Finding the Right Probate Solicitor for You

While many executors navigate probate successfully, sometimes the complexities demand professional legal support. If you have decided you need a solicitor to handle the estate administration, finding the right one is key. This guide focuses specifically on how to source a solicitor who specialises in probate and fits your needs.

Knowing When You Need Legal Firepower

Before starting your search, be clear why you need a solicitor. Is it because:

• The estate is complex (significant IHT, business/farm assets, trusts, foreign property)?
• There are disputes or potential claims against the estate?
• The Will is unclear, invalid, or missing?
• The estate might be insolvent (debts exceed assets)?
• You simply lack the time or confidence to manage the process yourself?

Understanding your reasons helps you find a solicitor with the relevant experience.

Where to Look: Finding a Probate Specialist

General practice solicitors might offer probate services, but you are usually better off with someone who lives and breathes wills and estates. Here are reliable places to search:

1. The Law Society's 'Find a Solicitor' Service:

   • What: The official directory for solicitors in England and Wales. It is the definitive starting point.
   • How: Go to the Law Society website. Search by legal issue: select 'Wills and probate'. You can filter by location and look for firms with the Wills & Inheritance Quality Scheme (WIQS) accreditation, a mark of expertise and quality service in this area.
   • Why: It lists regulated professionals whose details are verified.

2. STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners):

   • What: STEP is a global professional body for practitioners specialising in inheritance and succession planning. Members (TEPs) are highly experienced and adhere to a strict code of ethics.
   • How: Use the STEP Directory to find qualified trust and estate practitioners near you.
   • Why: Membership indicates a high level of specialisation and expertise in estate matters.

3. Recommendations (with caveats):

   • Personal recommendations from trusted friends or family can be helpful starting points.
   • Crucially: Always verify that the recommended solicitor specialises in probate. Their brilliance in handling a divorce or property deal doesn't guarantee probate expertise. Ask about their specific experience with estates similar to the one you are handling.

4. Clear Executor's Recommended Partners:

   • We maintain relationships with independent, specialist probate solicitors across the country who align with our ethos of clarity and efficiency.
   • If you are looking for a referral to a firm we know understands the probate landscape well, just ask us.

Questions to Ask Potential Solicitors

Once you have a shortlist, contact a few firms. Treat it like an interview; you are hiring them. Key questions include:

• Experience: "How much of your work involves probate? Have you handled estates similar to this one before?"
• Who Will Handle the Work?: Will it be the experienced partner you are speaking to, or a junior colleague? Understand who your main point of contact will be.
• Fees: "How do you charge? Is it an hourly rate, a fixed fee, or a percentage of the estate value?" Get a clear written quote detailing expected costs and what's included. Avoid percentage fees if possible, as they often don't reflect the actual work involved.
• Timescales: Ask for a realistic estimate of how long the process might take, acknowledging that unforeseen issues can cause delays.
• Communication: "How will you keep me updated?" Ensure their communication style suits you.

Making Your Choice

Choose a solicitor who demonstrates clear expertise in probate, offers transparent pricing, communicates well, and with whom you feel comfortable entrusting this important process. Don't feel pressured; take the time to find the right fit for the estate and for you.

Wrapping Up

Finding the right solicitor takes a bit of homework, but it is time well spent if you need professional legal backing. Using official directories like the Law Society or STEP, asking the right questions about experience and fees, and ensuring good communication are key to appointing someone who will navigate the probate process effectively alongside you.