Is it right for you?
You can use The Probate Wizard if:
You are an executor named in the will, or
You are an administrator acting under "intestacy", or
You are a family member, or
You are a friend of the executors/administrators, or
You are a solicitor, IFA, legal advisor or other professional
If you are not one of the executors or administrators, you must have permission from the executors/administrators to use The Probate Wizard on their behalf. The executors/administrators are ultimately responsible for the probate process and they (not you) will sign the forms and attend a probate registry.
You must be aged 18 or over to use The Probate Wizard.
Is it right for this estate?
The Wizard is suitable if the deceased:
Was permanently resident ("domiciled") in England or Wales, and
Died on or after 6 April 2011, and
Died less than 3 months ago if inheritance tax may be due (see below)
The Wizard is also suitable:
Whether or not the deceased left a will
Whether or not a grant of probate is required
Whether or not there may be inheritance tax
Whether or not a transfer of nil-rate band is required
Time limits for inheritance tax
- If you believe inheritance tax may be due, you must start The Probate Wizard no more than three months after the date of death;
- Starting 6 months after the end of the month in which the deceased died, HM Revenue & Customs will charge interest on outstanding inheritance tax; and
- You must submit the full inheritance tax account (IHT400) to HM Revenue & Customs within 12 months of the date of death.
Read more about inheritance tax on the HM Revenue & Customs website.
The Probate Wizard cannot help you pay inheritance tax or compile the full inheritance tax account (IHT400), so you must leave enough time after purchasing our Probate Reports package for the IHT400 to be completed and tax to be paid.
When is the Wizard unsuitable?
The Probate Wizard is suitable for the majority of estates.
However, there are certain circumstances in which the Wizard is unsuitable. For example, if the will or estate is disputed, if the surviving spouse is domiciled abroad or if the deceased died bankrupt or if one or more of the beneficiaries is bankrupt. For full details, please see our terms and conditions.
There are certain specialist tasks which the Wizard cannot perform. For example, if you need to pay inheritance tax, enter a caveat, set up or administer trusts or prepare a deed of variation, you may need to seek professional legal advice. Nevertheless, you can use the Wizard to manage the rest of the probate process.
