This can be a daunting task at a very sensitive time and in order to identify in a simple and logical format, the steps needed to be taken, we have separated that process into five main sections or stages.

We recommend that you read through all of the Sections in order to familiarise yourself with what is involved, and what facilities are available to you as part of our service, or which can be referred to separately by using the click-on link provided before progressing further.

Some of the activities can be dealt with at the same time, while others must be addressed in a particular sequence.

However, before any of the processes can start a Cause of Death Certificate must be obtained from the hospital, where the deceased passed away, or if the death was elsewhere, from the deceased's own doctor.

Cause of Death: Natural Causes or Uncertain Death (click on the link for further explanation).

When the cause of death has been determined, you are in a position to move forward.

The following paragraphs will take you through the various stages necessary to start, and to complete, the Probate process. Several of these stages can be carried out at the same time so we have provided some facilities to help you manage each stage as and when it is reached.

Should it transpire that the Estate of the deceased is unusual, or complicated, the most common problems likely to be encountered are high-lighted, and you will be referred to the need for a greater level of assistance or expertise, such as employing a Solicitor or obtaining a Stock valuation, to help you through that stage.