Losing a family member or a close friend is tough enough, without having to deal with the paperwork. Yet many ordinary people suddenly find themselves appointed as the executor of a deceased person's estate. One of the first legal terms they encounter is ‘probate’. … [Read more...]
How to Value Fixed Property in England
You could get an estimated value of a UK home quite easily, by tapping into readily available information. However, this will not stand up to the test for inheritance tax, or probate if you are an executor. Here’s how to value fixed property in England yourself, if you … [Read more...]
The Truth About Chattels In England
The word ‘chattel’ comes down to us from the harsh economics of everyday life in mediaeval England, many hundreds of years ago. The truth about chattels in England in those days, was that most wealth did not sit in bank accounts or property portfolios. Instead, it … [Read more...]
The Public Trustee as Executor of a Will
When you make a will, one of the most important decisions is choosing your executor. This is the person who will carry out your wishes after you die. Appointing the Public Trustee as the executor of a will is one option that may be worth considering. Most people … [Read more...]
Navigating the Probate Landscape in 2026
Delays, Reform, and Strategic Planning The UK probate system is currently navigating a transformative period. As we move through 2026, executors, beneficiaries, and legal professionals are facing a landscape defined by significant administrative shifts, technological … [Read more...]
Money Property and Possessions in Estates
Dealing with money property and possessions in estates can be frustrating, depending on the complexity of the estate. If the deceased left a will, then their executor can deal with the details. However, if they did not leave a will, then a family member may have to step … [Read more...]
Property Valuations by RICS Surveyors
Accurately assessing property is essential for executors distributing the assets in a deceased estate. Land and buildings are often the late person’s most significant wealth. Moreover, their value usually dictates whether inheritance tax is due, or not. Property … [Read more...]
Valuing All The Chattels In An Estate
Valuing all the chattels in an estate can become a mission-critical exercise for a deceased-estate executor. Or an individual drafting their will for that matter. You see, when someone dies in England, everything they own becomes part of their estate for inheritance … [Read more...]
Must I Apply for Probate in England?
When a person dies in England, then the government should approve the person administering their possessions. There are two forms this authority may take to help you answer the question: must I apply for probate in England or not? If the deceased left a valid will, … [Read more...]
Administering Probate Correctly in England
Administering probate correctly in England This involves managing a deceased person’s property, money and possessions in accordance with the law. First, their executor must settle the debts. After that, they must distribute the assets according to the will, or … [Read more...]
