DIY vs. Solicitor

childofbaahl

The problems I found whilst administering an estate were:

1. Dealing with unrealistic expectations, agression and abuse from family;
2. Red tape with setting up and using an actual 'executor's account' with Santander &
3. Waiting to hear back from some companies

Outside an unforeseeable hiccup that doesn't need to be gone into here, the whole process was straight forward and as others have said quite therapeutic. It gave me the chance to work through my grief at my own pace whilst remaining close to the deceased and making sure that their affairs were closed properly and within the family.


Most companies have a bereavement department that you can ask to be put through to that has more latitude when dealing with account issues. That and MSE forumites were the greatest blessing in the months I did my parent's estate.

maman

As others have said it will largely depend on what's involved (how complex the estate). I've dealt with two. The first was very simple, just winding up all accounts and bills, sharing money and some personal possessions in the family. The second did involve selling a property as well as the other stuff as in previous case .

In both cases I had to do it from a distance geographically so it was really helpful that my fellow executor (my brother) was able to deal with things locally like the estate agents.

I also had the advantage of a very supportive family so no arguments.

Paperwork was simple and other than visiting probate office and some phone calls was able to do most of it in my own time at evenings and weekends.