Guides
Short explainers on wills, funerals, estate administration and probate. Written by the Willow team to help you navigate the next steps.
Featured
What tax do you pay on death?
Most estates pay no tax at all. How inheritance tax, capital gains tax and income tax work on death — thresholds, exemptions and the charity discount.
4 min read
What is the order of inheritance without a will?
The intestacy rules work like a queue: spouse first, then children, parents and siblings. Who inherits what without a will — and who gets nothing.
3 min read
How much does a funeral cost?
A simple attended funeral averages £3,828, a direct cremation £1,628. What drives the price, how to compare funeral directors, and help with the cost.
3 min read
Do I need probate if my spouse dies?
Often, no. Whether you need probate depends on what your spouse owned and how they owned it — not your relationship. How to check in a few phone calls.
3 min readWhat is the order of inheritance without a will?
The intestacy rules work like a queue: spouse first, then children, parents and siblings. Who inherits what without a will — and who gets nothing.
3 min read
How to read a will after death
There is no formal will reading in England and Wales. Who may see the will before probate, how a will is laid out, and how to get a copy once it is public.
3 min read
What to do if the deceased had a funeral plan
How to find out whether a funeral plan exists, what it covers, and what to do if another funeral director is already involved.
3 min readHow much does a funeral cost?
A simple attended funeral averages £3,828, a direct cremation £1,628. What drives the price, how to compare funeral directors, and help with the cost.
3 min read
How to close a UK business when the owner dies
There is no single process — it depends on whether they were a sole trader, partner or company owner. The steps for each, and the trap for sole directors.
4 min read
How to minimise the risk of fraud after death
Identity fraud against the dead is common enough to have a name. The free registers, notifications and precautions that close the window quickly.
3 min readWhat tax do you pay on death?
Most estates pay no tax at all. How inheritance tax, capital gains tax and income tax work on death — thresholds, exemptions and the charity discount.
4 min read
Do I need a solicitor for probate?
There is no legal requirement to use a solicitor for probate. When professional help earns its fee, when to do it yourself, and the happy medium.
3 min readDo I need probate if my spouse dies?
Often, no. Whether you need probate depends on what your spouse owned and how they owned it — not your relationship. How to check in a few phone calls.
3 min read