Based in Waltham Abbey on the Essex, Hertfordshire border Apple Probate and Estate Services LLP was borne out of an extension to the Partners existing Accounting Practice, Apple Accounting Services Ltd which has traded in the area since 2004. Our objective is to provide a personal and supportive service to clients through clear communication, empathy and a wealth of experience.

The partners of the company are Paul McKay FCMA and Aynsley Ball FCCA. Paul McKay qualified as a Chartered Management Accountant in 2006 and was appointed as a fellow of his institute in 2011. Aynsley Ball is a Chartered Certified Accountant who qualified in 2010 and was appointed as a fellow of his institute in 2016. As authorised practitioners for non-contentious probate related work and specialists in all aspects of taxation, accounts preparation and estate planning, Apple Probate and Estate Services are best placed to take care of your probate and estate administration work.

Prior to a change in legislation in 2014 only solicitors and banks were able to carry out probate work. We are therefore extremely proud to join the relatively new addition of Accountancy practices in the country to be Authorised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales to carry out the reserved legal activity of non-contentious probate in England and Wales. As a result of this we are able to act on behalf of the legal personal representatives and also be appointed in a Will as a professional executor.

We understand how difficult it can be to handle someone’s legal and financial affairs, particularly at a time when you’re likely to be coming to terms with the death of someone close. But don’t worry, we’re here to help, providing as much or as little support as you need to get things done.

Why choose us?

Specialists

We are one of only a relatively few qualified accountancy firms in the country who are licensed to carry out probate work. This, combined with our expertise in all areas of accounts, tax and estate administration means you can have total confidence in us handling the whole process for you.

Background knowledge

If the deceased was a client of Apple Accounting Services, we are likely to have all the necessary financial information and background details to make the probate process as smooth as possible. If they were not a client, we can still deal with the probate application should their existing accountant not be licensed to do this work.

Quicker processing = reduced costs

As accountancy and tax specialists we’re used to gathering and calculating financial and tax related information. In doing so, we can reduce the amount of time it takes to compile the necessary information. By speeding up the process we can help you to keep the costs down, leaving more for the beneficiaries.

Competitive pricing

Whilst solicitors and banks can also carry out probate work, they tend to charge a higher fixed percentage, based on the value of the estate; which could be as high as 4% + vat even for simple estates. We feel that we are very competitively priced and we’re happy to give you a quote based on the volume and complexity of the work which needs to be carried out. We are confident that our approach to gathering the relevant information, calculating what tax is due and administering the estate is quicker and more succinct, therefore keeping costs to a minimum.

Personal service

Whilst carrying out any probate work we are always sensitive to your needs and emotions during this time. You can be sure that we will treat your legal and financial affairs discreetly and in the strictest confidence and take the administrative burden away from you wherever possible.

About Us