I've just applied for probate for my dad. I was going to use a solicitor but the one who quoted wanted almost £5,200 for what is a very straightforward will and estate. This was just for probate, not for the sale of dads bungalow.
Once I'd found all (3) of dads accounts, he had no debts, and let everyone (tax, pensions, utilities) etc know of his death so I had an idea of what his assets were it was easy to fill in the probate form online. It cost £215 as I did it just before the recent price hike, so quite a saving!
I've just received the death certificate back and told to expect probate to be granted within 20 days if they have no queries.
It was a bit of a pain having to deal with the banks as I hate paperwork! it's not something I would have liked to have done without a financial incentive though..
That’s an awfully high price @Bunpoots for something simple. I know all the details for my mum. She had no debts. I want to feel confident with whoever deals with my mum’s estate which includes the executor & the solicitor & I can’t say I feel that confidence. Not how that woman spoke to me. She knows nothing of my personal circumstances etc.