UK wills and probate, explained plainly
Practical England and Wales guidance on making a valid will, intestacy, probate fees and inheritance tax. We show the official route, the private tools and when a guide is not enough.
Turn reading into a useful next step
Will-preparation organiser
Work through people, property, beneficiaries and complexity questions without entering sensitive details.
Open the checklist →After a deathDo I need probate?
Check property ownership and every asset provider’s rules before choosing the probate route.
Check the route →After a deathProbate cost calculator
Compare the court fee and possible DIY, fixed-fee or percentage-based professional costs.
Estimate the costs →Compare online will-writing services
See current advertised prices from Farewill, Kwil and Octopus Legacy alongside review routes, important differences and the questions the CMA says buyers should ask.
Start here
View all guides →How to Write a Will in the UK
Writing a will does not have to be complicated. Here is what it actually needs to include, and the main routes for making it legally valid.
What Is Probate in the UK?
Probate is the legal process of dealing with someone's estate after they die. Here is what it actually involves, step by step.
What Probate Actually Costs in 2026
Probate costs range from the court fee alone to tens of thousands for the same estate, depending on who does the work. Here is where the money goes and how to keep it.
What Happens If You Die Without a Will in the UK?
Without a will, your estate is shared out according to fixed intestacy rules — not your own wishes. Here is how those rules actually work.
Do I Need a Solicitor for a Will?
Not every will needs a solicitor — but some situations genuinely do. Here is how to work out which camp your situation falls into.
Appointing Guardians for Your Children in Your Will
For parents of young children, the guardian clause matters more than anything about money. Here is what happens with one, without one, and how to choose well.
What we cover
Every guide is written to answer one specific question clearly, without trying to sell you a product. If a topic needs a solicitor instead of a guide, we say so.