Is It Worth Using a Solicitor for Probate?
It depends on the complexity of the estate. For straightforward estates with few assets, no property, no IHT, and no disputes, many executors handle probate themselves using the government's online portal. It can be quicker and cheaper.
For most estates involving property, IHT, business interests, overseas assets, or any disputes, professional help adds clear value. Solicitors carry professional indemnity insurance, so if they make a mistake, you have recourse. Executors who administer estates themselves bear personal liability for errors. That includes underpaid tax, wrongful distribution, or missed claims. The financial exposure can exceed any fee saving. Errors on IHT400 forms alone can attract HMRC penalties of 30% to 100% of any additional tax owed.
On cost, solicitors typically charge an hourly rate or a percentage of the estate value, commonly 1% to 2% plus VAT. For larger estates, that adds up fast. Fixed-fee alternatives exist from regulated probate specialists and are often more affordable.
For estates above the IHT threshold (£325,000 individual, or up to £500,000 with the residence nil-rate band), or those with property to sell, professional help almost always pays for itself through tax efficiency and reduced executor risk.
The real question is not whether you can do probate yourself. It is whether the money you save is worth the risk you take on.
For most estates involving property, IHT, business interests, overseas assets, or any disputes, professional help adds clear value. Solicitors carry professional indemnity insurance, so if they make a mistake, you have recourse. Executors who administer estates themselves bear personal liability for errors. That includes underpaid tax, wrongful distribution, or missed claims. The financial exposure can exceed any fee saving. Errors on IHT400 forms alone can attract HMRC penalties of 30% to 100% of any additional tax owed.
On cost, solicitors typically charge an hourly rate or a percentage of the estate value, commonly 1% to 2% plus VAT. For larger estates, that adds up fast. Fixed-fee alternatives exist from regulated probate specialists and are often more affordable.
For estates above the IHT threshold (£325,000 individual, or up to £500,000 with the residence nil-rate band), or those with property to sell, professional help almost always pays for itself through tax efficiency and reduced executor risk.
The real question is not whether you can do probate yourself. It is whether the money you save is worth the risk you take on.