Can I do probate myself?
Last reviewed June 2026
Yes you can apply for probate yourself in England and Wales via the GOV.UK online portal, and around 40% of grants each year are issued to lay executors without a solicitor. DIY works well when the estate is straightforward: a clear will, no inheritance tax owed, no foreign assets, no business interests, no disputes between beneficiaries, and the executor has time to gather paperwork. Applying yourself avoids a professional fee; the court fee is £526 for estates over £5,000, and copies are extra. Avoid DIY when the estate is taxable, contains trusts, has overseas property, or beneficiaries disagree the cost of getting it wrong is high.
Which best fits the estate?
What DIY probate involves
Steps in order: value the estate, work out whether IHT is due, complete the IHT400 (if taxable) or declare values inside the probate application, swear the executor's oath via the online portal, pay the £526 fee, wait 8–16 weeks for the grant, then use the grant to collect assets and distribute.
When to bring in help
Get professional help when any of these apply:
- Inheritance tax is owed (estate over £325,000 with no spouse exemption)
- There are trusts or significant lifetime gifts within 7 years
- Foreign property or assets
- Business interests or farm assets needing valuation
- Disputes or potential claims under the Inheritance Act
- No will and complex family circumstances
Executor's personal liability
Executors are personally responsible for paying inheritance tax and any outstanding debts before distributing. If you distribute too early and a creditor surfaces later, you can be pursued personally. Place a Gazette notice (£88) and wait the 2-month creditor window to limit your liability.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a solicitor for probate?
No, there's no legal requirement to use a solicitor. Roughly 4 in 10 grants each year go to lay executors who applied themselves via GOV.UK.
Is DIY probate risky?
For simple estates, no. For taxable estates, contested wills, trusts, or foreign assets, the risk of personal liability is real, get professional help.
How long does DIY probate take?
Getting the grant and finishing the estate are different stages. In England and Wales, GOV.UK says you will usually receive the grant within 12 weeks of applying, although some applications take longer. Preparing the application and dealing with accounts, tax, debts and property add time. The whole process can take many months and sometimes longer than a year.
