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7 Questions to Ask a Probate Solicitor for a Quote

Probate can cost anywhere from £1,000 to £10,000 depending on your estate’s complexity. Many people don’t realise they can shop around. Different solicitors charge in different ways. Some use fixed fees. Others charge hourly rates. This difference matters hugely to your final bill.

Asking the right questions upfront saves you stress and money later. You’ll know what to expect. You’ll avoid nasty surprises. You’ll feel confident choosing the right solicitor for your situation.

What Are Your Fees Based On: Fixed or Hourly?

The answer matters because it affects your total cost. Fixed fees give you certainty. Hourly rates can spiral unpredictably.

Many probate solicitors now offer fixed fees for straightforward estates. You’ll know the exact price upfront. This removes uncertainty. Hourly rates work differently. You’re charged for every 15 minutes of work. Complex estates sometimes need hourly billing. Make sure you understand which model they’re using. Ask whether their fixed fee covers everything or just certain tasks.

Can You Explain What’s Included in Your Quote?

Your quote should itemise every service. Some solicitors include inheritance tax work. Others charge extra for it.

A good quote breaks down costs clearly. Does it cover obtaining the death certificate? Does it include correspondence with HM Revenue and Customs? What about dealing with bank accounts and property? Some solicitors quote for probate only. Others include estate administration. Never assume what’s included. Ask for a written breakdown. Check whether they handle inheritance tax or refer you elsewhere. Will they deal with disputed claims? What about residential property sales? These details change your final bill significantly.

How Experienced Are You With Estates Like Mine?

Experience with your estate type saves time and money. A solicitor familiar with your situation avoids costly mistakes.

Tell them about your estate. Is it straightforward with one property? Does it include a business? Are there multiple properties or overseas assets? Are beneficiaries contesting the will? Experienced solicitors work faster on familiar issues. They know the pitfalls. They’ve solved similar problems before. Ask how many similar cases they’ve handled in the last year. Ask about their success rate. Check their reviews on our UK directory. Specialist experience genuinely reduces costs.

What’s Your Typical Timescale for Probate?

Timescales vary wildly. Straightforward estates take 4 to 8 weeks. Complex ones take 6 to 12 months or longer.

Ask your solicitor how long they expect your specific case to take. External factors affect this. HM Revenue and Customs responses can be slow. Bank delays happen. Property sales take time. A realistic solicitor will warn you about these delays. They won’t guarantee faster timescales than standard. They should explain what causes delays. They should keep you updated regularly. Faster isn’t always better. You want it done correctly, not rushed.

Will You Handle Inheritance Tax, or Should I Find Someone Else?

Some solicitors calculate inheritance tax themselves. Others outsource it. This affects your cost and coordination.

Inheritance tax isn’t always straightforward. Larger estates usually need tax planning. Ask whether they handle this in-house. If not, do they work with specific tax specialists? Will they coordinate with them? Having one solicitor handle everything simplifies communication. You’ve got one point of contact. However, a tax specialist might save you more money on a complex estate. Ask for their recommendation if they don’t handle tax themselves.

What Professional Indemnity Insurance Do You Hold?

Insurance protects you if something goes wrong. All probate solicitors should have substantial cover.

Probate work involves significant sums of money. Your solicitor handles inheritance funds. Professional indemnity insurance protects you if they make mistakes. Ask about their cover amount. Most carry at least £3 million. Ask about their excess. A higher excess means you’d pay more if claiming. This isn’t something to skimp on. It’s worth paying a solicitor with excellent insurance.

Conclusion

Getting multiple quotes takes effort, but it’s genuinely worthwhile. You’ll understand your options. You’ll find fair pricing. You’ll choose someone you trust with this important work.

Use these seven questions when comparing solicitors. Write down their answers. Compare them side by side. Don’t just look at price. Consider experience and what’s included. Your peace of mind matters more than saving a few hundred pounds.

Find a probate solicitor near you by searching our free UK directory. You can get quotes from experienced solicitors in your area quickly and easily.

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FAQ

Q: Can probate solicitors offer free consultations?
A: Many do offer brief free consultations. They’ll discuss your situation and give an initial indication of costs. However, detailed quotes usually require more information. Some charge for providing a full written quote.

Q: What if I think a quote is too expensive?
A: Always get multiple quotes for comparison. If a quote seems high, ask what specifically is included. Sometimes a higher quote covers more services. You can also ask them to reduce their scope of work.

Q: Should I choose the cheapest quote?
A: Not necessarily. The cheapest option might exclude important services. A mid-range quote from an experienced solicitor often provides better value. Focus on what’s included, not just the headline price.

Q: Can solicitors reduce fees for straightforward estates?
A: Yes, many offer reduced rates for simple probate cases. An estate with one property, few beneficiaries, and no disputes costs less. Always mention if your estate is straightforward.

Q: Will my quote change once work starts?
A: With fixed fees, it shouldn’t. However, additional problems can increase costs. That’s why asking what’s covered matters. Good solicitors notify you immediately if unexpected issues arise.