Start with the estate, not a directory listing
The right probate solicitor is not necessarily the nearest or the cheapest. The better starting point is the estate itself: does it contain property, tax, trusts, a business, foreign assets, missing beneficiaries or family disagreement? A straightforward grant-only application requires a different level of support from a taxable or disputed estate.
1. Check the solicitor’s relevant experience
Ask who will carry out the work, who will supervise it and whether the team regularly handles estates like yours. Relevant questions include:
- Do you advise on both probate applications and full estate administration?
- Who deals with Inheritance Tax reporting and post-death tax work?
- Have you handled estates involving businesses, trusts or overseas assets?
- Can your firm deal with an estate property sale?
- If a dispute develops, is contentious probate support available?
Titles alone do not explain who will do the day-to-day work. You should receive information about the experience and qualifications of those involved and their supervisors.
2. Confirm the exact scope
“Probate service” can mean either obtaining a grant or administering the entire estate. A grant-only quote may exclude contacting every asset-holder, collecting money, paying liabilities, selling property, preparing estate accounts and distributing inheritances.
Ask for a written list of what is included, what is excluded and which tasks remain with the executors. A lower quote is not comparable if it covers substantially less work.
3. Understand how costs are calculated
For uncontested probate work, regulated firms publishing the service must provide prescribed price and service information under the SRA Transparency Rules. This includes the total cost or a range where practicable, the basis of charges, likely disbursements, VAT, included stages, likely timescales and relevant staff information.
Ask whether the fee is fixed, hourly, a percentage of the estate or a combination. Also ask what circumstances may increase it—for example, missing information, tax enquiries, several properties, trusts, overseas assets, disputes or tracing beneficiaries.
Third-party expenses may include the Probate Registry fee, additional copies of the grant, statutory notices, searches, valuations and tracing fees. These are separate from the solicitor’s charges.
4. Look for clear, realistic communication
Probate includes periods of waiting for banks, HMRC, buyers and the Probate Registry. A good solicitor should distinguish between active legal work and external delay, give realistic estimates and explain how often you will receive updates.
Ask:
- Who is my main contact?
- How quickly are calls and emails normally answered?
- Will I receive updates at agreed milestones?
- Can appointments be held by video as well as in person?
- How will urgent risks or decisions be explained?
5. Check regulation and complaints information
Confirm the firm is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and that its website displays the required regulatory and complaints information. Regulation gives clients important professional standards and routes for raising concerns, although the protections applying to a particular matter depend on the circumstances.
6. Consider local knowledge—but do not overvalue it
A London or Wembley probate solicitor may be convenient for meetings, original documents and coordination with a local property team. Much probate work can also be handled by telephone, email and video. Relevant expertise, service and trust should carry more weight than postcode alone.
7. Be cautious about promises
No responsible adviser can guarantee when a grant will issue, when a property will sell or that HMRC will not raise questions. Be wary of unexplained “all-inclusive” prices, guaranteed completion dates and advice to distribute before tax, debts and possible claims have been properly considered.
Questions to ask before instructing
- Is this a grant-only or full-administration quotation?
- Who will do and supervise the work?
- What information do you need from us?
- What are the likely stages and timescales?
- What could increase the fee?
- Which external costs are expected?
- How will tax, property and disputes be handled?
- What work must the executors still undertake?
Why clients instruct The Legal Practice Solicitors
Our Private Client team can provide a defined grant-only service, full estate administration or advice on a particular issue. We are based in Wembley Park and assist clients across London and throughout England and Wales, with appointments in person or by video.
Every estate begins with a discussion about what support is actually needed. We provide a written estimate and explain the assumptions, exclusions and likely third-party costs before work begins.
Frequently asked questions
Must I use the solicitor who prepared the Will?
No. Executors can generally choose whom to instruct, subject to the Will’s terms and any professional executor appointment.
Is the cheapest probate quote best?
Not necessarily. Compare scope, expertise, supervision, communication and exclusions as well as price.
Can I obtain the grant myself and use a solicitor later?
Potentially. However, take advice before acting where tax, property, insolvency, disputes or uncertain beneficiaries are involved.
Speak to The Legal Practice Solicitors
Our Private Client team can advise on Wills, intestacy, probate applications, estate administration, Inheritance Tax issues and estate disputes. We can provide as much or as little support as the circumstances require.
Telephone: 0208 903 7017
Disclaimer
This article is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal or tax advice or create a solicitor-client relationship. Wills, probate, tax and estate administration is fact-specific and may change. Obtain advice on the individual facts before acting. The law referred to is the law of England and Wales and is stated as at 26 August 2026.
