What to do when someone dies
There is no need to do everything at once. These practical steps explain what comes next — and when you are ready, a free, no-obligation call with our probate team can take the legal work off your hands.
- Free first conversation — no obligation
- Fees agreed in writing before you instruct us
- SRA regulated and CQS Accredited
- 20+ years helping local families
How we can take it off your hands
Probate involves HMRC forms, court applications, banks, insurers and often a property sale. Most executors have never done it before — we do it every day.
Grant of probate only
We obtain the grant, you handle the rest. Ideal for simpler estates — and it costs far less than full administration.
Full estate administration
We value the estate, deal with HMRC, sell or transfer property and distribute everything. You are kept informed, not burdened.
Clear, agreed fees
Hourly rate or 1% of the estate plus VAT — whichever suits the estate better. We tell you which, including when it is the cheaper one for us.
See exactly what it costs on our probate fees page — every figure is published, including court fees.
The practical steps
1Take the time you need
You do not need to make every decision immediately. Tell close family or friends when you feel ready, and ask someone you trust to help with calls and paperwork if that would make things easier.
2Find out how the death will be registered
The hospital or doctor will explain how the medical certificate is sent to the register office. A death is normally registered within five days in England and Wales, but the process can take longer if the coroner is involved.
3Choose and contact a funeral director
You can contact a funeral director before registration is complete. They will explain what can be arranged now and what documents they will need later.
4Look for the will
The will names the executors and may include funeral wishes. Check safe places at home and contact the person’s solicitor or will-storage provider if you cannot find the original.
5Keep the property and important papers safe
Make sure the home is secure, pets and dependants are cared for, and insurance remains valid. Keep bank statements, property papers, bills and letters together rather than throwing anything away.
6Tell government departments and organisations
The register office may offer the Tell Us Once service for many government departments. Banks, insurers, pension providers, utilities and other organisations will usually need to be contacted separately.
7Work out what is needed for the estate
The executors will need to identify assets and debts, check inheritance tax, and find out whether a grant of probate is required. Avoid distributing money or belongings until the estate position is clear; a solicitor can help if you are unsure.
Not sure where to start? That is normal.
A short call is usually enough to tell you whether probate is needed and what it would cost. If you do not need us, we will say so.
Request your free call back
No charge and no obligation. Tell us the best number to reach you on and a member of our probate team will call you — usually within one working day.
Who we are
J Scott & Co Solicitors has offices at 47 High Street, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 1JT and Victory House, Chobham Street, Luton, Beds LU1 3BS. Helping families with probate and estate administration is work we do every day. We are SRA regulated and CQS Accredited, and our probate team has over 20 years of experience.
