Knowledge Base

If you’ve recently lost someone close to you, you’re probably hearing the word “probate” a lot – but what does it actually mean, and do you need to go through it? Let’s break it down. What is Probate? Probate is the legal process of dealing with someone’s estate after they die. That includes sorting out…

Probate can seem straightforward at first glance – but it often brings hidden delays, legal responsibilities, and emotional weight. Here are three things we often hear from people who wish they’d known earlier. 1. It takes way longer than you think. Many people assume probate will be done in a few weeks. In reality, it…

Yes – you can. In fact, many people do. But the question isn’t just whether you can – it’s whether you should. This guide explains what DIY probate involves, when it works, and when it might be safer (and faster) to get help. What DIY Probate Actually Means DIY probate means you’re acting as the…

After someone dies, one of the hardest moments often comes when you’re standing in their home, wondering what to do next. It’s more than just stuff. It’s memories, emotions, and pressure – all mixed together in the place they once lived. There’s No Rush – But There Is a Window You don’t have to clear…

(Spoiler: Yes… but not that much) Here’s what most people think: Many people believe that if there’s a will, probate will be simple or unnecessary. It’s a common assumption – and an understandable one. After all, a will is meant to make things clear, right? Here’s the truth: Even with a will, probate is usually…

When someone dies without a valid will, it’s called dying ‘intestate.’ That means the law decides who inherits their estate – not the person who died, and not the family. What Happens if There’s No Will? If there’s no will, the estate is passed on according to strict legal rules called the ‘rules of intestacy’….

When someone dies, we expect grief – but not always responsibility. For many people, the moment they realise they’ve been named as an executor comes with a letter, an envelope, or a quick comment that changes everything. “I didn’t know I was the executor… until the letter arrived.” I opened the envelope and just froze….

When someone dies, everything can feel surreal – like time has stopped, but the world expects you to keep moving. You’re grieving, possibly overwhelmed, and suddenly handed a list of responsibilities. This guide is here to help you take the first steps gently – with calm, clarity, and compassion. Here’s what you need to do…

Probate costs can feel confusing – and they vary widely. You might see everything from low fixed-fee services to expensive percentage-based quotes from high street solicitors. But the real question isn’t just ‘what’s the price?’ – it’s ‘what are you actually getting for it?’ The Three Common Types of Probate Pricing Percentage-Based Fees Some banks…

Sometimes, a family member wants to keep the house after someone dies. It might be the childhood home, a place filled with memories, or simply the most stable option for someone left behind. But emotionally wanting to keep a house – and legally being able to – are two different things. Who Inherits the Property?…

It’s not just a house. It’s their home. And making decisions about it while they’re still alive-but no longer living there-is emotional and complicated. Whether it’s temporary or permanent, dealing with a loved one’s property when they move into care can bring guilt, confusion, and a deep sense of loss. This guide walks you through…

It’s a common worry: what happens to credit cards, loans, or unpaid bills after someone passes away? The good news is – debt doesn’t usually pass to the family. But that doesn’t mean it disappears. Who Pays the Debts? When someone dies, their debts are paid from their estate – the money, property, and belongings…

When someone dies, their home is often the most valuable part of the estate – and the most emotionally difficult to deal with. Whether the family wants to sell it, keep it, or simply understand what it’s worth, getting the valuation right isn’t just a legal step – it’s a human one. You Can’t Just…

When someone passes away, there’s a lot to think about – and it’s easy to overlook one very important task: Insuring the property Empty homes are vulnerable. They’re at greater risk of theft, damage, leaks, vandalism – and most standard home insurance policies don’t cover unoccupied homes for long. At Afterwards.uk, we help people through…