For a relatively straightforward estate in England and Wales, you usually do not need a solicitor to obtain probate — many executors apply themselves. The common belief that probate always requires legal representation is a misunderstanding. A solicitor becomes worth considering when an estate is complex, disputed or unclear, but for a single home, a few accounts and a valid will, an executor can handle the whole process personally and keep the cost down.

Why do people think they need a solicitor?

Probate sounds formal, and the word 'legal' makes people cautious. In reality, applying for the grant of probate is largely an administrative task: gathering values, completing the application and, where relevant, handling Inheritance Tax. The steps are well defined. What people actually need is not legal training but a clear order to follow and confidence they haven't missed anything — which is different from needing a lawyer.

When is a solicitor genuinely worth it?

Consider professional help if the estate has any of these: no valid will and complicated family circumstances, an ongoing dispute between beneficiaries, assets or property abroad, a business that must keep running, or an Inheritance Tax position that is genuinely complicated. These situations carry risk that justifies the fees. A straightforward estate — a home, some savings, a pension, a clear will naming who inherits — generally does not.

What does doing it yourself actually involve?

You work through the estate in order. First you register the death and handle the first days. Then you find and read the will, confirm you are executor, and build a full list of everything owned and owed. You value the estate and deal with any Inheritance Tax before applying. You submit the probate application and receive the grant. Finally you gather in the assets, pay the debts, share out to beneficiaries and prepare the final accounts. Each part is a concrete task, not a legal argument.

How do I avoid mistakes without a solicitor?

The two things that catch people out are missing an asset or debt, and getting the estate value wrong. Both are avoided by working methodically and writing everything down. A proper inventory worksheet — one line per account, property and debt — makes the valuation reliable and gives you the figures the probate application needs. Clear records also protect you: as executor you are accountable to the beneficiaries, so keeping evidence of every decision matters.

Can I start myself and get help only if needed?

Yes, and that's often the sensible route. Begin the process, and if you hit something genuinely complex you can bring in a solicitor for that part alone rather than handing over the whole estate. Starting yourself also gives you a clear picture of the estate, which makes any advice cheaper and faster.

If you'd like structure while you do it yourself, our step-by-step plan guides you from registering the death through to final distribution, with done-when checks at the end of each step and fill-in Excel worksheets for the inventory and valuation. See how it's laid out on the plan overview.