When Applying for Probate, Do I Need a Solicitor?

INTRODUCTION

A common question relating to estate planning matters is whether you need a solicitor when applying for Probate in England and Wales.

This article explains when you can handle the process independently or through a specialised estate planning company such as Squiggle and when you might need a solicitor for more specialised matters.

RECAP: WHAT IS PROBATE?

When somebody dies in England and Wales, it is sometimes necessary to apply for Probate.

Probate involves applying to the probate registry for a Letter of Registration.

If there's a Will in place and you're not named as Executor, then you'll need a Grant of Probate.

If there isn't a Will or you are not named as Executor in the Will, you'll need a Letter of Registration.

DO I NEED A SOLICITOR FOR PROBATE?

There is no legal requirement to use a solicitor, and you can proceed without one. If you have a simple estate, you might be able to handle your estate planning independently or through a specialised estate planning company like Squiggle.

This is a more cost-effective alternative to hiring a lawyer. Squiggle specialises in all estate planning matters, and we can help you expedite your affairs quickly and cheaply.

Be aware that there is often a lot of paperwork involved in the probate process, including legal, administrative, and tax information.

If you decide to work with an alternative to a solicitor such as Squiggle, you should still be prepared to handle these complexities.

For example, we recognise that completing inheritance tax forms can be challenging, with both simple and more complex forms needing to be filled out, regardless of whether inheritance tax is owed.

Squiggle's expertise in these critical facets of estate management can offer crucial guidance, at a fraction of the price of a solicitor.

At the same time, while Squiggle can manage most estate planning tasks, we recognise that expert legal counsel may occasionally be necessary. In these exceptional cases, we would be happy to contact one of our reputable legal partners to ensure you get the best assistance available.

Need to know more?

If you're still unsure about whether to work with a solicitor or mor affordable estate planning company like Squiggle, why not arrange a free no-obligation call with one of our expert team members today? 

We'll let you know how we can help. If we believe you require specialist legal advice, we can certainly put you in contact with one of our partners for areas of expertise that fall outside our practice.

Book a callback and we'd be happy to arrange a no-cost, no-obligation discussion with you to lay out the different options available to you.

Alternatively, call us on 01233 659 796.

Or contact us here.