Are estate accounts required?

They are not always required and do not need to be in any particular format.

Estate accounts are compiled as part of The Probate Wizard.

For many estates, particularly simple, undisputed estates where the beneficiaries are close family members, estate accounts are rarely prepared.

However, all beneficiaries and creditors are entitled to inspect accounts on request, and personal representatives can be obliged to present estate accounts to the High Court (though this should only ever happen if there is a very serious dispute).

For these reasons, you may wish to consider preparing estate accounts as one of the final tasks of the probate process.

For how to prepare estate accounts, see our guide “How to prepare estate accounts”.

Using a solicitor or other probate professional?

If the probate process is being conducted by a solicitor or other probate professional, they should as a matter of course prepare estate accounts on your behalf.