Caroline Foulger explains how to prepare for the probate process in Business & Accountancy Daily
Caroline’s comments were published in Business & Accountancy Daily, 20 April 2026, and can be seen here.
Caroline Foulger, Partner in our Private Client department, discusses how helping executors get off to the best possible start often depends on how well organised the testator was during their lifetime.
Ensuring key documents are easy to find, either in a clearly labelled physical location or an organised digital system, can save executors time, reduce stress and help keep professional costs down.
Executors often need access to a wide range of paperwork, including personal documents, ID, HMRC details, pensions and life insurance records. Clear records relating to property, utilities, bank accounts, investments and vehicles can also prevent delays and missed assets, while proper documentation for business interests, trusts and debts can avoid more complex complications later on.
Caroline also highlights the importance of inheritance tax planning, noting that familiarity with IHT forms and keeping a record of lifetime gifts can greatly assist executors. Overall, careful record‑keeping and letting executors know where documents are stored is a simple but effective way to ease the probate process and support those dealing with the estate.
Read the full article on the Business & Accountancy Daily [subscription required].