Situations where probate is not required, including small estates, joint assets, and nominated beneficiaries.
This guide is part of ProbateHelp's Probate Process guide cluster.
Yes — even if you do not need probate, you still need to contact each bank and building society to notify them of the death and ask what they require to close or transfer the account. Expect to provide evidence of the death and your authority; the institution may also require its own small-estate declaration or indemnity.
In England and Wales, there is no single provider-release limit that applies to every bank or financial institution. For a provider’s release decision, its holding and evidence rules matter. You must still assess the whole estate for property, other assets, tax and reporting. Scotland has a separate statutory small-estate procedure and limit.
It depends on how the property was owned. If they owned it as joint tenants, the property passes automatically to the surviving owner by right of survivorship — no probate is needed for the property itself. If they owned it as tenants in common, each owner's share passes under their will or intestacy rules, and probate may be needed to deal with that share.
Ask the pension provider. It decides under the scheme rules and any expression of wish whether payment is discretionary, who may receive it, what evidence is needed and whether estate or tax reporting still applies.
For an estate without a will, a provider may use its small-estate process if it accepts your evidence and you are legally entitled to deal with the asset. Ask what proof of identity, intestacy entitlement, declaration or indemnity it requires; another asset may still require letters of administration.
A surviving registered joint owner or continuing trustees may be able to deal with legal title without a grant for the deceased’s estate. Sole-name and tenants-in-common cases usually require appropriate personal-representative or trustee authority before completion. Check the title and structure with the conveyancer.
Ask the bank's bereavement team to explain its current release rule and the evidence it requires. A published limit may not be unconditional. If the answer appears inconsistent with the bank's policy, ask for the decision in writing and use its complaints process; the Financial Ombudsman Service may be available if the complaint remains unresolved.
A statutory declaration is a formal written statement made before a solicitor, magistrate, or commissioner for oaths. Some institutions require one for small estate releases instead of probate. It confirms your identity, your relationship to the deceased, and the value of the estate. A solicitor or commissioner for oaths charges a fee for preparing and witnessing one; ask for the cost before you book, as it varies by firm.