Grant only Probate
Aaron secures the Grant of Probate so you can manage the estate yourself. Ideal for straightforward estates. Fixed fee £950 + VAT, no surprises.
Aaron Johnson
Consultant Solicitor & TEP
“I believe legal planning should feel straightforward, not stressful. That's why I handle everything personally — from our first conversation through to the final signature. No hand-offs, no jargon, no surprises. I'm a full member of the Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners (STEP), which means I bring specialist expertise in inheritance tax, trusts, and estate planning. But I explain everything in plain English, because that's what you deserve. Every matter is on a fixed fee. You'll always know what you're paying before you commit. And if something takes longer than expected, that's my responsibility — not yours.”
Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority
Learn more about AaronAaron Handles the Legal Side — You Manage the Estate
If you're named as an executor and the estate is relatively straightforward, you may not need a solicitor to handle everything. Grant Only Probate means Aaron secures the official Grant of Probate for you — the legal document you need before banks, building societies, and the Land Registry will release assets.
Once you have the Grant, you're free to collect assets, pay debts, and distribute the estate yourself. It's the most cost-effective option for executors who are comfortable handling the administration but need the legal paperwork done properly.
The process typically takes 4-8 weeks. Aaron keeps you updated throughout and is available if you have questions about the estate administration afterwards.
If you start with Grant Only and realise you need more help, Aaron can seamlessly transition you to Full Estate Administration.
Who Is This For?
- Executors who are confident managing the estate themselves
- Straightforward estates with a valid Will
- Estates where the main complexity is obtaining the Grant itself
- Executors who want to save on solicitor fees by doing the administration themselves
- Families where a trusted family member is happy to handle asset collection and distribution
What's Included in Your Fixed Fee
- A dedicated Senior Solicitor (Aaron) handling your matter personally
- Reviewing the Will and Death Certificate
- Preparing the probate application and all supporting documents
- Completing the Inheritance Tax Return (Form IHT205 — short form)
- Preparing the Legal Statement of Truth
- Submitting the application to the Probate Registry
- Forwarding the final Grant of Probate and requested copies to you
What's Not Included (Available If You Need Them)
Our fixed fee covers a straightforward Grant application using the short-form IHT return. If the estate involves any of the following, Aaron will discuss these with you and agree a separate fixed fee before any additional work begins:
- Collecting assets or distributing funds — if you'd prefer Aaron to handle the full administration, see the Estate Administration service
- Deed of Renunciation — if an executor wishes to step down (quoted separately)
- Full IHT400 return (longer form) — required when the estate doesn't qualify for the short-form return (quoted separately)
- Settling Inheritance Tax with HMRC — calculation and payment of IHT (quoted separately)
- Trust registration, setup, or closure — if the Will includes a trust that needs administering (quoted separately)
- Deed of Variation — if beneficiaries wish to redirect their inheritance for tax or family reasons (quoted separately)
- Tax advice — inheritance tax planning or capital gains tax guidance (quoted separately)
- Section 27 Statutory Notices — advertising for unknown creditors to protect executors from personal liability (quoted separately)
- Contentious probate — any disputes between executors or beneficiaries
Your estate may be entirely straightforward and not require any of these. Aaron will confirm during the free discovery call.
What Happens If You Don't Act?
Without a Grant of Probate, banks and financial institutions will not release the deceased's assets. Property cannot be sold or transferred. The estate remains frozen, and beneficiaries cannot receive their inheritance. Delays can also create complications with property insurance and ongoing bills.
Why Choose Safe Harbour?
- Aaron personally handles your matter from start to finish — never delegated
- Fixed fees confirmed before we begin — no hourly rates, no surprises
- Home visits available across Bridlington and East Yorkshire
- SRA-regulated with full professional indemnity insurance
- Compassionate, no-jargon approach during a difficult time
You May Also Need
- Estate Administration — if the estate is more complex than expected, or you'd simply prefer Aaron to handle everything from start to finish
- Bespoke Estate & Tax Planning — if the estate reveals tax planning opportunities for beneficiaries
- A Will — if you don't already have one, dealing with a probate matter is a good reminder to get your own affairs in order
The Safe Harbour Guarantee
- Aaron personally handles your matter from start to finish
- Your fee is fixed and confirmed before we begin — no surprises
- Application submitted within 5 working days of signing
- Home visits available across Bridlington and East Yorkshire
- Free discovery call — no-obligation, no-pressure conversation
How Grant only Probate Works
A clear, step-by-step journey from your first call to completion
Free Discovery Call
A brief, no-obligation conversation where Aaron discusses your situation, confirms that Grant Only is the right fit, and provides a clear, fixed quote.
Initial Instruction & Asset Valuation
You gather the financial figures, original Will, and death certificate. Aaron opens your file and runs mandatory ID checks.
Document Preparation
Aaron uses your financial valuations to draft the official HMRC tax forms and the required Legal Statement of Truth.
Review and Signing
You review the drafted documents and sign to confirm the financial information is accurate.
Formal Application
Aaron submits your tax forms to HMRC (if required) and lodges your signed Statement of Truth and Will with the Probate Registry.
Grant Issuance & Handover
Once approved, Aaron receives the official Grant of Probate, checks it for errors, and hands it over to you so you can begin distributing the estate.
Your matter is complete. We'll send you copies of all final documents and store the originals where appropriate.
What Our Clients Say
“Aaron makes the complex feel simple. He is genuinely approachable, and for the first time, I have total confidence that my affairs are in safe hands”
Mr M
North Yorkshire
SRA Transparency Information
Required disclosures for Grant only Probate
Included in this fee: A dedicated Senior Solicitor handling your matter. Reviewing the Will and Death Certificate. Completing the Inheritance Tax Return (Form IHT205). Preparing the Legal Statement of Truth. Submitting the application to the Probate Registry. Forwarding the final Grant of Probate and requested copies to you.
Excluded from this fee: Collecting in assets or distributing funds. Deed of Renunciation. Full IHT400 return. Settling Inheritance Tax with HMRC. Trust registration, setup, or closure. Deed of Variation. Tax advice. Placing Section 27 Statutory Notices. Any contentious probate matters or disputes between executors. These are available as supplementary services and will be quoted separately if required.
Important Note: A separate client onboarding fee of £35 + VAT per person applies to all new instructions to cover ID verification and file setup.
Complaints Procedure
If you're unhappy with our service, please view our complaints procedure.
Legal Ombudsman
If we cannot resolve your complaint, you may contact the Legal Ombudsman.
Questions About Grant only Probate?
Book a free discovery call to discuss your specific situation. We'll give you honest advice about your options.