Probate and estate administration

After someone dies, probate is the legal process of dealing with their property, money, possessions and any other assets they own (known as their estate). Estates above a certain value may need go through this legal process, depending on what assets are in the estate and how they’re owned.

This process can involve a lot of complex work and whoever does this work can be held liable for any mistakes. This is why many people choose to instruct a professional to do this work on their behalf. 

We have partnered with Co-op Legal Services

We have partnered with Co-op Legal Services to provide probate and estate administration services to our members. After someone dies, probate is the legal process of dealing with their property, money, possessions and any other assets they own (known as their estate). Estates above a certain value may need go through this legal process, depending on what assets are in the estate and how they’re owned.

Co-op Legal Services has the largest probate team in the UK and is trusted to handle over £1.8 billion in estates every year. Their team can take full responsibility for getting the grant of probate and handling the legal, tax, property and estate administration work for you.

You can get a free consultation where they’ll discuss your circumstances and provide a no obligation written, fixed fee quotation for their probate services.

As part of the Co-op Group, the values of honesty, openness, transparency and caring for others are core to the service they provide. 

Co-op Legal Services is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. They provide specialist legal services, tailored to your individual circumstances.

Co-op Legal Services is part of Co-operative Group Limited and is separate to Central Co-op.

What is probate?

Probate is the process of winding up someone’s affairs after they die. There’s a lot involved in this process. Some of the main tasks include:
•    Notifying organisations of the death
•    Applying for the grant of probate
•    Collecting in assets
•    Valuing everything in the estate
•    Calculating and paying any Inheritance Tax, Income Tax and other tax that’s due
•    Settling outstanding debts
•    Selling property and other assets
•    Identifying and contacting beneficiaries
•    Preparing estate accounts
•    Distributing the estate to those entitled to inherit it (either under the terms of the will, if there is one, or intestacy rules if there isn’t)

Co-op Legal Services’ interactive tool can help you understand when probate is and isn’t needed. Check if you need probate.