Basic Probate

[andy-hughes]

Can anyone give me a ball park figure for solicitor's costs for probate of my Father-In-Law's estate?

Everything left to his wife, a few stocks and shares - pretty simple I think.

Thanks.

[Flonska]

Some solicitors charge a % of the value of the estate whilst the majority apply an hourly charge, based on the work involved and who undertakes it. Could be £1000 - £5000 on an estate valued at £100,000.

[woofgang]

If its that easy why not DIY it?

[atalanta]

You could try doing what we did. When my father died, we approached his solicitor and said, would you do the whole job for £5,000 ? She said yes, but I'm sure she later regretted it. However, she kept her word

[goodgoalie]

I'd look into helping your mother-in-law doing it herself. Info here:
https://www.gov.uk/wills-probate-inheritance/if-the-person-left-a-will

[New Judge]

Yes Andy, Mrs NJ was executor for her mother's estate. Probably more complicated than your MIL's as she was a widow, left a bequest to each grandchild and a bit to her favourite charity. The rest (including her house) divided between her three children.

Obtaining probate was simplicity itself. Selling the property not too onerous. Then just a case of dividing up the total proceeds in accordance with the will. No need to give £,000s to shyster solicitors for filling in a few forms!

[Peter Pedant]

sorry for your loss andy

you can and should do this yourself
this column is full of advice on this

otherwise - ring the probate solicitor of your choice and ask about it - clearly if you pay over the odds, saying well all my frenz on Ab said it would cost thruppence ha'penny wont get much of a reduction

[Tilly2]

The Probate application form is relatively easy to complete, Andy. If I can do it, you can. No need for solicitors.

[Peter Pedant]

quite a few of the usual suspects have done it
myself included

[Flonska]

It's even easier to apply for and obtain probate if you can use the On-line Service:-

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/personal-applicants-can-now-apply-for-probate-online

[Jennykenny]

I did it, after my husband died, with the help of a friend who checked my figures.
It was actually fairly straightforward.

[fiction-factory]

Always done it myself (well 3 times) without any problem. A relative chose to use a firm of solicitor who is managing to make it drag on and on - over a year now and there is still no sign of going to probate; and firm has said it will bill the estate for a letter every time she chases them up because she is frustrated at the lack of progress. I'm sure it would have been sorted long ago if she'd done it herself.

[New Judge]

Of course non of us has checked whether your MIL had appointed an executor in her will, Andy.

[andy-hughes]

My wife has legal Power Of Attorney for both her parents for finances and medical, so that should make it pretty easy I think.

Thanks guys for all your answers.

[bednobs]

id your father in law actually dead? POA has no effect upon the death of the door. Who is the executor?

[ubasses]

The POA for your FIL ended on his death. If your MIL is named Executor then she can use that POA to act on her behalf.