IWC Probate & Wills

IWC Probate & Wills: fixed-fee probate and estate planning in the UK

IWC Probate & Wills is a British firm specialising in probate administration, will-writing and estate planning. According to its own presentation, it has been operating since 1999 and serves clients across the UK with a fixed-fee model agreed before any work begins. The company offers a free initial consultation with no obligation to proceed, and states that it does not sell services the client does not need.

Probate and estate administration services

The main service consists of obtaining the Grant of Probate, which involves dealing with HMRC and the UK Probate Court, as well as managing the corresponding paperwork. The firm can limit itself to advising on and supporting the application or handle the entire process on the client's behalf. It also offers visits or calls to explain the procedure and facilitate the application.

In the area of estate administration, IWC offers will search services, both for recent deaths and for people who died years ago, and can help determine whether probate has been applied for. It also carries out share and stock valuations for probate, which are required for the Inheritance Tax declaration, through designated solicitors, accountants or executors.

International matters and medallion guarantees

The firm provides overseas probate services for estates of people who lived outside the UK or who managed assets in other countries. It also processes the Medallion Guarantee (also known as a Medallion Stamp or Barcoded Medallion Signature), which is required to sell or transfer shares or funds originating from the United States or Canada. Other international services include the resealing of UK and foreign probates, overseas bankruptcy searches and a fast-track probate service in Jersey.

Wills, powers of attorney and tax planning

IWC offers will-writing services, including emergency wills and online wills, as well as the creation of trusts and lasting powers of attorney. In the area of estate planning, the firm advises on Inheritance Tax and on how to mitigate the tax burden on beneficiaries. It also offers family asset protection services and pension tax change planning.

Genealogical research and other resources

The company has a genealogical research and family tracing service, with access to historical archives, probate records and wills. In addition, it has a section of probate guides and forms where clients can buy and download most of the necessary forms, with the option of help to complete or review them.

Frequently asked questions about timescales and costs

The firm addresses common questions about the process on its website. It notes that the urgency of a case may justify expediting it, for example if there is a court order against the property or a sale agreed before death. It states that the duration of probate depends on the estate: the higher the value, the longer it takes due to tax implications. Among the most common causes of delay, it mentions court queries about incomplete or incorrect documentation, or doubts about the will, which can add months to the process. The full process can take over a year depending on complexity.

Regarding timescales after the grant, closing UK bank accounts can take around four to six weeks, and if there are overseas assets the process is longer. A property cannot be sold until the grant has been obtained. The firm recommends holding the funds for a statutory six-month period before distributing them, in case a claim is made against the estate.

On whether probate is needed, it explains that it is required when the deceased owned a property in their sole name or had assets in their sole name. Each financial institution sets its own limit: most UK banks set it at £50,000, while institutions such as Monzo or National Savings set it at £5,000. If assets are below £5,000, probate is normally not required.

As for costs, the website indicated that court fees to apply for probate were £300, with £16 per grant, and that from 13 July 2026, subject to parliamentary approval, they would increase to £526 and each grant would be reduced to £2. It also notes that probate can be applied for online if the applicant is the spouse, civil partner or child of the deceased; otherwise, it must be applied for by post.

Rating and presence

The firm shows a rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 221 user ratings. IWC Probate & Wills operates with multiple telephone lines and offers service until 22:00, seven days a week, according to its description.