Looking after your loved one’s estate with the same care we would give our own family and friends
Supporting you with every part of the probate process.
Every estate is unique. Some involve many millions in assets while others contain only the simplest and most humble belongings. To us, the value of the estate never changes the level of care we give. Our commitment to you remains exactly the same. We bring the same patience, respect and attention whether we are handling fine art and complex portfolios or a small collection of treasured personal items that mean the world to a family.
We have supported executors managing estates with a wide circle of beneficiaries, from national charities and distant relatives to the friendly hairdresser or postman who played a meaningful part in a persons life. Whatever the make up of the estate, our approach is always grounded in kindness, clarity and discretion. We understand the responsibility you carry, and we stay by your side throughout, guiding you through each step with steady reassurance.
At the heart of everything we do is a simple promise. We are here to assist you, to put your needs first, and to be the support you can lean on when you need it most. Whether the estate is large or modest, straightforward or complex, you will always receive the same care, honesty and unwavering commitment from us.
Protecting what matters most
When a property becomes unoccupied after an owner has passed, it can sadly become vulnerable to problems that go unnoticed from damp and leaks to vandalism, burglary, or simple neglect. What many people don’t realise is that most home insurance providers have strict conditions for vacant properties, often requiring them to be inspected weekly, fortnightly, or monthly in order to keep the insurance valid.
It is absolutely essential that these terms and conditions are followed. During probate, the property is often the most financially significant and most vulnerable asset within the estate. If the required inspections are missed or if there is no clear evidence that they have taken place, an insurance provider may refuse to cover any claim that arises. This could expose the estate to very real financial loss.
The executor has a clear duty of care to protect the estate and to make sure every reasonable step is taken to keep the property fully insured. Doing so reduces the risk of avoidable losses for all beneficiaries and helps ensure the estate is looked after with the respect it deserves during a difficult time.
At We Help With Probate, we remove that worry. We carry out regular, fully documented property inspections for executors and families, giving complete reassurance that the home is being cared for and insurance requirements are being met.
We understand that visiting a loved ones home after their passing can be an emotional and often painful experience. Some clients live many miles away and simply cannot attend as often as required. Others may be elderly themselves, or balancing family and work commitments that make frequent visits impossible.
To give complete confidence, every inspection includes clear proof of our visit with time, date, longitude and latitude printed on the photographs we send you. Many people have heard stories about insurance providers refusing to pay out when there is no evidence that required checks have taken place. Our detailed images provide firm confirmation that the property has been inspected, offering vital protection for the estate.
We also believe good care goes far beyond simple compliance. We introduce ourselves to neighbours and give them our contact details so they can reach us straight away if anything seems unusual. When needed, we adjust heating controls during the winter and update light timers when the clocks change. Our role is not just to inspect but to protect, offering steady reassurance that your loved ones home is secure, respected, and never left unattended.
That is where we step in, offering a trusted, compassionate service that keeps the property safe, protected, and fully compliant while giving families real peace of mind at a time when it matters most.
Time-stamped photographic evidence of every visit, showing the exact date, time, longitude and latitude for complete verification
Detailed written reports sent directly to the executor, solicitor, or chosen family member after each inspection
Security, safety and maintenance checks to confirm the property remains in good order and meets all insurance conditions
This service not only safeguards the estates most valuable asset but also provides priceless peace of mind. Should the unexpected ever occur, a leak, a break in, or an incident beyond anyone’s control, you will have the documentation needed to demonstrate compliant property inspection with your insurers terms.
Above all, our property inspections are carried out with the same care and attention we would give to a home belonging to someone we love. It is more than just a formality, it is a promise that your loved ones home will be respected and to our best ability protected, and watched over until it begins its next chapter.
Bringing calm, clarity and compassion to the process
One of the most challenging aspects of being an executor is managing communication with beneficiaries. What often begins with good intentions can quickly become overwhelming, especially when emotions run high. At We Help With Probate, we fully understand how complex these relationships can become and the strain they can place on the executor.
Every estate is different. Some have only a few beneficiaries, while others may include a wide mix of family members, friends, neighbours and charities, each hoping for updates and clarity on when they will receive their inheritance.
Understandably, some beneficiaries are patient and understanding, but others may feel frustrated or anxious as they wait, especially if what they have been left does not match their expectations. These emotions can lead to tension, frequent calls, and at times, uncomfortable conversations that make an already difficult situation even harder to manage.
