: 0300 303 9000
• Email: info@kctrust.co.uk
• Address: Kings Court Trust, Spectrum Building, Bond Street, Bristol BS1 3LG
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/kings-court-trust-ltd
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/kingscourttrust
• Twitter: x.com/KCTpartners

Farewill

Farewill offers probate services through two options: a Grant Only service focused on applying for the grant of probate, and a Complete Probate service that handles the full estate process. The company uses technology to streamline paperwork and provides dedicated support with regular updates, all handled remotely without face-to-face meetings. Specialists and legal partners manage the legal, financial, and tax aspects depending on the chosen option.

Fixed fees apply upfront with transparency and no hidden costs, and payment can come from the estate where possible. The Grant Only option suits those comfortable handling post-grant tasks themselves, while the Complete service covers estate assessment, account closures, property management, tax payments, and asset distribution. The process generally involves obtaining the grant first, then moving to administration and final steps. Support aims to make things simpler for executors who want impartial help or less involvement.

Key Highlights:

• Fixed fees with transparency
• Remote handling from home
• Grant Only or Complete options
• Dedicated specialist support
• Regular process updates

Services:

• Assess and value the estate
• Submit grant of probate application
• Close accounts
• Manage property
• Pay taxes
• Handle estate administration
• Distribute assets to beneficiaries

Contact Information:

• Website: farewill.com
• Phone: 0203 695 1713
• Address: 4 King Edwards Court, King Edwards Square, Sutton Coldfield B73 6AP

Kew Law

Kew Law provides a fixed fee probate service mainly for straightforward estates, assisting executors with the legal steps to obtain the grant while they handle administration themselves. The company prepares and submits applications for Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration, including gathering instructions, preparing Statements of Truth, and dealing with the Probate Registry. Solicitors handle the process directly without call centres, often through virtual meetings.

The fixed fee covers obtaining the grant and related court interactions but excludes full estate administration, inheritance tax payments, or complex cases like foreign property. Initial consultations help determine the approach and any urgencies. The service focuses on efficient preparation and guidance for executors in Essex and Suffolk areas. It emphasises clear steps and support throughout the grant application.

Key Highlights:

• Fixed fee for grant application
• Direct access to solicitors
• Regulated by SRA
• Virtual meeting options
• Support for straightforward estates

Services:

• Prepare Statement of Truth
• Apply to Probate Registry
• Handle requisitions from registrar
• Take client instructions
• Receive and report on grant
• Apply for Grant of Probate
• Apply for Letters of Administration

Contact Information:

• Website: www.kewlaw.co.uk
• Phone: 0800 987 8156
• Address: Old Manor House, Little Square, Braintree, Essex, CM7 1UT
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/kew-law-llp
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/kewlawllp
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/kewlawllp

Levi Solicitors

Levi Solicitors handles probate for estates with or without a will, covering grant applications and full administration where needed. The company assists with registering the death, explaining the will or intestacy rules, valuing the estate, and supporting executors through the responsibilities. Specialist solicitors manage applications and related matters, with options for telephone or video support beyond their main offices.

Fixed fees apply where possible for transparent pricing on grant applications and other elements. Services include collecting assets, paying debts, distributing to beneficiaries, and placing notices for creditor protection. The approach guides executors on their duties and provides help with specific tasks like missing asset searches. It covers both grant-focused work and broader estate handling.

Key Highlights:

• Fixed fees where possible
• Regulated by SRA
• Specialist probate solicitors
• Support via phone or video
• Guidance for executors

Services:

• Register the death
• Explain will or intestacy
• Value the estate
• Apply for grant of probate
• Collect assets and pay debts
• Distribute to beneficiaries
• Place creditor protection notices

Contact Information:

• Website: levisolicitors.co.uk
• Phone: 0800 988 7756
• Email: info@levisolicitors.co.uk
• Address: 33 St. Pauls Street, Leeds, LS1 2JJ
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/levi-solicitors-llp
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/Levisolicitorsllp
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/levi_solicitors

PSR Solicitors

PSR Solicitors offers fixed fee probate services that cover obtaining the grant and managing the estate process for executors or administrators. The company applies for Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration, values the estate, handles inheritance tax forms and payments, settles liabilities, and prepares estate accounts. It gathers assets, pays debts, and distributes inheritance according to the will or rules.

