Introduction
Dealing with probate after someone dies can be challenging. At a time when you may be coping with grief, you're faced with a complex legal and administrative journey.
In some cases, it’s possible to manage the probate process yourself. But many people chose to get help from a professional probate provider. With more than 5,000 solicitor firms in the UK, how do you choose the right one?
We believe that Trustestate provides expertise and value for money at a clear transparent price, and our feedback and Trustpilot ratings back this up. But every case is different and everyone has different priorities. This article will take you through the factors to consider when selecting a probate solicitor in the UK. We'll explain the types of providers, what you need to compare, and the key questions you need to ask.
Understanding probate
In the UK, probate is the legal process sorting out someone’s estate – their money, property, and possessions, together with any debts and liabilities. If there's a will, the executor(s) named in it usually need to apply for a Grant of Probate. If there's no will, the closest living relative (administrator) typically needs to apply for Letters of Administration.
The probate process involves several key stages:
Valuing the estate: Identifying and valuing all assets (property, bank accounts, investments, personal belongings) and liabilities (debts, mortgages).
Calculating and paying inheritance tax.
Applying for probate: filling in and submitting probate forms and documentation to the Probate Registry.
Administering the estate: Once probate is granted, the executor or administrator will pay any outstanding debts and taxes, then share out the remaining assets to the beneficiaries (according to the will or intestacy rules).
Some people choose to apply for probate and take on all the administration themselves. However DIY probate can be tricky and time-consuming, especially for larger or more complex estates. Our article Should you use a professional probate service or do it yourself? explains all the considerations in more detail.
If you decide to use a professional probate service, they can offer expertise, peace of mind, and efficiency, taking the burden off your shoulders during a difficult time.
Types of probate providers
There are three main types of probate providers.
Probate solicitors
Traditionally, solicitors have been the main choice for probate. They are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). They have extensive legal training and experience in all aspects of probate law, including complex issues like inheritance tax and trusts.
Example firms: Trustestate, Co-op Legal, Irwin Mitchell, Zedra
Other professionals
In more recent years, other professionals such as accountants, legal executives and licensed probate practitioners have become able to offer probate services. A number of other regulatory bodies oversee these services, such as Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX) and Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC).
Example firms: Kings Court Trust, Honey Legal
Introducers
These companies act as an initial point of contact for clients. They are not regulated to provide probate services themselves, but specialise in gathering necessary information from the client and preparing the initial documentation. They then pass this information and the client's case to a regulated solicitor or other professional who completes the legal probate work. The direct legal responsibility for the probate process lies with the regulated partner firm.
Example firms: Farewill, Affinion Probate, Laurelo, Final Duties, The Probate Network
Types of service
Probate providers usually offer two levels of service.
Grant of probate only service: the company applies for and obtains the grant of probate (or letters of administration) based on information you provide. You handle the rest of the process.
Full estate administration: the professional firm manages the entire process from start to finish.
Which service you choose depends on how complicated the estate is, and whether you have the time and ability to handle some of the admin yourself.
Key criteria for choosing a probate provider
When choosing a probate provider, checking out the following criteria can help you compare your options and pick the right professional for you.
1. Services offered
Decide upfront whether you need help with the entire estate administration or just obtaining probate.
Grant of Probate only service: This can be suitable for simpler estates where you're comfortable collecting together assets, getting valuations, paying debts, and distributing everything after receiving the probate.
Full estate administration: This is ideal for complex estates, if you lack time, or if you simply want to delegate the entire process. This service can include everything from valuing assets to distributing the inheritance.
2. Probate expertise, specialisation and experience
Look for a provider with proven expertise in probate and estate administration. Ask about their team's experience, the types of estates they typically handle (eg, small, complex, high-value, international), and their track record.
Make sure they are regulated. Solicitors are regulated by the SRA, and other professionals are regulated by their respective professional bodies (eg, ICAEW, CILEX, CLC). This provides a level of protection and adherence to professional standards.
3. Fee structure and transparency
Probate costs can vary significantly, and hidden fees are a common concern. It’s important to be clear about what you are paying for and what’s included.
Fixed fees: Many providers offer a fixed fee for their services. This can be a great option offering cost certainty and allowing you to budget effectively. Ensure the fixed fee clearly outlines what's included and excluded. You can read more about fixed fee services in our article Fixed-fee probate services: what you need to know.
Percentage of estate value: Some solicitors charge a percentage of the gross estate value (typically 2-5% plus VAT). This can seem straightforward, but it can lead to very high costs for larger estates, even if the work involved isn't exceptionally complex. Be wary of this model unless the estate is genuinely complex and the percentage is competitive.
