Can I do probate myself without a solicitor or adviser?

Yes, in England and Wales it is possible to apply for probate yourself without using a solicitor or adviser. The process is called a 'personal application' and involves applying to the Probate Registry for a Grant of Probate (if there is a will) or Letters of Administration (if there is no will). The grant is the legal document that gives you authority to deal with the deceased person's estate — collecting assets, paying debts, and distributing what remains.

DIY probate tends to be more straightforward when the estate is simple: for example, a small number of straightforward assets, no property, no disputes between beneficiaries, and no inheritance tax (IHT) liability. Where IHT is owed, you will normally need to complete HMRC forms and settle any tax due before the grant is issued, which adds complexity.

Estates become harder to handle without professional help when they involve property, business interests, overseas assets, trusts, or potential IHT. Errors in the IHT calculation or in the distribution of assets can create personal liability for the executor (the person named in the will to carry out its instructions), so the stakes of getting it wrong are real.

Using a solicitor or a professional adviser is not a legal requirement, but many executors find professional support worthwhile when an estate is large, complex, or likely to trigger an IHT charge — particularly given the upcoming changes to pension IHT rules from April 2027, which may affect more estates than before.

For guidance on whether professional help is needed in your specific situation, speaking with a regulated financial adviser or a solicitor is the appropriate next step.