Direct access to qualified solicitors comes without upfront legal fees in many cases, with payment at settlement. The service includes advising on whether probate is needed and guidance on related steps like property sales. Offices serve areas across North Wales, Cheshire, and beyond. The focus stays on practical support through the probate stages.

Key Highlights:

• Fixed fee structure
• No upfront legal fees often
• Direct solicitor access
• Regulated by SRA
• LEXCEL accredited

Services:

• Value the estate
• File inheritance tax forms
• Settle debts and liabilities
• Prepare estate accounts
• Distribute inheritance
• Apply for Grant of Probate
• Gather assets

Contact Information:

• Website: www.psrsolicitors.co.uk 
• Phone: 01244861518
• Address: Grosvenor House, 7 Grosvenor Street, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 2DD
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/psr-solicitors
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/PSRSolicitors
• Twitter: x.com/psrsolicitors

Irwin Mitchell

Irwin Mitchell provides probate and estate administration services with flexible levels of support, from obtaining the grant only to acting as full executors. The company applies for the Grant of Probate, investigates and values the estate, collects funds, completes income and inheritance tax returns, pays any tax due, settles creditors, handles property sales or transfers, and distributes assets according to the Will. It also advises on cases where someone died without a Will and offers additional help with international probate or contentious matters.

The service tailors assistance to what the client needs, with options for confidential meetings in local offices or remote support via phone and video calls. A team of probate solicitors works under supervision from partners, supported by paralegals, and coordinates with in-house experts in tax, property, and family law when required. Regulation comes through the Solicitors Regulation Authority in England and Wales, with separate oversight in Scotland. The approach focuses on practical guidance through the process.

Key Highlights:

• Flexible support levels
• Remote or in-office options
• Regulated by SRA
• Coordination with specialist experts
• National office network

Services:

• Apply for Grant of Probate
• Value the estate
• Collect estate funds
• Complete tax returns
• Pay creditors
• Sell or transfer property
• Distribute assets

Contact Information:

• Website: www.irwinmitchell.com 
• Phone: 0121 667 2444
• Address: 7th and 9th Floor, The Colmore Building, 20 Colmore Circus, Birmingham, B4 6AH
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/irwin-mitchell
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/irwinmitchellsolicitors
• Twitter: x.com/irwinmitchell
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/irwin_mitchell

Withers LLP

Withers LLP handles probate and estate administration with a focus on international and cross-border estates. The company drafts applications for grants of representation, coordinates tax regimes across jurisdictions to avoid double taxation, acts as executors or trustees through its UK trust corporation, and guides clients through complex multi-jurisdictional requirements. It provides a holistic view of estates spanning different countries, ensuring administration aligns with the testator’s wishes.

The approach emphasises early involvement for better tax outcomes for beneficiaries and seamless collaboration across global offices. Partners and special counsel in private client and tax fields work together with colleagues in related departments. Services suit estates with assets, beneficiaries, or legal systems in multiple locations. The company maintains connections in various international jurisdictions for coordinated advice.

Key Highlights:

• International and cross-border focus
• Acts as executors or trustees
• Holistic multi-jurisdictional approach
• Early tax position improvement
• Global office collaboration

Services:

• Draft grant applications
• Coordinate cross-border tax
• Act as executors
• Guide complex jurisdictions
• Administer multi-country estates
• Act as trustees

Contact Information:

• Website: www.withersworldwide.com
• Phone: +44 20 7597 6000
• Email: enquiries.uk@withersworldwide.com
• Address: 20 Old Bailey, London, EC4M 7AN, UK
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/witherslegal
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/witherslegal

Moore

Moore offers probate and estate administration support, assisting with gathering information for HMRC reporting, reviewing reliefs, calculating inheritance tax positions, completing IHT accounts and returns, and submitting applications online through legal network partners. The company identifies and collects assets, pays liabilities, determines beneficiary entitlements under the Will or intestacy rules, handles specific and residuary distributions, and prepares estate accounts. It also registers estates for tax returns, completes income and capital gains reporting, and advises on final notifications to HMRC.

