English probate for French Nationals or Ex-Pats in France:
expert, French-speaking legal help
Managing a UK will or estate while living in France can be time-consuming and confusing. Wildcat Law takes care of the UK process for you, with clear French-language support and STEP-accredited expertise.
Why you need specialist help with English probate from France
Probate in England & Wales involves specific documents, strict timelines and (often) UK financial institutions. If you live in France, handling the process remotely can lead to delays, higher costs and mistakes that affect the distribution of the estate.
Specialist advice ensures:
• Correct identification of whether a UK grant of probate is required
• Accurate completion and submission of probate forms (PA1, IHT, etc.)
• Speedy liaison with French Notaire, UK banks, pension schemes and HMRC
• Proper handling of cross-border tax issues and succession rules
• Clear French-language communication and documentation where needed
Why choose Wildcat Law?
• Our specialist team offers extensive Franco-English tax expertise.
• French-speaking, STEP-accredited solicitor: our specialist holds STEP accreditation, giving you reassurance on cross-border succession law and international estate planning.
• In-house barrister for advocacy: we have solicitors and a barrister on the same team — seamless support if court representation or complex litigation is needed.
• Recognised and recommended: Wildcat Law is listed in the Legal 500 as a Firm to Watch; our barrister is listed in both the Legal 500 and Spears 500 guides.
• Fixed fees & clear updates: transparent pricing options for common probate tasks and regular case updates in English or French. More complex estates will be billed on a hourly basis with clear explanations of the likely work involved.
• Remote, efficient handling: our meetings are delivered remotely, we manage UK filings, bank dealings and tax notifications so you can remain in France while we progress the estate.
How our process works (for clients in France)
Initial review: fixed fee consultation in French or English to assess whether probate is needed.
Notifications: we can arrange notifications for the estate.
Document collection: we advise on what documents are required and can accept certified French originals or translations where necessary. We can also conduct a full UK asset search on your behalf to identify assets held with major banks and insurance companies.
Valuation of Estate: we can assist in obtaining asset valuations to value the full estate for English IHT purposes.
Application & estate administration: we prepare and submit probate applications, deal with HMRC and collect assets in the UK.
Distribution & closure: we transfer funds to beneficiaries in France or the UK and provide a full closing statement.
Can I apply for Probate myself?
If you’re applying for English probate while living in France, using a probate solicitor isn’t just a convenience — it can make a huge difference in time, cost, and avoiding risk.
Without a specialist, missing documents or delays from HMRC or UK banks can stall your case for months. A solicitor who knows cross-border issues means you’re far less likely to encounter costly mistakes, misunderstandings of UK probate law, or extra delays in communications.
Locating all Estate assets can be challenging, especially if it is for a distant relative. We can assist with this and ensure they are correctly transferred.
When dealing with international estates, the right legal expertise can prevent months of delays, reduce stress, and ensure assets are passed to beneficiaries cleanly, lawfully, and efficiently.
134%
The increase in probate cases in England & Wales taking over a year to be granted.
£292,000
The average house price in England ONS July 2025
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a grant of probate in the UK if the deceased lived in France?
Possibly — it depends on where the UK assets are and how they are held. We’ll assess the estate and advise whether a grant of probate (or an equivalent document) is required.
Can Wildcat Law communicate in French?
Yes. Our STEP-accredited French-speaking solicitor will handle communications and explain the UK process in French when preferred.
How long does the process take?
Times vary by case. Some straightforward administrations take a few months, while complex cross-border estates can take significantly longer. We provide realistic timeframes at the outset.
Do you offer fixed fee packages?
We offer fixed fees for common probate tasks where appropriate, and clear estimates for more complex matters.
