Probate Services
When someone dies, managing their estate and navigating the probate process can sometimes be overwhelming. Choosing an ICAEW accountant can provide peace of mind, whether youre dealing with a complex estate or looking for straightforward and cost-effective services.
ICAEW accountants are trusted advisers and authorised to deal with the formal legal process of applying for probate. They also specialise in estate administration and can take on executorship and trustee duties. In fact, other lawyers often consult accountants for help with financial matters in probate, such as inheritance tax. An ICAEW accountant can also provide expert guidance to help you, and your family, look forward and plan for the future.
Read our online consumer guides to find out more about what to expect when engaging an accountant and navigating the probate process as an executor or a beneficiary. You can also find out more about regulated probate services on our website.
What happens if there is a legal dispute?
If you decide to use an ICAEW accountant for probate, they can provide the same services as a lawyer, if the estate is not subject to any dispute. This is known as non-contentious probate. However, if any legal disputes arise, a specialist probate lawyer would need to intervene. Once the dispute is settled, the application can be handed back to your accountant to complete.
How can I find an ICAEW Chartered Accountant?
You can identify an ICAEW probate firm by looking for the ICAEW logo on their website. To find out more information about a firm, search our probate register. This provides regulatory information on all ICAEW probate practitioners, including the firm's registered address, the name and role of the ICAEW accountant, and their regulatory record.
Will I be protected using an ICAEW Accountant for legal services?
As a regulated professional, you can be confident that your ICAEW accountant has the necessary experience and qualifications to deliver high-quality, independent probate advice and services.
This is because ICAEW sets and enforces high standards of conduct. To be accredited to provide probate services, ICAEW accountants must meet our regulatory requirements and continuing professional development obligations.
ICAEW probate firms must also meet strict accounting rules to keep client funds secure. If you are not satisfied with the service your accountant has provided, you have the right to make a complaint. If you are not happy with the firm's final response, or eight weeks has passed, you can take your complaint to the Legal Ombudsman.
Where can I find out more about ICAEW and the services provided by accountants?
ICAEW has a dedicated consumer hub, packed with resources and guidance about choosing an accountant for probate, understanding the probate process and our role as a regulator.