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Probate Without a Solicitor – Can You Do It Yourself?

Yes, you can. You do not legally need a solicitor to apply for probate in the UK. Many people handle probate themselves, especially for straightforward estates.

But “can” and “should” are different things. This guide explains when DIY probate makes sense, when it does not, and what help is available either way.

When DIY Probate Makes Sense

You can probably handle probate yourself if:

  • There is a valid will and it is straightforward
  • There is one property (or none) and it is being sold or transferred clearly
  • The estate is not complex – bank accounts, some savings, personal possessions
  • All beneficiaries agree and there are no disputes
  • You have the time – probate takes several months even with a solicitor
  • Inheritance tax is straightforward – estate under the £325,000 threshold (or £500,000 if passing to children)

When You Should Consider a Solicitor

Get professional help if:

  • The estate is large or complex – multiple properties, business assets, foreign assets
  • There is no will (intestacy rules are complicated)
  • The will is unclear, contested, or being disputed
  • Beneficiaries are arguing or there are family tensions
  • Inheritance tax is likely (estate over £325,000, or £500,000 with the residence nil-rate band)
  • There are trusts involved
  • You are not confident with forms and deadlines

A solicitor typically charges £2,000-£5,000+ for handling probate. Some charge a percentage of the estate (usually 1-5%). For a straightforward estate, this is a lot of money for work you could do yourself.

What Is Actually Involved in DIY Probate?

  1. Register the death – at the register office. Get several copies of the death certificate.
  2. Find the will – check the person home, their solicitor, bank, or the National Will Register (Certainty National Will Register).
  3. Value the estate – this is where we can help. You need:
    • Property valuation (an estate agent can do this)
    • Contents valuation for HMRC (we can do this – see our probate valuation service)
    • Bank account balances as at date of death
    • Any investments, pensions, life insurance
    • List of debts (mortgage, credit cards, loans)
  4. Fill in the inheritance tax form – IHT205 for estates under £325,000 (no tax due), or IHT400 for estates over the threshold.
  5. Fill in the probate application – PA1P if there is a will, PA1A if not. Can be done online at gov.uk/apply-for-probate.
  6. Pay the fee – £273 for estates over £5,000 (free under £5,000). Plus £1.50 per extra copy of the grant.
  7. Wait for the grant – typically 4-8 weeks.
  8. Administer the estate – close accounts, sell property, pay debts, distribute to beneficiaries. This is where a solicitor can be helpful for complex estates, but for simple ones, you can do it.
  9. Clear and maintain the property – this is where we come in. We handle probate clearance – full house clearance, eco-friendly disposal, and we can also sort the utilities, maintain the property through probate, and prep it for sale.

The Middle Ground: Partial Help

You do not have to choose between “do it all yourself” and “pay a solicitor £5,000.” There is a middle ground:

  • Do the probate application yourself – it is mostly forms and patience
  • Use us for the property side – valuation, clearance, maintenance, utilities, prep for sale
  • Consult a solicitor for specific questions – many offer a one-off consultation for a fixed fee rather than taking on the whole estate

This way you are paying for help where you need it, not handing over a percentage of the estate for work you could do yourself.

Common Myths About Probate

“You have to use a solicitor” – No, you do not. You can apply for probate yourself.

“Probate takes years” – For most straightforward estates, the grant of probate takes 4-8 weeks. Administering the estate (selling property, distributing assets) takes longer but that is not “probate” – that is estate administration.

“It is really complicated” – For a straightforward estate, it is mostly filling in forms. The government website is quite clear. The complicated part is usually the property – which is where we help.

“You need to pay a percentage of the estate” – Some solicitors charge this way, but you do not have to accept it. Many charge fixed fees, and doing it yourself costs just the application fee (£273).

Need Help with the Property Side?

Whether you are using a solicitor or doing it yourself, we can handle the property side of probate:

  • Probate valuation – room-by-room inventory and HMRC-compliant report
  • Property clearance – full or partial, eco-friendly, sensitive
  • Property maintenance – lock changes, leak repairs, winter prep, garden maintenance, regular checks
  • Practical support – utilities, key holding, property prep for sale

One call, we handle the lot. No obligation.

Call: 0161 554 0401
Email: [email protected]

This is general information, not legal advice. For specific legal questions, consult a solicitor.

Probate Support | Probate Valuation | Probate Clearance | Do I Need Probate? | Clearing a House After Death Guide