Can i cope with applying for probate on my own?

alihud

Thats basically it really.I've been reading about how slow solicitors are and i've been looking into doing this myself as the solicitor i rang wanted £600 to do the job:eek:.
I'm the executor of my mums will.She passed away just before xmas:(.I lost my dad 7 years ago.Its pretty straight forward there won't be any inheritance tax to pay.Theres a house to sell,a few bank accounts,some shares and income bonds.This will all be shared between 5 of us as set out in the will.The solicitor said i need to get together all the statements on date of death and also an R27 from the tax office.I've had a look at hmrc's website and downloaded IH form and probate form.
Do i need a solicitor to be on the safe side or can i realistically do this myself.I know i will need one to sell the house.
Also another question,what happens to the direct debits once the bank accounts are closed?What is the best way to deal with it.
Any advise gratefully received:)
Ali

chesky369

I think it's worthwhile having a go on your own if - as it seems - things are quite straightforward. The probate office are incredibly helpful to those in your situation. And if it does all get too much you can always pass it over to a solicitor later.

Savvy_Sue

I agree. I've done my dad's with my brother, we were joint executors, and it was very straightforward, although we didn't have a house to sell (that comes when Mum dies!)

I found it helpful to have a book as well as relying on websites, there would be some in your local library so you could see what you like the look of before buying your own copy. We used the Which Guide, but others are available.

alihud

Would that be the which guide to dealing with probate or is it called something else?
Ali

monkeyspanner

I don't think you should have any difficulty other than the time involved. As you say you will probably need to use a solicitor for the house sale and you can also use one if you come across any specific issues that need to be resolved. I would not give a solicitor the job as they will spin it out and costs will escalate.

Essentially all you have to do is gather together all the information about asset values at the date of death and any liabilities. You will probably find it useful to have a number of copies of the death certificate and certified copies of the will (most solicitors will provide certified copies for a small charge). The probate office can provide advice and I have found them helpful in the past. The banks will effectively freeze any accounts so direct debits should not be paid but they will normally issue counter cheques for funeral expenses etc.

Quietmanc

I have unfortunately had to apply for probate twice now.Intestacy in both cases though.I would suggest you either visit or telephone your local probate office in order to get the relevant paperwork you need to fill in.Study the form and the guidance notes,then you will be in a better position to make your mind up.If it's below IHT threshold,it is quite straightforward.

wealdroam

alihud wrote: »

Would that be the which guide to dealing with probate or is it called something else?
Ali

I used a Which guide recently.

Called "What to do when someone dies".
ISBN 978 1 84490 072 5

Available from Amazon for £6.80.

Very good comprehensive guide.

Savvy_Sue

alihud wrote: »

Would that be the which guide to dealing with probate or is it called something else?
Ali

It's something like that: possibly Which Guide to Wills and Probate. Fairly basic.

Oh, if you're in Scotland, probably worth getting something based on the law there, rather than something which regularly says "It's different in Scotland" ...

cte1111

I'm currently doing this for my Aunt's estate. I've found it fairly straightforward but at points it was a bit hard emotionally ringing a variety of organisations and telling them that she had died.

As long as you are generally an organised person and confident with filling in forms, then I would say go for it.

Savvy_Sue

cte1111 wrote: »

I'm currently doing this for my Aunt's estate. I've found it fairly straightforward but at points it was a bit hard emotionally ringing a variety of organisations and telling them that she had died.

I preferred to go in to banks etc in person, they were all very helpful. Note that I could go to my local branch (not Dad's local) and they just photocopied death cert on the spot and gave me back my copy.

Biggles

You will find no problem. I've had, sadly, to do it twice in the last two years and a little online research told me all I needed to know.

You'll probably need a solicitor for the house sale (but only for the conveyancing) but the rest is just straightforward and will save a fortune.

Good luck.