Enter each asset: bank accounts (per institution), property and the ownership type (sole, joint tenants, tenants in common), pensions, investments, life policies, vehicles, valuable personal items.

England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland — the procedure differs. The tool routes the analysis through the right framework: probate, confirmation, or grant of representation.

For each asset, confirm joint vs sole ownership. Joint tenancy assets pass by survivorship and reduce the probate estate. Tenants-in-common shares remain part of the estate.

The tool checks each bank, building society, NS&I and pension provider against their published release threshold. Where an asset exceeds the threshold, probate is needed for that institution.

Result panel shows: probate required (for which assets), confirmation required (Scotland), or no grant required. Estimated cost £273 court fee plus solicitor fees if used. Estimated timeline 6 to 16 weeks for grant, 6 to 12 months for full administration.

The tool produces a checklist: register the death, find the will, identify executors, value the estate, complete IHT400 or IHT205, apply for probate online via GOV.UK, distribute estate. It also flags red flags such as missing will, contested estate or business assets that need professional help.

Probate is almost always required where the deceased held:

• A property in their sole name or as tenants in common
• Bank accounts above the institution's release threshold (typically £5k to £50k)
• Investment portfolios with major providers
• Stocks and shares held in their name
• National Savings products above £5,000

If none of these apply and all assets are below thresholds or jointly held, no grant may be needed.

Three forms of grant exist in England and Wales:

• Grant of Probate: where there is a valid will appointing executors
• Letters of Administration with Will Annexed: valid will but no executor able or willing to act
• Letters of Administration: no valid will (intestacy)

All three give the personal representative authority to deal with assets. The court fee is £273 for estates over £5,000 (no fee below); additional copies are £1.50 each.

IHT thresholds 2025/26:

• Standard nil-rate band: £325,000
• Residence nil-rate band: £175,000 (where leaving home to direct descendants)
• Combined for a married couple: up to £1,000,000 with full transfers

Above the threshold the rate is 40% (or 36% if 10%+ left to charity). Form IHT400 is required for taxable estates; IHT205 for non-taxable. From 2022 most "excepted estates" do not need IHT205, just probate application directly.

If there is no valid will, the Intestacy Rules apply:

• Spouse only: takes the entire estate
• Spouse and children: spouse takes personal chattels plus £322,000 statutory legacy plus 50% of remainder; children share other 50%
• No spouse: children take everything in equal shares, then parents, then siblings, etc.

Cohabiting partners receive nothing under intestacy in England and Wales — a major reason to make a will.

Scotland: confirmation is granted by the sheriff court. Small estate limit £36,000 simplifies the process. Form C1 is the inventory; form C5 is the simplified small estate form. Confirmation fees range £273 to £554 depending on estate value.

Northern Ireland: similar to England and Wales but separate Probate Office under the High Court. Court fees follow the Northern Ireland scale.