That’s where we step in. We act as a trusted, neutral point of contact between the executor and the beneficiaries. Once instructed, we write to all relevant parties to inform them that We Help With Probate will be handling communication and providing progress updates on behalf of the estate. From that moment, the executor can step back, knowing that all enquiries, questions and requests for updates will come to us, not to them.
Our role is to bring structure, calm and consistency to the process. We provide beneficiaries with timely updates, delivered in a professional and empathetic manner. This not only keeps everyone informed but also helps prevent misunderstandings, speculation and family disagreements. Executors often tell us how relieved they feel once they no longer have to field endless phone calls, emails and letters seeking updates. We give them the breathing space they need to focus on their own wellbeing and the administrative duties that truly require their attention.
In many cases, our involvement has helped to ease family tensions and restore communication between relatives who may have been at odds. Hearing information from a neutral third party often removes the emotional weight that can come with hearing it from another family member. It transforms the tone of the conversation, allowing everyone involved to feel reassured that the estate is being handled fairly, transparently and with care.
We also liaise with solicitors and keep them informed of all beneficiary correspondence, ensuring that everything remains coordinated and documented. When charities are involved, we provide structured updates to meet their procedural requirements, helping to keep matters smooth and efficient.
At We Help With Probate, we recognise that probate is not just a legal process, it’s a human one. It involves feelings, memories and, at times, conflicting emotions. Our goal is to ease that burden, to stand beside the executor and quietly manage the sensitive conversations that often come with this responsibility.
With our team handling beneficiary communication, you can be confident that every person involved is treated with respect, understanding and professionalism, while you, as executor, are finally given the space to breathe, reflect and grieve in peace.
Thoughtful safeguarding for peace of mind
Safeguarding a property during probate goes far beyond routine visits. An unoccupied home can be vulnerable in ways that families may not immediately realise, which is why the extra steps we take can make such a meaningful difference to the safety and wellbeing of the estate.
One of the most important early measures is to change the locks. Families are often unaware of how many sets of keys may have been given out over the years to carers, neighbours, contractors, or friends. Even with the best intentions, it is impossible to know how many copies remain in circulation. A simple lock change restores full control and ensures that only the executor and authorised professionals have access. It is a small action that significantly reduces the risk of intrusion or misuse during a time when the property is most vulnerable.
Cold weather brings its own risks. Turning off the water at the mains and draining the system helps prevent pipes from freezing and bursting, a common cause of serious damage in empty homes. By ensuring the system is fully drained, you greatly reduce the chance of leaks and water related issues that can go unnoticed for weeks.
We also make sure the home remains cared for in ways that are subtle but incredibly effective. Windows and doors are checked to confirm everything is secure, and we set light timers to help the property appear occupied. These gentle touches deter opportunists and protect the home simply by giving the impression that someone is present.
There are quieter, easily missed jobs that also make a difference, such as clearing fridges and freezers to avoid unpleasant surprises if there is ever a power cut. These small practical tasks keep the home fresh and safe, maintaining its condition until the time is right for the next chapter.
Everything we do is guided by respect for the person who lived there and for the family now responsible for their estate. Safeguarding a property is not only about protecting it from physical harm. It is about honouring memories, preserving dignity, and giving families the reassurance that their loved ones home is being looked after with the same care they would give it themselves.
Understanding and managing a loved one’s belongings with care
We work alongside trusted specialists and accredited valuers in fields such as fine art, wine, vehicles, jewellery and more. Their expertise ensures that valuable items are assessed fairly and accurately, giving executors confidence that every part of the estate is handled with care. We take responsibility for coordinating appointments, liaising with the valuers, and providing any information required by solicitors or HMRC.
We understand that many possessions carry deep emotional meaning. Families often have strong memories attached to certain pieces, and these moments can feel delicate. We approach every conversation with patience and discretion, taking time to confirm which items the executor wishes to retain or distribute once the law allows it. Nothing is ever rushed, and every decision is treated with respect.
It is important to note that items cannot be distributed until probate has been granted and only in accordance with the will and the executors approval. Once that stage has been reached, we assist in making sure items reach the rightful beneficiaries safely. This can involve arranging secure transport for valuables, or helping with the logistical challenges of sending large items to family members who may live far away, sometimes even overseas. Whatever the situation, we support the executor in ensuring their wishes are carried out wherever possible.
Not every possession needs a formal valuation. Ordinary household contents can often be grouped and estimated. However, jewellery, artwork, antiques or collections worth more than one thousand five hundred pounds require a professional valuation to comply with HMRC rules. We make sure every asset is properly accounted for so that the estate progresses smoothly and without avoidable delays.
