solicitors

[nanniegibbo]

my. solicitors told me he will cost 750 - 1200 pounds for services on a will that i am executor on .i want to cut the cost as much as poss so the kids can have as much money as poss when all bills are paid etc.how can i do this . can i pay the inheritors the money to and get receipts off them

[Naomicorlett]

I did both my parents wills myself. Took to probate and did accounts and shared out money and property. Time consuming and very wearing on the emotions but it was what they both would have wanted.
Just keep good accounts .

[nanniegibbo]

will he charge the full amount though

[Buenchico]

Is the solicitor also named as an executor or is he only offering to act on your behalf?

If the solicitor is an executor you probably can't dispense with his services. (He would have to sign away his right to act as an executor). If he's not, his services are probably totally unnecessary.

Unless the estate is very small (which seems unlikely, based upon what the solicitor is proposing to charge) you must seek probate before you can start distributing the estate. Getting probate is usually extremely simple. It just means filling in a few forms, collecting some information together, filling in a few more forms and swearing an oath. Your local probate registry will almost certainly be incredibly helpful. (I was so impressed with the service of the Ipswich office, when I sought probate for my father's estate, I nominated them for a Charter Mark).

Read this
http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/infoabout/c ivil/probate/grants.htm
and find your local probate registry here
http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/infoabout/c ivil/probate/registries.htm
Then seek probate in person and save yourself a big solicitor's bill.

Chris

[Naomicorlett]

Totally agree with Buenochico ( I always do )I didn't have to use a solicitor at all so no fees.

[Twenty20]

When I did my parent's I used a book published by Which?

Don't know if it's still around but it takes you though it stage by stage.