Probate is a legal process that involves the administration of a deceased person’s estate. The process can be complex, involving various legal and financial issues. For this reason, many people choose to hire a solicitor to help them with probate. However, some people prefer to do probate themselves rather than hire a solicitor. In this article, we explore some of the reasons why people might choose to do probate themselves.
Cost
One of the main reasons people choose to do probate themselves is to save money. Hiring a solicitor to help with probate can be expensive, with very high fees (including hidden fees). For some people, this cost is simply too high, especially if the estate is relatively small. By doing probate themselves with a DIY pack, people can save a significant amount of money.
Control
Another reason people choose to do probate themselves is to have more control over the process. When a solicitor is hired, they will typically take charge of the entire probate process, from start to finish. While this can be reassuring for some people, others prefer to have more control over the process, including decisions about which assets to sell, how to distribute the estate, and how to handle any disputes that arise.
Familiarity with the deceased’s affairs
Some people may feel that they are more familiar with the deceased’s affairs and, therefore, better placed to handle the probate process themselves with a DIY probate pack. For example, if the deceased had a small estate with few assets, and their affairs were relatively straightforward, it may be relatively easy for a family member or friend to handle probate themselves.
Time
Probate can be a lengthy process, with some cases taking several months or even years to complete. For people who are short on time, hiring a solicitor may not be an option. By doing probate themselves, they can ensure that the process moves forward at a pace that is convenient for them.
Trust
Some people prefer to handle probate themselves with the help of a DIY probate pack rather than entrusting it to a solicitor. This may be because they do not trust solicitors or because they feel that they have a greater stake in the outcome of the process than an external party. For these people, doing probate themselves is a way of ensuring their interests are protected.
In conclusion, there are several reasons why people may choose to do probate themselves with a DIY probate pack rather than hire a solicitor. These include cost, control, familiarity with the deceased’s affairs, time, and trust. While it is important to be aware of the risks and challenges associated with doing probate, for some people, the benefits may outweigh the drawbacks. Ultimately, the decision to do probate oneself or hire a solicitor should be based on a careful assessment of the individual circumstances of each case.
Are you looking for help to complete Probate? Give DIY Probate a call on 0116 2795044, and we’ll gladly help.