Have you considered using an accountant for probate?

When probate is mainly about finances, working with an accountant can make the process clearer, more efficient, and often more cost-effective.

Since 2014, accountants have been able to help obtain a grant of probate in non-contentious cases. Shaw Gibbs Probate Limited (part of the Shaw Gibbs Group) offers this service because probate is often as much about finances and tax as it is about paperwork.

There are many reasons why families choose to work with accountants who are licensed to provide probate.

We’re used to handling complex financial information

Probate involves gathering bank accounts, investments, property values, debts, and sometimes business interests. That’s the kind of work accountants deal with.

We’re trained to:

• Track down and organise financial records
• Interpret statements and valuations
• Ensure figures are accurate and balance
• Follow structured processes

For estates with multiple assets, especially where businesses or investments are involved, this experience can make a real difference.

Our tax knowledge is a core strength

Inheritance tax is often the most technical part of administering an estate. As accountants, tax is central to what we do.

Rather than outsourcing inheritance tax calculations, we handle them directly. That means:

• We consider reliefs and exemptions
• We understand tax terminology and are used to completing tax forms
• We will make sure compliance requirements are met

This can reduce delays and help ensure the estate is administered tax-efficiently.

We’re professionally regulated

We are members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), a well-established and trusted professional body. Shaw Gibbs Probate Limited is licensed to carry out the reserved legal activity of non-contentious probate in England and Wales.

That means we work to strict professional standards, with appropriate oversight and professional indemnity protection offering reassurance during what is often a difficult time for families.

Clear and competitive fees

Some probate providers charge a percentage of the estate’s value. For larger estates, this can become costly.

Accountants generally charge based on time spent or agree a fixed fee in advance. We do not charge a percentage of the estate, which often makes our service more cost-effective and transparent.

We may already know you

If you’re an existing client, it’s likely we already know you, understand your family structure, business interests and financial history.

It’s this familiarity that can:

• Save time
• Reduce duplication of work
• Make the process feel more personal and less administrative

You won’t need to explain everything to us from scratch.

We prepare clear estate accounts

Executors have a responsibility to keep accurate records and provide a clear summary to beneficiaries. Preparing structured estate accounts is something accountants are particularly good at, ensuring everything balances and is properly documented.

Is an accountant right for your probate?

Accountants can assist with non-contentious probate where there are no known disputes and the will is straightforward.

Where legal disputes arise, a solicitor may be more appropriate. But for estates where the main work involves valuing assets, handling tax and preparing accounts, many families find that working with an accountant feels practical, efficient and reassuring.

If you would like to explore whether this approach is right for you, we would be happy to talk it through.

View our probate brochure

Related content

• PROBATE
• ARTICLES