Updated guidance eases processes for probate professionals and bereaved families
09 Feb 2026
1 minute read
News
UK Finance has updated the estate administration banking protocol that gives probate practitioners clear guidance on how to engage with regulated financial services when representing bereaved families*.
The Law Society of England and Wales supports the updated protocol, which aims to help probate professionals support bereaved families during a stressful and confusing time following the death of a loved one. The guidance:
provides a transparent framework for how banks and probate practitioners should exchange information during estate administration
defines exactly what documentation a bank requires to verify the authority of a probate practitioner
reduces delays by setting a 15-working-day aim for banks to respond to initial information requests
Law Society president, Mark Evans, said:
“UK Finance has greatly improved the estates administration protocol. The relationship between probate practitioners and financial service providers is a delicate one as both parties must try to accurately and efficiently convey the wishes of the deceased and the best interests of the family.
“This protocol is a good opportunity to improve the communication and consistency about how estates are administered.
“This updated protocol will help practitioners and financial service providers to work together, simplify the process and reduce avoidable delays.”
Ian Bond, member of the Law Society’s Private Client and Estates Committee, provided significant input in the protocol.
The Law Society previously agreed to the banking practices protocol, prepared by the British Banking Association (which eventually merged into UK Finance) in 2012.
About the Law Society
The Law Society is the independent professional body that works globally to support and represent solicitors, promoting the highest professional standards, the public interest and the rule of law.