f.a.q.
Frequently asked questions
Find answers to common questions about our probate valuation services below. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, feel free to contact us directly, we’re always happy to help.
Probate is the legal process where a deceased person’s will is validated, and their estate is administered. It involves obtaining a Grant of Probate (or Confirmation in Scotland), which authorises the executor(s) to collect assets, pay debts, and distribute the estate to beneficiaries.
You need probate when the deceased’s estate includes assets such as property, bank accounts, investments, or valuable possessions that require legal permission to be transferred. If the estate is small or solely consists of jointly held assets, probate may not be necessary.
Chattels are the tangible personal possessions of the deceased, excluding real estate and money. This includes furniture, artwork, jewellery, antiques, vehicles, collectibles, and household items. Chattels valuation is essential for probate because these items contribute to the total estate value and can affect Inheritance Tax (IHT) calculations.
Yes, we offer professional house clearance services tailored to probate situations. Our experienced team can carefully sort, value, and clear household contents, ensuring valuable items are identified and preserved. We manage responsible disposal, recycling, and donations, handling the entire process sensitively to ease the burden on families and executors.
Beyond probate valuation and house clearance, we provide:
- Asset Recovery Service (included in your booking) to locate wills and assess hidden assets
- Specialist antique and jewellery valuation for chattels requiring expert appraisal
- Vehicle valuations for probate purposes
The open market value is the price that an item or property would fetch if sold in the open market between a willing buyer and seller, both having reasonable knowledge and neither under undue pressure. For probate, valuations should reflect this value to comply with HMRC requirements.
Yes, we provide probate and chattels valuation services across the entire UK, including England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. We understand the regional legal nuances, especially the differences in probate law between Scotland and England/Wales.
No. Insurance value typically represents the cost to replace or repair an item, often higher than its market value, whereas probate value reflects the item’s open market value at the date of death, which could be lower due to wear, market conditions, or rarity.
A professional valuer is recommended or required when:
- The estate includes antiques, artworks, jewellery, or collectibles
- There’s potential for high-value items or complex valuations
- Executors or solicitors need a defensible, HMRC-compliant report
- The estate is liable for Inheritance Tax
- There’s disagreement about item values or potential disputes with HMRC
Most valuation reports are completed within 5 days of the initial appointment. Urgent requests may be accommodated subject to availability.
