Is a solicitor essential for Probate ?

Renoir77

Really sorry to hear of your loss. It can be a hard task to sort out someones estate, but don't be put off, if I can do it anyone can believe me.
I was the executor on my Mum's estate a few years back. I sorted all the probate myself. Her will was fairly straight forward anyway just a house, some cash and personal effects and the only time I had to take off work was to go the court house to swear in front of the probate officer that everything I had declared was correct. Her bank manager was very helpful with information on wills and estates and I was very lucky to have a work friend who had done the same thing the year before. My only visit to a solicitor was to pick up the her house deeds when I sold it.
Well worth a wait to speak with someone at the CAB too if you are unsure about where to start.

Do remember that if the estate is worth over a certain amount you will need a solicitor but I'm unsure how much that is now but it is a high figure

dzug1

Renoir77 wrote: »

Do remember that if the estate is worth over a certain amount you will need a solicitor but I'm unsure how much that is now but it is a high figure

Really?? I think not.

There is no requirement in English law to use a solicitor. You may feel more comfortable doing so (say if it's over the IHT threshold) but you don't have to.

madbadrob

Dzug you beat me to that point. I wonder where Renoir77 has got that idea from?

Rob

John_Pierpoint

Renoir77 wrote: »

Do remember that if the estate is worth over a certain amount you will need a solicitor but I'm unsure how much that is now but it is a high figure

Someone well meaning probably meant:

"If the estate is worh more than £325,000 then the potential for InHeritance Tax (IHT) will mean that juggling the legalities along with the tax rules, could make the situation twice as complicated. Do you think you can handle that without involving a professional?"

The answer is probably yes, given a good guide book, support such as this thread, time and determination, plus the ability to realise the remote possibility of "being out of ones depth and needing extra help".