Identifying all of the deceased’s assets (property, investments and possessions) and all of their liabilities (debts ranging from loans to utility bills), to determine the value of their estate. At the same time, verifying who is entitled to inherit what from the estate, whether under the terms of the will, or in accordance with the rules of intestacy if there isn't a will, and obtaining the necessary identification documents for those beneficiaries.

Paying Inheritance Tax to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) where applicable and submitting the Inheritance Tax return.

Applying to the Probate Registry for the grant of representation. This is a document confirming who has the legal authority to administer the estate.

After the grant of representation has been issued by the Probate Registry, liquidating (selling) the deceased’s assets, settling their liabilities, paying the final estate administration expenses and accounting to HMRC for any further Inheritance Tax, Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax due to or from the estate.

Preparing estate accounts for all payments into and out of the estate, and showing the balance left for distribution to the beneficiaries. Sending the estate accounts to the personal representatives (such as the executor in the will) for approval.

Providing there are no challenges to the estate or other complicating factors that prevent distribution, the final phase will involve transferring assets to the beneficiaries (if they want to keep these) and distributing the balance of the estate in line with the terms of the will or the rules of intestacy.