Your one-stop guide to navigating probate and later life planning

Probate is the legal process of sorting out the property and possessions of someone who’s died. This might include obtaining a Grant of Probate - a court document needed to deal with many assets. We explain when probate is needed and what to expect.

Making a will is one of the most important steps in planning for the future. This guide walks you through the process step by step, so you can clearly set out your wishes and ensure your loved ones are looked after.

Having a will means you decide where your money and property will go after you die, and can save your family from stress. Read on to understand why a Will is important for you.

Learn about paying funeral expenses before probate in the UK. We offer information on accessing frozen bank accounts and other options.

Our guide explains everything about how to register a death in England and Wales, including who can do it, where to go, and when it needs to be done

Tell Us Once is a free death notification service that makes it easy to report a death to most government organisations in one go. Trustestate explains how the service works and what to do next after using it.

The courts can take up to 16 weeks to grant probate. However, the time from someone dying to receiving your inheritance is often six months to a year – but it varies depending on quite a few factors. We have some tips to speed things up.

Understand the costs and benefits of choosing a professional probate provider vs doing it yourself

Probate costs are often confusing and unclear. Trustestate provides a transparent breakdown of all expenses, including legal fees, probate registry charges, and other additional costs.

Next of kin is the term used to describe your closest living relative. Trustestate explains how next of kin is determined and what it means in situations like inheritance, medical decisions, and probate.

Planning a funeral can feel overwhelming. Our article looks at where to start and what you need to consider.

Fixed fee probate services can provide a good service at a transparent price. Read about what fixed fee probate solicitors offer, and what’s usually included.

Whether you need probate to access money in someone’s bank account after they die depends on the bank’s threshold. Trustestate explains UK bank probate limits.

An LPA is a legal document that allows someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you can’t do it yourself. We explain the types of LPA, how to get one, and the costs involved.

Guidance on how and where to find the right readings, music and poems for a funeral or memorial.

A Grant of Letters of Administration is a Court document which is needed to deal with many assets when there is no valid Will. Trustestate explains when Letters of Administration is needed, how to apply for it and more.

After a funeral is over there are still many important tasks to cope with. Read about what you need to do next, and how to look after yourself and others.

When someone in the UK dies without a will, the rules of intestacy decide who gets their estate. Read about who will inherit and how to proceed.

Probate begins with registering the death and ends when the inheritance is shared out. Our guide walks you through the entire process of dealing with probate.

Can you sell a property before probate? Read our article to find out what you can do before probate is granted to minimise delays

An executor bank account is used to manage finances while working through probate. Trustestate tells you all you need to know.

A eulogy is a short speech given at a funeral or memorial service to help remember and celebrate someone’s life. Our article takes you through how to write and deliver a meaningful tribute to someone who’s died.

The executor of a will plays an important role after someone dies. Read about what an executor needs to do and when.

If someone owned Premium Bonds, there are specific rules to follow after they die. Read about what you need to decide, and how to claim the bonds.

If someone owned property, you will need to update HM Land Registry after they die. Read about how to update the registry when you transfer or sell property.

Property valuation for probate explained. Find out how to value a house or flat as part of the probate process

Inheritance Tax is paid on the assets you own when you die, along with some gifts made in your lifetime. There are various exemptions and reliefs to consider, as well as deadlines and reporting processes to follow. Here’s what you need to know.

We believe financial advice can help you make smarter decisions about your money and the evidence supports this. Learn about the costs involved and the benefits that come with it.

Grief is a topic that generally doesn’t get discussed enough and leaves people with lots of questions. Let us answer the questions that might be on your mind.

Trustestate takes a look at all areas of financial advice, from tax and estate planning to mortgages and insurance, along with the types of advisers available.

Inheriting money when someone dies brings opportunities and challenges. Here’s a perspective on things to consider before and after receiving an inheritance.

Knowing when and how to ask for help with grief is important. Here is our guide on accessing the support you need.

When someone dies, outstanding debts must be paid from their estate. We explain how debts are handled, who is responsible for them, and what steps to take.

Dealing with the loss of a parent can be tough, whenever it happens. Here is our guidance on common problems following such a loss.

There are many ways of navigating your grief and your journey is unique to you, but Trustestate has tips on what you can expect and how you can care for yourself at a difficult time.

Trustestate explains the terminology and jargon you may come across as you deal with admin when someone dies.