Hourly rates: Some providers charge an hourly rate. This can be affordable for very small, straightforward estates, but it makes it difficult to estimate the total cost upfront. If a provider charges hourly, ask for a clear estimate of hours, a cap on fees, and detailed breakdowns of how time is recorded.
Additional expenses: Additional expenses are expenses paid to third parties (also known as ‘disbursements’). They include the probate application fee (£300 for estates over £5,000 as of current guidance), bankruptcy searches, Land Registry fees, and statutory advertisements. These costs are often paid from the estate. A good probate service provider will list these clearly. You should make sure you understand what is included in their fee, and what will come from the estate.
Initial consultations: Many providers offer a free initial call or consultation. You can use this to discuss your specific situation and get a clear quote.
For more detail on probate costs, read our article A complete breakdown of probate costs in the UK
4. Way of working and progress updates
Consider how a probate provider will support you throughout the process and keep you informed. Traditional firms often rely on slow, outdated methods, such as postal correspondence, phone calls, and in-person meetings, which can make it harder to get timely updates. Because many of these providers still handle cases manually, even routine tasks may take days or weeks to complete. Posting documents back and forth or waiting for call-backs can create frustrating delays, especially when you're trying to move things forward during a difficult time.
At Trustestate, we take a different approach. Our hybrid model combines the reassurance of expert human support with the efficiency of smart technology. You’ll be assigned a dedicated case manager who provides clear, consistent guidance from start to finish. At the same time, our online platform gives you 24/7 access to your case, allowing you to track progress, share details about the estate, upload documents, review important information and communicate with us digitally at your convenience. This streamlined, transparent process helps things move faster and gives you greater confidence every step of the way.
Process updates and support: Whatever the journey type, ask about how often you can expect updates, and how they will contact you. Will you receive weekly emails/monthly calls, or can you check progress via an online dashboard? Understand how often you will be supported and proactively informed throughout the process, and how you can get in touch with any queries. A good provider will have a clear process for keeping you in the loop, and offer accessible support.
5. Communication and client service
Dealing with probate can be emotionally draining. A good provider will offer empathetic and clear communication.
Responsiveness: How quickly do they respond to enquiries? Prompt communication is vital, especially when you're dealing with sensitive matters. Do their operating hours fit your schedule? Is there a procedure for updates out of hours?
Dedicated contact: Will you have a dedicated probate specialist or team handling your case, or will it be passed around? Do you have a named person you can contact? Will that person be a member of the sales or customer service team, or will you be able to speak directly to a legal expert?
Clarity: Do they explain complex legal terms in a way you can understand? You should feel comfortable asking questions and receiving clear answers.
Reviews and testimonials: Check online reviews (eg Trustpilot) and testimonials from previous clients to gauge their reputation for client service.
6. Location
Think about where the firm is based. Do you prefer a local firm for face-to-face meetings, or are you comfortable working with a national provider remotely? Many firms now offer virtual consultations, making location less of a barrier.
Making the decision
Once you have decided on what factors are most important to you, you can narrow down your options and approach one or more companies that fit your needs. Make sure you know what are your essential requirements vs optional preferences. Many companies, such as Trustestate, offer a free initial consultation to find out about your situation and explain how they can meet your needs.
Frequently asked questions about choosing a probate service
Who appoints a probate solicitor?
The executor (named in the will), or administrator (if there's no will), are responsible for dealing with probate. They have the legal authority to instruct a professional to assist with the estate administration, if they decide to.
How do I choose a probate solicitor?
To choose a probate solicitor, look for one regulated by the SRA, experienced in estate administration, and transparent about their fees (fixed fees are often preferable). Check their online reviews and make sure their communication style and type of service suits you. If you’d like to hear more about Trustestate’s unique approach we’d love to talk to you. Schedule a free call with one of our experts to find out more. If you choose us we provide you with a named dedicated case manager for expertise and support, together with access to an easy online platform for full transparency and regular updates.
Can you get probate without a solicitor?
Yes, it is possible to apply for probate without a solicitor in the UK, particularly for straightforward estates. However, it can be a complex and time-consuming process, and mistakes can lead to delays or financial penalties. Many choose professional help for peace of mind and efficiency. You can read more about DIY probate vs using a professional service in our article Should you use a professional probate service or do it yourself?
Trustestate can help
Dealing with the admin after someone dies can be a challenging and overwhelming process. Let Trustestate take out the hassle for a fixed transparent fee. We offer a simple, streamlined service with expert support at every stage. Book a free call with one of our experts to find out more.
What we offer
Use our Probate and estate administration service and we’ll manage every stage of the process. We’ll take over all the admin, apply to the court for probate, and share out the estate.
Or if the estate is simple, and you have time, you can use our Grant of Probate only service, and we’ll apply for probate using information you provide.
Whichever service you choose, you’ll get dedicated advice every step of the way, and an online platform to keep track of everything.
