What is probate?
Probate is the legal process that gives you the authority to manage a loved one’s estate, including their money, property, and personal possessions.
If you’re named as an executor in the will, or if you are the legal next of kin when there isn’t a will, you may need to apply for probate before you can access funds, sell property, or distribute assets.
In Northampton, like the rest of England and Wales, probate is handled through HM Courts & Tribunals Service. However, you don’t need to visit in person. With an online service, everything can be done by phone or email, no local appointments required.
How long does probate take?
In most Northampton cases, probate takes 6-12 months from start to finish. However, timelines can vary depending on the complexity of the estate and any property sales. The initial grant of probate typically arrives within 12 weeks once the application is submitted.
A good probate solicitor should keep you updated at each stage and guide you through any delays or paperwork, so you always feel supported.
Do I need a probate solicitor based in Northampton?
Although probate is a legal process, you don’t need to use a local probate solicitor in Northampton. In many cases, everything can be done online or over the phone, ideal if you’re busy and prefer not to travel.
Our partner coordinates probate services with an independent law firm that is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). Farewill Ltd is not a law firm and is not regulated by the SRA.
Northampton probate solicitors vs online probate solicitors
Here’s a quick comparison of what to expect when choosing between a typical probate solicitor in Northampton and our partner's modern, fixed-fee service:
| Feature | Northampton solicitor | Our partner |
|---|---|---|
| Fee type | Typically £200-£300/hr or 2-5% of the estate value | Fixed-fee, quoted upfront |
| Appointments | In-person | 100% remote |
| Average completion time | 6-12 months | 6-12 months |
| Customer reviews | Varies by firm | 4.9★ Trustpilot |
Fixed-fee probate services for Northampton families
Our partner offers two clear options for families in Northampton, both at fixed prices, with no hidden hourly fees or unexpected costs.
High street solicitors typically charge hourly rates or a percentage of the estate value, regardless of an estate’s complexity. Our partner, Farewill, offers no obligation quotes based on estate complexity, assessed and quoted upfront on your initial call.
Farewill Ltd is not a law firm and is not regulated by the SRA. Probate services are delivered by an independent SRA regulated law firm. Government fees (for example the probate registry fee of £300, plus £1.50 per copy of the grant) are separate.
Grant-only probate service
Ideal if you’re confident handling most of the estate administration yourself. Our partner prepares and submits your grant of probate application, giving you the legal authority to manage the estate. You’ll then be responsible for tasks such as:
- Contacting banks and financial institutions
- Gathering and valuing assets and debts
- Paying taxes and distributing funds
In some circumstances, grant-only probate requires a IHT 400 form
The IHT 400 is an Inheritance Tax return form which may be required depending on the tax position of the estate, even if there’s no Inheritance Tax to pay. If you’re unsure if you need the IHT 400, get in touch with our partner's friendly team for guidance on 020 3695 1713, Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm.
Complete probate service
This may be the best option if you're short on time, worried about making mistakes, or want an impartial expert to manage everything on your behalf. Our partner's probate specialists and legal partners will:
- Assess and value the estate, including any property
- Handle the grant of probate application
- Close accounts, coordinate property sales, pay taxes, and distribute funds
What to do next
If you're managing a loved one's estate in Northampton, here are the next steps to take:
Find the death certificate
You'll need this for the probate application.
Identify the executor(s)
The person(s) responsible for managing the estate.
Gather financial information
Including bank accounts, mortgages, and investments.
Get a probate quote
Find out how much it will cost and what support you'll get.
FAQs about probate in Northampton
The information on this page is for general guidance only. It isn’t legal, tax, or financial advice and may not apply to your individual circumstances.
When is probate required?
You’ll usually need probate if the estate is worth over £10,000, or if any property was owned in one name only or jointly as tenants in common. Other joint assets (like joint bank accounts or homes owned as joint tenants) usually pass automatically to the surviving partner.
Who applies for probate?
If there’s a will, the executor(s) named in it will apply. If there isn’t a will, a close relative (usually the next of kin) applies for letters of administration instead.
Can I apply for probate myself?
Yes, you can apply for probate yourself through the government website, but it can take time and involves completing several legal and tax forms. Some people in Northampton choose to do it independently, while others prefer professional help to make sure everything is handled correctly.
Can probate fees be paid from the estate?
Yes. Probate fees are usually paid from the estate funds before distributing assets to beneficiaries.
Final thoughts
Dealing with probate can feel daunting, especially after losing someone close.
With clear guidance and fixed-fee support, families in Northampton can take things one step at a time, and get the help they need when they’re ready.
About the author
Dan Garrett is the Co-Founder of Farewill, the UK’s leading will-writing company, and Chief Growth Officer at Dignity Group.
He founded Farewill in 2015 to make death simpler for everyone - offering online wills, probate, and funerals with empathy, clarity, and affordability. Under his leadership, Farewill has won multiple national awards and earned a 4.9/5 Trustpilot rating from over 19,000 reviews.
Farewill customers have pledged more than £1 billion to charity through their wills. Dan has been named Outstanding Legal Innovator of the Year and Disruptor of the Year, and regularly features on national media including BBC Radio 4 and ITV’s This Morning.
