Sarah’s story
When there’s no plan, the burden falls on family
When Sarah’s father died unexpectedly, she became responsible for administering his £1.8m estate. He had managed everything himself, with very little written down. Sarah assumed she could cope on her own.
She quickly realised she couldn’t.
The emotional reality
The first weeks were overwhelming:
- Banks and providers wouldn’t share information without probate
- Beneficiaries wanted answers she couldn’t yet give
- Sibling tensions grew as responsibility felt unclear
- Every call and form was a reminder of her loss she hadn’t yet had time to grieve
“It felt like I was drowning in paperwork.”
A difficult choice
Probate turned out to be legally technical, emotionally draining, and unfamiliar. Sarah faced two unappealing options:
Do it alone, risking mistakes,
delays and HMRC late payment interest
Use a solicitor, with costs of
£18,000–£36,000+
Neither felt right.
From panic to progress
Because her father was an Octopus Inheritance Tax Service (OITS) customer, Sarah received support from Octopus Legacy and benefited from 25% off (capped at £4,000) the full administration probate service. This expert support paired with guidance from Octopus Investments’ Intergenerational Planning team simplified the process, created space for her to focus on what matters and eased family tensions.
“It was the difference between panic and progress.”
From panic to progress
Because her father was an Octopus Inheritance Tax Service (OITS) customer, Sarah received support from Octopus Legacy and benefited from 25% off (capped at £4,000) the full administration probate service. This expert support paired with guidance from Octopus Investments’ Intergenerational Planning team simplified the process, created space for her to focus on what matters and eased family tensions.
“It was the difference between panic and progress.”
Getting probate support with Octopus Legacy could save you thousands of pounds
Sarah found herself responsible for administering her father’s estate, valued at around £1.8 million, including:
- the family home (approx. £900,000)
- a rental property (approx. £300,000)
- ISAs and cash savings (approx. £100,000)
- an Octopus Inheritance Tax Service (OITS) investment (£500,000)
Illustrative cost comparison
Here’s a summary of the probate costs, based on the provider Sarah chose and whether she took advantage of the Classic or Premier estate planning package benefits.
| Average probate provider | Classic estate planning package 25% off** | Premier estate planning package 50% off** | |
| Grant of Probate only | ~£895-£3,500* +£300 Government Probate Fee | £438.75 (£967.50 including IHT Forms) +£300 Government Probate Fee | £292.50 (£645 including IHT Forms) +£300 Government Probate Fee |
| Full administration | £18,000–£36,000+*** | £6,000–£9,000**** | £4,000–£6,000 **** |
* Depending on the firm and which services are included
** When the OITS or OITSPlus investor dies
*** Estimated average cost is 1%+ (£18,000+) of £1.8 million
**** Capped at £4,000 for Classic estate planning package and £8,000 for Premier estate planning package
We created this illustrative scenario to help you develop suitable strategies with your financial adviser. It does not provide recommendations or advice on investments, taxation, legal matters, or anything else.
Our tax-efficient investments aren’t suitable for everyone. Any recommendation should be based on an holistic review of a your financial situation, objectives and needs. Advisers should also consider the impact of charges related to Octopus’ investment products, and consider that our estate planning packages are not the only services available.
We created this illustrative scenario to help you develop suitable strategies for your clients. It does not provide recommendations or advice on investments, taxation, legal matters, or anything else.
Our tax-efficient investments aren’t suitable for everyone. Any recommendation should be based on an holistic review of a client’s financial situation, objectives and needs. You should also consider the impact of charges related to Octopus’ investment products, and consider that our estate planning packages are not the only services available.