The service guides executors or personal representatives step by step, often using online submissions for probate grants. It covers both straightforward and complex estates, including valuations for certain assets and relief reviews. Practical steps include registering the death, informing relevant parties, and managing distributions after expenses and taxes. The approach provides advice throughout the administration period.

Key Highlights:

• Step-by-step guidance
• Online probate submissions
• Network legal experts
• Asset collection and distribution
• Tax return completion

Services:

• Gather information for HMRC
• Complete IHT returns
• Apply for probate
• Identify beneficiary entitlements
• Collect assets
• Pay liabilities
• Prepare estate accounts

Contact Information:

• Website: mooreks.co.uk
• Phone: +44 (0)20 4582 1000
• Email: media@mks.co.uk
• Address: 6th Floor, 9 Appold Street, London, EC2A 2AP
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/moore-kingston-smith
• Twitter: x.com/MooreKSLLP

Probate Solicitors Limited

Probate Solicitors Limited delivers a fixed fee probate service covering legal work, tax advice, and estate administration for estates in England and Wales. The company prepares tax and probate documentation for the Grant of Representation, checks Will validity, applies to the Probate Registry, places notices, corresponds with HMRC on reliefs and payments, values assets, deals with banks and creditors, transfers property, sets up trusts, prepares estate accounts, and distributes the estate. It also advises on deeds of variation and claims against the estate.

The fixed fee covers core work without percentage or hourly rates, though disbursements like court fees or valuers pass through separately. Additional matters such as foreign assets or property sales can be handled as needed. The service includes practical steps like mail redirection, insurance management, and Land Registry registrations. Specialists focus on full support through the process.

Key Highlights:

• Fixed fee service
• Covers legal, tax, admin
• England and Wales focus
• Handles property transfers
• Optional extras available

Services:

• Prepare probate documentation
• Correspond with HMRC
• Value assets
• Deal with banks and creditors
• Transfer property ownership
• Prepare estate accounts
• Distribute the estate

Contact Information:

• Website: www.probate-solicitors.co.uk
• Phone: 01564 75 80 55
• Address: 1705 High Street, Knowle, Solihull, West Midlands, B93 0LN
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/probate-solicitors-limited
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/ProbateSolicitors
• Twitter: x.com/PSLSolicitors

JMW Solicitors

JMW Solicitors handles fixed-fee probate and estate administration for various estate types, including straightforward and more complex cases. The company takes instructions, identifies executors and beneficiaries, values assets and liabilities, prepares and submits the grant application, collects assets, pays debts, settles taxes, prepares estate accounts, and distributes to beneficiaries. It provides guidance on Inheritance Tax forms and ensures compliance with probate requirements.

The service uses a team of probate solicitors who offer tailored advice and professional handling. Initial steps involve meetings or discussions to understand the estate. Additional work beyond the standard scope gets agreed separately if needed. The approach covers UK-based assets in most cases, with support through the process to help executors manage responsibilities.

Key Highlights:

• Fixed-fee structure
• Tailored advice available
• Handles complex estates
• Professional solicitor team
• Compliance focus

Services:

• Value assets and liabilities
• Prepare grant application
• Submit to Probate Registry
• Collect assets
• Pay debts and liabilities
• Prepare estate accounts
• Distribute to beneficiaries

Contact Information:

• Website: www.jmw.co.uk
• Phone: 0330 173 7036
• Address: 1 Byrom Place, Manchester, M3 3HG
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/jmwsolicitors
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/jmwsolicitors
• Twitter: x.com/jmwsolicitors
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/jmw_solicitors

MG Legal

MG Legal provides fixed-fee probate services, covering applications for Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration and full or partial estate administration. The company offers consultations, completes relevant Inheritance Tax forms, prepares Probate Registry applications, deals with enquiries, collects assets after the grant, and handles distributions. It also prepares Deeds of Variation when beneficiaries want to adjust distributions.

