Editorial Policy

Settle's guides are written and maintained by the Settle editorial team. Our aim is to explain the probate process in plain English, accurately and without legal jargon. This page explains how we work.

Our approach to accuracy

We rely on primary sources throughout. These include GOV.UK, HMRC, HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS), HM Land Registry, the Equity Release Council, and published legislation. We do not rely on secondary commentary or third-party websites as sources of record.

  • Legal and procedural information is checked against GOV.UK and official government publications.
  • Probate fees and court fees are checked against current HMCTS fee schedules and updated when they change.
  • HMRC thresholds and rates are taken directly from HMRC's published guidance.
  • We do not publish AI-generated content without editorial review against primary sources.

What Settle is (and is not)

Settle is an administrative organiser for executors handling probate in England and Wales. Our guides explain the probate process in plain English, covering what executors are required to do, how to deal with institutions, and how the legal and tax framework applies to most estates.

Our guides are not legal advice. They explain the general process clearly and factually. The right answer for any specific estate depends on facts and circumstances we cannot know. For complex estates, disputed wills, or significant inheritance tax, we recommend consulting a qualified solicitor.

Settle is not a law firm and is not regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Nothing on this site constitutes legal, tax, or financial advice specific to your situation.

How guides are updated

Guides are reviewed when legislation, HMRC guidance, or GOV.UK content changes in a way that affects the information in that guide. Each guide shows the date it was last reviewed so you can see how current the information is.

  • When probate fees change, we update all affected guides within 30 days of the change taking effect.
  • When HMRC thresholds or rates change (for example, the inheritance tax nil-rate band), affected guides are updated before the new rates take effect where possible.
  • When GOV.UK changes official procedural guidance in a material way, we review the relevant guides promptly.

Scope

All guides on Settle cover England and Wales only. Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate legal frameworks for estate administration and inheritance. Those frameworks are not covered on this site. If you are dealing with an estate in Scotland or Northern Ireland, you should seek guidance specific to the relevant jurisdiction.

Corrections

We take accuracy seriously. If you believe any information on Settle is incorrect or out of date, please contact us at hello@settleprobate.co.uk. We investigate all reported errors within 7 days and update guides promptly when corrections are confirmed.

Settle Editorial Team. Last reviewed May 2026.