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In response to a significant rise in probate applications, as revealed by recent HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) statistics, The Probate Department, led by Stephen Pett, is stepping up to provide vital, cost-saving support for families dealing with the complexities of probate. With the HMCTS processing 32,002 probate applications in July 2024—almost 9,000 more than the same period last year—there is an urgent need for clear guidance on estates, executors, inheritance taxes, and disputes.
Stephen Pett, founder of The Probate Department, understands the stress of the probate process on a personal level. After the death of his father, Pett experienced the emotional and financial difficulties that probate can cause. Years later, as an Estate Planning Practitioner, he co-founded a specialist solicitors’ practice and encountered first-hand the challenge of keeping probate solicitors’ fees reasonable. After a key solicitor was poached by another firm, he changed the focus of his business and, in 2001, founded www.TheProbateDepartment.co.uk, with the aim of helping families manage probate affordably.
Stephen shared: “When I had to obtain probate for my father’s small estate, I saw both sides of the process—the emotional toll and the financial strain. That’s when I realised there had to be a better way to guide people through probate without the high costs. I’ve made it my mission to offer families affordable, expert help and I have developed a number of different cost-saving services to give executors just the amount of help they need.”
One of The Probate Department’s greatest achievements was saving a client £64,000 in solicitors’ fees on a £23 million estate, and in another case, reducing costs by 96% on a smaller estate. Pett is known for significantly reducing typical probate fees, connecting clients with qualified professionals who can lower costs by up to a third or more.
Alongside these services, The Probate Department offers an extensive range of free resources to help families navigate inheritance taxes, executors’ responsibilities, will disputes, and more. Their website, which has attracted over 4 million visitors, includes nearly 1,000 pages of guidance, alongside free downloadable resources such as “A Guide to Probate” and “What the Registrar Needs to Know.” These materials empower families to make informed decisions during challenging legal processes.
Stephen added: “Our free service is meant to empower people with the knowledge they need to tackle probate confidently. From understanding inheritance tax obligations to resolving disputes and appointing executors, we cover it all. And if they need professional help, we’re here to connect them with affordable, trustworthy experts.”
As probate applications hit their highest level in 12 months, The Probate Department is ideally positioned to support the increasing number of families seeking affordable solutions. By offering both free guidance and access to professional services, Stephen Pett and his team are making probate more transparent, accessible, and cost-effective for all.
