Cullens provides probate content valuations as required for HMRC inheritance tax purposes. Below is a selection of the probate services we provide, if you can’t find the service for you below then please contact our team as we do provide custom probate services. You can also combine any of our probate services with our clearance services.
Understanding Probate Clearance and Valuation Services
A probate clearance and valuation service is a professional service that assists in the process of valuing and disposing of the assets of a deceased person’s estate. HMRC needs to receive an accurate valuation of an estate’s total worth, so this service is designed to assess the total value of the deceased’s assets, using a professional appraisal and detailed report to ensure accurate valuations throughout.
Once a property has been accurately valued, it needs to be cleared to allow the estate administration process to continue. The executor must ensure that the right heirs and beneficiaries receive the correct assets following the Will, and any other unwanted goods need to be removed and handled responsibly, through methods such as donating or recycling wherever possible.
What Important Documents Need Locating?
When it comes to clearing a property, there are many important documents that you should look out for. Our team can help you locate these documents, storing them in a safe and accessible place for use, as and when you need them. These include:
- Bank statements
- Life insurance policies
- Legal documents
- Wills and codicils
- Birth and death certificates
- Trust documents
- Share certificates
- Business ownership documents
- Military service records (if applicable)
- Adoption papers (if applicable)
- Marriage or divorce certificates
How Our Services Work
Our team uses a flexible process to ensure we’re comprehensive with the way we work. In most cases, our full probate service will look like this:
- Initial Consultation: We begin with a thorough consultation to understand your needs and the specifics of the estate. We will give you a free quote to give you a better understanding of our pricing.
- Valuation and Assessment: Our crew will conduct a detailed valuation of all assets, providing a comprehensive report for probate purposes. This report will assess assets such as antiques, fine art, jewellery, classic cars or collectables. A full catalogue of an estate’s assets will be created to help you identify what items need to be distributed or removed.
- Clearance and Disposal: Next, we will handle the clearance of the property, ensuring all items are dealt with appropriately. Unwanted items will be sorted and handled responsibly, avoiding landfill at all times. Instead, items will be sent to recycling centres, auction houses or donated to charities.
How Much Do Our Services Cost?
Our pricing generally depends on the size of the estate – there is no “one size fits all” approach to our clearance and valuation services. For estates that have single items with a market value of over £5,000 per item, our total service cost will be affected since we would need to instruct an RICS valuer. Our services contain a digital probate report included in the overall price, however, for a paper copy of our contents valuation report, we charge £10+VAT.
Why Choose Cullens Clearances?
At Cullens Clearances, we understand that dealing with the estate of a loved one can be a challenging and emotional process. Our probate valuations and clearance services are designed to provide you with the support and expertise you need during this difficult time. We ensure that every step is handled with professionalism, care, and efficiency.
- Expertise: Our team is highly experienced in dealing with all aspects of probate valuations and clearances, ensuring accuracy and compliance with legal requirements.
- Efficiency: We use a strong, efficient process, handling everything from valuations to clearances, so you can focus on what matters most.
- Sustainability: We donate and recycle 95% of the goods we clear, reducing the amount that goes to landfill considerably.
- Compassion: We approach every task with sensitivity and respect, understanding the emotional nature of managing a loved one’s estate.
- Transparent Pricing: We use clear and competitive pricing with no hidden fees, providing you with peace of mind. We’re always happy to answer any questions about our pricing!
FAQs
Who pays for a post-death house clearance?
The responsibility of paying for a post-death house clearance usually falls on the deceased’s estate. If the estate does not have enough liquid assets to cover the costs immediately, the executor or next of kin may need to sell some of the estate’s assets to fund the clearance. In some cases, family members may agree to cover the costs upfront and be reimbursed by the estate later.
How long do I have to clear a house after a death?
While there’s no specific time limit for completing the clearance, setting a timeframe target can help provide structure and guidance. Whether it’s a matter of weeks or months, it’s important to allow ample time for thorough sorting, decision-making, and coordination with clearance specialists.
What assets need to be valued for probate?
All assets owned by the deceased need to be valued, including property, personal belongings, bank accounts, investments, pensions, vehicles, and any business interests.
How do you ensure compliance with HMRC requirements?
Our team is highly experienced in probate matters and stays up-to-date with HMRC guidelines. We provide accurate and detailed valuations and handle all necessary documentation to ensure full compliance with tax and legal requirements.
How do you dispose of unwanted items?
Unwanted items are disposed of responsibly; more than 95% of all the items we clear get reused and donated to local charities, sorted and recycled at our recycling facility, or upcycled and rehomed with local families. Our goal is to reduce waste and ensure that items are cleared in an environmentally friendly manner, staying true to our “ReUse, ReHome, ReLove” guarantee.
Sustainable, Compassionate Probate Services, Choose Cullens Clearances
If you’re looking for a cost-effective, sustainable and compassionate probate service, look no further. Get a free instant online quote for our probate house clearance and valuation services, or get in touch with us to discuss your individual needs and how we can help you!