There are occasions where valuables may have been stored elsewhere, such as a bank, a safe or with family members while the deceased was in hospital or residential care. Our role is to help locate these items, confirm ownership and ensure they are included in the estate record. Accurate valuations can also support the correct insurance cover for the property during probate, something many families understandably overlook at a difficult time. If required, we can arrange valuations that are suitable for both probate and insurance purposes.
At We Help With Probate, we believe that this part of the journey deserves the same compassion and respect as every other step. Behind each item lies a story, a memory, or a piece of a life lived. Our aim is to make the process clear, calm and well organised, giving executors the reassurance that everything is being handled with honesty, dignity and genuine care.
This is not just about numbers on a form. It is about honouring a life properly and ensuring each possession is treated with the respect it deserves.
Handled with dignity, respect and care
Clearing a loved one’s home is often one of the most emotional and difficult parts of the probate journey. It’s not just about emptying a property, it’s about saying goodbye to a lifetime of memories. Each drawer, each photo, each familiar scent can bring back moments of joy, sadness and reflection. For many families, this process can feel overwhelming, particularly when the property is filled with decades of treasured possessions collected over a lifetime.
At We Help With Probate, we understand that not all lives are simple or straightforward. Some homes are perfectly organised, while others are full of keepsakes, mementos, and years of belongings gathered with love and meaning. There may be a loft brimming with boxes, a garage that has slowly filled over time, or a conservatory lined with furniture that tells its own story. Whatever the situation, our approach remains the same — thoughtful, respectful and kind.
We work with fully licensed, ethical house clearance specialists who share our values and approach every home with sensitivity and care. Every item is handled carefully, and before anything is removed, we take the time to identify personal items that may hold sentimental value, school books, family photographs, letters, or treasured ornaments.
These are always shown to the executor or family before being passed on, ensuring nothing of importance is lost. We also believe that clearing a home should not mean discarding its contents without thought. Wherever possible, we make sure that items go on to serve a new purpose.
In-date tinned food is donated to local food banks to help those in need.
Clothing and soft furnishings that still have life are passed to charities.
Furniture and household goods are rehomed or repurposed wherever possible, avoiding landfill and reducing waste.
Sometimes, where items cannot be accepted by charities due to regulations such as missing fire safety tags, we reach out to local community groups through social media to find them a second life. This small effort makes a meaningful difference, giving back to others while protecting our environment for the next generation.
Of course, there are times when a property may need more attention. Some homes require deeper cleaning or larger clearances, and in these cases, our team handles the process from start to finish with professionalism and understanding. We ensure that everything is completed ethically, safely and respectfully, leaving the property cared for and ready for its next chapter.
We know that letting go can be hard. It’s not just furniture or belongings, it’s the story of a life well lived. Our role is to make this part of the journey gentler, helping you move forward with peace of mind, knowing everything has been handled with dignity, compassion and purpose.
Caring for the space they once loved
A garden often tells a story. It is where moments were shared, where laughter was heard, and where peace was found after a long day. For many people, their garden was their pride and joy, a space they nurtured with love, season after season. At We Help With Probate, we understand the emotional connection that so often exists between a person and their outdoor space. It is never just a garden; it is a reflection of a life once lived with care and contentment.
We also appreciate that as time goes on, maintaining that space can become a little more challenging. Lawns grow longer, shrubs spread wider, and the flowers that once brought so much joy can soon become difficult to tend. When life becomes busy, or when distance makes regular visits impossible, gardens can quickly become overgrown and lose the gentle order they once had.
That’s where we step in. Our trusted and experienced team provides sympathetic garden maintenance for probate properties, helping to preserve or restore the outdoor spaces that meant so much. Whether it’s keeping lawns neat and tidy, cutting back hedges, clearing paths, or reclaiming a garden that time has overtaken, we take care of everything with respect and attention to detail.
Some executors tell us that they would love to maintain the garden themselves, but other responsibilities, work, family, travel, or simply the emotional weight of returning to a loved one’s home make it difficult. We understand this completely. Our role is to quietly take care of those things in the background, giving executors peace of mind that the property and its gardens are being looked after with the same love and respect they once received.
Whether the garden needs light maintenance or a full transformation, we ensure it remains presentable, peaceful, and cared for, not only to protect the property’s appearance and value, but to honour the memory of the person who once took such pride in it.
Because every garden deserves to be treated with the same care and gentleness that once shaped it, and every family deserves to know it is in safe hands.
