Legal Advice

After a death, someone needs to deal with the person's money, property and possessions (their estate). This section explains the main legal steps in plain English: when you need probate, whether Inheritance Tax is due, and the paperwork needed for a burial or cremation.

Many people deal with a simple estate themselves. It's worth getting professional help if the estate includes property, a business or Inheritance Tax, or if family members disagree.

In Scotland, probate is called confirmation. See when someone dies in Scotland.

Related: making a will · lasting power of attorney.

Find local help: solicitors.