Do I need to pay a lawyer to help deal with the financial affairs of someone who has died?

bluedoganchorite

My mother has sadly passed and I would rather try and cope with it without them if it is not too complexed.. She was not a very rich lady and neither am I.
Thanks.

Keep_pedalling

No, unless there is something complicated about her estate, you should be able to do everything yourself. Did she make a  will? 

Clowance

recommend you get a book called what to do with someone dies by the consumers association, maybe from the library.
 Did she leave a will? If so it will name executors to administer her estate, if she died without one ("intestate" ) and you are the next of kin then it should be very straightforward. No lawyer is necessary. Sorry for your loss.

Pollycat

This would be better posted on this board:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/categories/deaths-funerals-probate

There's a 'what to do when someone dies' link in the top sticky.

You may find this official link useful too:

https://www.gov.uk/after-a-death

 

Pollycat

This link may be useful:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5661731/guide-discussion-probate-how-to-do-it-yourself#latest

Fruittea

I did my Mum's it was quite simple.  The form filling was online and I then went to a local court and had the papers checked by the Clerk.  It only took a couple of weeks.  I understand that there are now long delays in the probate courts.  But overall the house sale was the only complication.  The estate was divided between me and my brother with just a few legacy gifts to family and friends.