[Help] Can anyone recommend a good probate solicitor?

[black & white seagull]

Just that, really. Would appreciate any recommendations - doesn't necessarily have to be in Brighton. Thanks.

 

[The Birdman]

Negotiate a fee as they can take a % of the estate.
You can do it yourself if it's not a complicated estate.

 

[Titanic]

Do you really need a solicitor? I managed to do it without.

 

[black & white seagull]

Negotiate a fee as they can take a % of the estate.
You can do it yourself if it's not a complicated estate.

We contacted Which? who have a probate service, but they said it was too complex for them to assist with, and we should appoint a solicitor. It's not likely to be a contentious process, just complicated.

 

[mac04]

Negotiate a fee as they can take a % of the estate.
You can do it yourself if it's not a complicated estate.

This.

If it is just banks accounts, house, shares etc. then the forms are not that difficult. If the estate is <£325k (£650k if spouse already deceased), you can subscribe to the Which? probate helpline for 3 months (£399). They will let you know how to fill out the forms, and provide template letters to write to banks.

Even if you use a solicitor, you still have to do a lot of the work providing them with all the information for them to fire off a few letters.

 

[Arthritic Toe]

Condolences. As noted above, do not assume that you need a solicitor for this. The probate application is very straightforward to do yourself (depending on circumstances of course).

 

[Morvangull]

Negotiate a fee as they can take a % of the estate.
You can do it yourself if it's not a complicated estate.

This. I recently did the probate for my mothers estate and found it quite straightforward. She had a property plus money as well as the contents of the home.

 

[SUA Seagull]

Condolences.

If the estate is not complex then it’s relatively easy to do it yourself. I’m not a solicitor but I have now done four probates in recent years, all by reference to HMRC’s site, which is quite helpful. You can download for free all of the required forms which will need completing.

https://www.gov.uk/wills-probate-inheritance

There’s now a paperless option too.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/personal-applicants-can-now-apply-for-probate-online

As The Birdman says, some solicitors will charge a percentage of the estate, which can run into thousands of pounds for what can be (for a simple estate) a relatively straightforward process.
Initially, you might want to check out the issues involved, to see if a “DIY Probate” is right for you based on (i) the complexity of the estate, and (ii) your willingness to do it yourself.

https://www.which.co.uk/money/wills-and-probate/probate/guides/diy-probate

There’s a lot of data on the web so do check around before making a decision. Good luck.

 

[Lush]

Mayo Wynne Baxter. Also Albion sponsors.

 

[Thunder Bolt]

How long does probate normally take? A particular will is with solicitors, a letter sent at the beginning of October, following the death in September.

 

[1234andcounting]

Condolences. Unless the estate is contentious, I would try to do it yourself. Are there any parties disputing any element of the will, or overseas property; these are the sorts of things that make a will complex. Otherwise it tends to be time consuming, but not difficult.

As others have said, if you do use a solicitor negotiate a fee rather than a percentage of the estate; if you have the time and mental energy also go through the solicitor's charges with a fine tooth comb; I have often managed to get, shall we say, generous allocations of time, and therefore the overall cost, reduced

 

[mikeyjh]

How long does probate normally take? A particular will is with solicitors, a letter sent at the beginning of October, following the death in September.

Piece of string, unfortunately - My brother in law and sister died without wills within 10 months of each other, it took another 2 years from there, only settled back end of last year. My mum died last September - Because her money was in an investment fund and a SIPP, that's going on a bit as well.

 

[Thunder Bolt]

Piece of string, unfortunately - My brother in law and sister died without wills within 10 months of each other, it took another 2 years from there, only settled back end of last year. My mum died last September - Because her money was in an investment fund and a SIPP, that's going on a bit as well.

I know the person concerned had already sold their house, so it must be investments holding up the will. Thank you.

 

[Audax]

Mayo Wynne Baxter. Also Albion sponsors.

Seconded.

 

[Weststander]

Mayo Wynne Baxter. Also Albion sponsors.

They're on the expensive side, being a large regional firm.

 

[Cheshire Cat]

Just that, really. Would appreciate any recommendations - doesn't necessarily have to be in Brighton. Thanks.

Camilla Bishop at DMH Stallard did my dad's estate last year. She seemed very good (but lawyers don't come cheap).

https://www.dmhstallard.com/contact/our-offices/brighton

 

[bristolseagull]

Contentious or non contentious?

I do the latter. Rohan Solicitors in HH

 

[Spanish Seagulls]

I went through it all when my Mum passed away last year, there were complications but nothing insurmountable.

I used Natalie Mason at Battens Solicitors who are a medium sized company & personable, easy to deal with. I wouldn't normally make recommendations but I can with hand on heart say Natalie was easy to talk to & made the whole process easy with regular contact & clear lines of communication.

www.battens.co.uk

PM me for full details if you still need.

It can be a tough time & I wish you well. It'll all work out in the end.

 

[Henfield One]

Happy to help - PM me. Thanks

 

[Nitram]

Have done two in the past couple of years. The process looks a bit complicated but is really a question of just plodding along. Lots of really good info on Gov.uk sites.
https://www.gov.uk/wills-probate-inheritance
Had to pay inheritance tax on one another arranging forms to allow previous deceased tax allowance to offset IHT liability on the other.
Probate won't be granted until all monies collected into executors account and IHT (if payable) made.
Although monies were in ten different areas (banks, investments, bonds shares etc) process for one took 10 weeks from burial and the other 12 weeks. Made easier as both houses had been sold.
If there is mutilple properties and trusts involved then definitely consider a solicitor otherwise it's not a difficult process just need to be methodical. Edit. both estates I dealt with had wills.