Legal 500 Leading Firm 2026 / The Time Best Law Firms 2026 / 40+ Years of Expert Legal Practice in London
Legal 500 Leading Firm 2026 / The Time Best Law Firms 2026 / 40+ Years of Expert Legal Practice in London
When someone dies, there are practical, legal and financial steps that need to be dealt with. These can include registering the death, arranging the funeral, locating the will, valuing the estate, notifying government bodies, applying for probate and distributing assets to beneficiaries.
At Lewis Nedas Law, our experienced probate solicitors in London guide executors, administrators and families through each stage. As a Legal 500 Leading Firm 2026 and recognised by The Times Best Law Firms 2026, we have provided expert legal advice in London for more than 40 years. Call +44 20 7387 2032 or complete our online contact form for advice.
Call +44 20 7387 2032 Arrange a ConsultationWhen a person dies, their estate includes money, property, possessions, investments and other assets owned at the date of death.
If there is a valid will, the people named as executors are responsible for dealing with the estate. If there is no will, or the will is invalid, an administrator is appointed — often a close family member who applies for Letters of Administration.
Both executors and administrators have legal duties. They must identify assets, pay debts and taxes, keep accurate records and distribute the estate correctly. A solicitor can advise executors on their obligations and help manage the process from start to finish.
The first steps after a death usually include:
Registering the death
Arranging the funeral
Locating the original will
Securing property and valuables
Notifying banks, insurers and pension providers
Informing HMRC, the Department for Work and Pensions and relevant local authorities
Checking whether probate is required
Many organisations will request a death certificate before they release information or close accounts.
A death in England and Wales must usually be registered within five days. The registrar will issue death certificates, which may be needed when contacting banks and other institutions.
The funeral can be arranged by family members, executors or another person close to the deceased. Funeral costs are usually paid from the estate, although someone may need to pay them first and claim reimbursement later.
The will confirms who has been appointed as executor and who should inherit the estate. Check the deceased's home, solicitor, bank or will storage provider.
Executors or administrators should secure the deceased's home, protect valuables and notify insurers if a property is empty.
Banks, pension providers, utility companies, HMRC, DWP and local councils should be told about the death.
All assets and debts must be identified. This may include property, bank accounts, investments, pensions, personal possessions, loans, credit cards and funeral expenses. See our guide on what is included in an estate.
Inheritance Tax may need to be reported and paid before probate is granted. A solicitor can help prepare HMRC forms and advise on available exemptions.
Executors apply for a Grant of Probate. Administrators apply for Letters of Administration. The current probate application fee is £300 for estates over £5,000. There is no application fee for estates valued at £5,000 or less. For a guide to overall costs, see how much probate costs.
Once probate is granted, banks and other institutions can release funds to the executor or administrator.
Debts, tax and expenses must be paid before beneficiaries receive their inheritance. Estate accounts should be prepared before final distribution.
Legal advice is recommended where any of the following apply:
There is no will
The estate includes property
Inheritance Tax may be payable
There are overseas assets
Beneficiaries cannot be found
The estate includes business interests
There are trusts or lifetime gifts
Family disagreements have arisen — see ADR in probate disputes
A probate solicitor can reduce delays, deal with HMRC and help protect executors from personal liability.
Register the death, arrange the funeral and locate the will.
The executors named in the will deal with the estate.
A close relative may apply to act as administrator. The estate is then distributed under the intestacy rules.
No. It depends on the assets, value of the estate and how assets were owned. A solicitor can advise on whether a grant is required.
The current fee is £300 for estates over £5,000. There is no fee for estates valued at £5,000 or less. See our probate fees page for more detail.
Yes. Funeral costs are usually paid from estate funds, though someone may need to pay initially and claim reimbursement once funds are released.
Inheritance Tax is usually dealt with before probate is granted. It may need to be paid in instalments where estate funds are tied up in property.
Yes. A probate solicitor can manage the process from start to finish, including obtaining the grant, collecting assets, dealing with HMRC and distributing the estate.
Dealing with a death can be difficult, particularly where probate, Inheritance Tax, property, trusts or international assets are involved. Lewis Nedas Law advises executors, administrators, trustees and beneficiaries on all aspects of estate administration.
As a Legal 500 Leading Firm 2026 and recognised by The Times Best Law Firms 2026, we have provided expert legal advice in London for more than 40 years. Our solicitors have extensive experience in probate, HMRC matters, trusts, Lasting Power of Attorney and cross-border estates. Our client base includes families in the UK and overseas, placing us in a strong position to advise where the deceased had foreign assets or was domiciled outside the UK.
Contact our Wills and Probate Solicitors today on +44 20 7387 2032 or complete our online contact form.
Call +44 20 7387 2032 Arrange a ConsultationThis page provides general information about the steps following a death in England and Wales and does not constitute legal advice. The appropriate course of action will depend on the facts and circumstances of each estate.