Fixed fees apply to core work, with quotes given before starting and disbursements handled separately. Services include liaising with third parties for asset details and preparing final statements. A qualified solicitor oversees the administration. Options exist for home visits or partial involvement depending on client needs. The company operates from multiple office locations across regions.

Key Highlights:

• Fixed-fee quotes provided
• Full or partial administration
• Solicitor oversight
• Home visit options
• Deeds of Variation support

Services:

• Complete Inheritance Tax forms
• Prepare Probate application
• Deal with Probate Registry enquiries
• Collect estate funds
• Liaise with third parties
• Prepare final distribution statement
• Draft Deeds of Variation

Contact Information:

• Website: www.mglegal.co.uk
• Phone: 01995 602129
• Email: enquiries@mglegal.co.uk
• Address: 7 Pringle Court, Garstang, Preston, PR3 1LN

Backhouse Solicitors

Backhouse Solicitors offers fixed-fee services for obtaining the Grant of Probate and administering straightforward UK estates. The company provides initial consultations, drafts statements, completes Inheritance Tax forms where required, applies to the Probate Registry, contacts financial institutions, traces beneficiaries, collects assets, pays liabilities, manages property, and prepares final accounts. It focuses on uncontested estates meeting specific criteria like limited assets and beneficiaries.

The service splits into stages: grant application first, then full administration if chosen. Solicitors handle the work directly with expertise in probate matters. Free initial discussions help outline the approach. The company emphasises clear guidance for executors throughout. Coverage applies to estates without complications such as disputes or overseas elements.

Key Highlights:

• Fixed-fee for grant and admin
• Initial consultation included
• Straightforward estates focus
• Solicitor-led process
• Clear guidance provided

Services:

• Draft Statement of Truth
• Complete Inheritance Tax forms
• Apply for Grant of Probate
• Contact financial institutions
• Trace beneficiaries
• Collect and distribute assets
• Prepare final accounts

Contact Information:

• Website: www.backhouse-solicitors.co.uk
• Phone: 01245 893400
• Email: info@backhouse-solicitors.co.uk
• Address: 17 Duke Street, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 1JU
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/backhouse-solicitors
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/BackhouseSolicitors
• Twitter: x.com/BackhouseLaw
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/backhousesolicitors

Slater Gordon

Slater Gordon assists with probate by obtaining Grants of Probate or Letters of Administration and supporting full estate administration. The company explains the process, identifies application types, prepares submissions to the Probate Registry and HMRC, collects assets, pays debts, settles tax positions, communicates with beneficiaries, and distributes according to the will or intestacy rules. It handles complexities like no will, overseas domicile, or additional forms where needed.

Fixed fees cover straightforward grant applications, with possible uplifts for added elements discussed upfront. Consultations occur by phone, video, or in person. The service guides executors on responsibilities and provides certified grant copies. Professional fees can often come from the estate. The approach includes coordination for property matters if separate advice is required.

Key Highlights:

• Fixed-fee for grant applications
• Multiple consultation formats
• Executor guidance throughout
• Handles varied complexities
• Regulated solicitors

Services:

• Identify application type
• Prepare Probate submissions
• Collect estate assets
• Pay outstanding debts
• Settle tax position
• Communicate with beneficiaries
• Distribute according to will

Contact Information:

• Website: www.slatergordon.co.uk
• Phone: 0330 107 5003
• Address: The Lewis Building, 35 Bull Street, Birmingham, B4 6AF
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/slatergordonuk
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/slatergordonUK
• Twitter: x.com/slatergordonUK
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/slatergordonUK

Conclusion

Selecting a probate services company ultimately depends on factors like the size and complexity of the estate, the sector of assets involved, the maturity of any existing documentation, and specific regulatory needs. Some companies take an integrated approach that covers the full process from application to final distribution, while others focus on narrower elements such as valuations or compliance filings. The right partner delivers independent assurance and practical steps to reduce risks and support resilience. This guide provides neutral context to support comparison and help identify a suitable match based on your particular circumstances.