Guiding you through one of the more demanding stages of probate
The first step is to establish a fair and accurate market value. We arrange three independent property valuations from reputable estate agents who know the local area and understand the nuances of the probate market. Once we have these valuations, we carry out our own due diligence to analyse recent comparable sales, market conditions and the finer details of each property. This ensures the valuation figure is not only fair but also compliant with HMRC’s expectations.
Setting the right price is crucial. Some agents deliberately overvalue properties in the hope of securing the instruction, but this approach can create real problems for executors. An inflated valuation can lead to an overpayment of inheritance tax, unnecessary delays, and disappointment later when the property fails to attract genuine buyers.
Conversely, if a property is valued significantly below its true market value, HMRC may question the figure and request justification.
Our role is to protect you from both extremes. We ensure the property is valued accurately, with clear reasoning and supporting evidence. This provides confidence for both the executor and HMRC, keeping taxation in line with the estate’s true worth. Once the appropriate valuation has been established, we will give you an honest opinion on the most suitable estate agent to handle the sale, explaining their strengths and weaknesses so that you can make an informed choice.
When the property is listed, we ensure that the marketing is of a high standard. Professional photography, accurate descriptions and attention to presentation are key to attracting the right buyer. We review all marketing materials before they go live, ensuring they represent the property respectfully and effectively.
As offers come in, we guide you through each one, discussing buyer positions, financial readiness, and the likelihood of a successful completion. We help you weigh the pros and cons of each offer, so you can make decisions with confidence, knowing you have all the facts.
Once an offer is accepted, we support you through the conveyancing process. It’s important to understand that this stage is handled by a different type of solicitor, a conveyancer, who operates under separate regulations and procedures. Conveyancing can be demanding, involving multiple enquiries, document checks and negotiations. Some buyers may change their minds, request last-minute reductions or encounter issues with their mortgage.
Having We Help With Probate by your side during this stage provides reassurance and structure. We liaise with all parties involved, estate agents, solicitors, buyers and surveyors to keep the process moving forward. We help identify potential pitfalls early, manage expectations, and ensure the executor is always aware of what’s happening and why.
Our goal is to make what can be a stressful process as smooth and transparent as possible. We protect the estate’s best interests, safeguard its value, and ensure that the sale is handled with integrity from start to finish.
Keeping you informed, every step of the way
Probate can be a complex and lengthy process, often involving a great deal of paperwork, legal formality, and patience. Having a reliable solicitor is essential, but as many executors discover, not all solicitors or law firms provide the same level of service or communication. That’s where We Help With Probate steps in.
Many of our clients come to us with a solicitor already appointed, sometimes chosen years earlier when the will was first written. In many cases, that solicitor may have been a wonderful choice at the time, but over the years law firms can change, they merge, are taken over, or simply lose the personal touch they once had. Others may have been selected purely on cost rather than service, which can lead to long delays and communication difficulties down the line.
Probate is a process that demands attention to detail, consistent progress, and timely communication. Unfortunately, large “high volume” firms handling hundreds of estates at once can easily fall behind. We have seen cases where straightforward applications have taken years to process, delayed by simple administrative oversights or heavy workloads. Errors in paperwork, missing details or delays in submitting inheritance tax forms can result in serious setbacks and in some instances, financial loss to the estate if property values fluctuate or insurance and service charges continue to mount.
At We Help With Probate, we take on the role of liaison and progress tracker, ensuring your solicitor remains proactive, accurate, and communicative throughout. We know what timeframes are realistic for different types of estates, so when progress slows, we step in. We make the calls, chase the updates, and ensure your application is not left sitting in a queue. Our team will keep you fully informed, explaining every stage in plain, reassuring language so you always know where things stand.
If you choose to use one of our trusted solicitors, you can be confident that they have been carefully selected for their professionalism, responsiveness, and integrity. We never accept referral fees or commissions, our recommendations are based solely on experience and trust. The solicitor we suggest will always be the one best suited to the complexity of your estate, ensuring that matters are progressed efficiently and correctly.
Our aim is simple: to save you time, reduce stress, and prevent costly mistakes or unnecessary delays. We act as your eyes and ears throughout the legal process, ensuring that the probate application is handled properly and that the estate is finalised as swiftly as possible.
Probate can feel like a mountain to climb, but with us managing communication and progress, you’ll never have to chase or wonder what’s happening. You can rest assured that your loved one’s estate is being handled with the care, professionalism, and urgency it deserves.
Our helpful team is here to help, support and offer assistance
hello@wehelpwithprobate.com0203 928 5800
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