Wills and Probate

Comprehensive Wills and Probate Management

Compass Accountants specialise in comprehensive estate planning and probate management, delivering the professional foresight and administrative precision needed to ensure assets are protected and distributed exactly as intended.

Professional Estate Planning and Probate

Losing a loved one is difficult enough without the added burden of complex financial paperwork and legal requirements. As ICAEW-licensed probate specialists, Compass Accountants provides a steady hand to help you navigate the estate administration process with clarity and care.

Whether you are an executor for the first time or dealing with a complex estate involving business interests, our tax-first approach ensures that the probate process is handled efficiently, accurately, and with the utmost respect for your family’s wishes.

Why Choose an Accountant for Probate Instead of a Solicitor?

Many people believe they must use a solicitor for probate, but for most estates, the challenges are primarily financial and tax-related rather than legal.

The “Tax-First” Advantage

As accountants, we deal with HMRC daily. We don’t just fill in the forms; we look for opportunities to reduce the Inheritance Tax (IHT) burden through the strategic use of reliefs such as Business Property Relief (BPR) or the Residence Nil Rate Band.

Fixed Fees vs. Percentage-Based Charges

Unlike many law firms that charge a percentage of the total estate value, we believe in transparent, fixed-fee pricing. You will know exactly what our services cost upfront, ensuring more of the estate is preserved for the beneficiaries.

Direct Professional Access

At Compass Accountants, you will have a direct line to a senior professional who understands the nuances of the estate and provides proactive updates.

Our Probate & Estate Support Services

We offer flexible levels of support depending on how much of the administration you wish to handle yourself.

1. Grant of Probate Only

If you are comfortable handling the practical side of the estate but need a professional to deal with the Probate Registry and HMRC, we can assist with:

Preparing IHT400 tax returns.
Applying for the Grant of Probate (or Letters of Administration).
Ensuring all tax thresholds and reliefs are correctly applied.

2. Full Estate Administration

For executors who want total peace of mind, we can manage the entire process from start to finish, including:

Valuing all assets (property, shares, savings) and liabilities.
Settling outstanding debts and funeral expenses.
Setting up and managing Estate Accounts.
Final distribution of assets to beneficiaries in accordance with the Will.

Our Transparent Probate Fees

In accordance with ICAEW transparency guidelines, we provide clear estimates based on the complexity of the estate.

Grant of Probate Only: Prices typically start from £950 + VAT.
Full Estate Administration: You will be provided with a pre-agreed fixed fee following an initial consultation. Any additional work will be agreed in advance and based on an hourly rate.

We will always provide a written quote before any work commences, including a breakdown of third-party disbursements (such as Probate Registry fees).

Frequently Asked Questions about Probate

How long does the probate process take?

On average, probate in the UK takes between 6 and 12 months. However, delays at the Probate Registry and the complexity of the estate’s tax affairs can influence this timeline. We aim to expedite the financial reporting to avoid unnecessary delays.

Do I need probate if there is a Will?

Yes, in most cases. If the deceased owned property or had significant savings (typically ranging between £5,000 and £50,000 depending on the bank), a Grant of Probate is required to give the executor the legal authority to move or sell those assets.

Can an accountant handle “intestacy” (where there is no Will)?

Yes. We can help you apply for Letters of Administration and ensure the estate is distributed according to the UK Rules of Intestacy.

Accredited and Regulated Probate Specialists

Compass Accountants is licensed by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) to carry out the reserved legal activity of non-contentious probate in England and Wales. This means you benefit from the highest professional standards and comprehensive indemnity insurance.

Talk to Us

We offer a sensitive, no-obligation initial consultation to discuss the estate and explain how we can help.

Call our Fareham office on 01329 844145