Why Should I Use a Solicitor to Manage an Estate When Someone Has Died?

• Posted onJune 1, 2020

Avoiding DIY Probate Disasters

Most people will only deal with estate administration or probate once or twice in their lifetime. The process often involves a significant amount of paperwork and legal responsibility. In many cases, instructing a solicitor to manage an estate can relieve this burden, allowing you to focus on grieving without the added administrative pressure. (Originally posted June 2020, updated March 2026).

What Does It Mean to Be an Executor or Administrator?

If you are named as an executor (or administrator where there is no will), the legal responsibility for administering the estate or probate, rests with you.

This includes:

• Paying liabilities
• Dealing with tax affairs
• Distributing the estate to the correct beneficiaries

As executor or administrator, you are personally liable for ensuring everything is handled correctly and can be sued if mistakes are made.

Why Estate Administration Can Be Overwhelming

Estate administration is something most people encounter infrequently, often at a difficult emotional time.

Handing the estate to a solicitor can:

• Save many hours of work
• Reduce stress and worry
• Ensure the estate is administered correctly

This support can be particularly valuable when you are also coping with bereavement.

How Can a Solicitor Help Awith Probate?

When you instruct a solicitor to administer an estate, they take responsibility for handling the process properly and protecting your position as their client.

Key benefits include:

• Confidence that the estate is being dealt with correctly
• Professional handling of complex administrative tasks
• Protection through the solicitor’s professional indemnity insurance, in the unlikely event that something goes wrong

Dealing With Tax and HMRC

Many people feel uncomfortable completing tax forms and liaising with HMRC.

A solicitor will:

• Handle tax‑related aspects of estate administration
• Manage correspondence with HMRC
• Ensure tax matters are dealt with correctly

Solicitors work with estate administration regularly and are therefore well placed to progress matters efficiently.

Managing Relationships with Beneficiaries

Depending on your relationship with the beneficiaries, estate administration can become stressful.

As executor, beneficiaries may:

• Contact you regularly for updates
• Pressure you to make payments

When a solicitor administers the estate, beneficiaries are more likely to contact the solicitor directly. This can significantly reduce pressure and stress for you.

Is It Expensive to Use a Solicitor for Estate Administration?

Many people worry about the cost of instructing a solicitor.

At WSP Solicitors, there are different ways the firm can act to ensure estates are administered cost‑effectively, depending on the circumstances. You can read more on our costs for probate and estate administration here. We also offer a “Grant Only” probate service – the costs for this are here.

What Is a ‘Grant Only’ Probate Service?

In straightforward estates where there is no Inheritance Tax to pay, WSP Solicitors are often able to offer a ‘Grant Only’ service.

Under this option:

• WSP apply for Probate on your behalf
• The remaining estate administration is handled by you

This provides professional support at a key stage while keeping costs proportionate.

Why DIY Probate Can Be Risky

While managing an estate yourself may appear cost‑effective, the legal responsibility remains with you.

Mistakes can:

• Lead to personal liability
• Result in disputes or claims against you
• Cause delays or additional stress

Using a solicitor can significantly reduce these risks by ensuring the estate is administered correctly from the outset.

Getting Help with Estate Administration and Probate

Estate administration after someone has died carries legal, financial and personal responsibilities. Professional support can provide reassurance, efficiency and protection at a difficult time.

WSP Solicitors’ Wills, Trusts and Probate team can advise on the most appropriate way to manage an estate, whether through full administration or a Grant Only Probate service.

For expert probate and estate administration advice, you can contact WSP Solicitors’ local offices, servicing the whole of Gloucestershire, including; Gloucester, Stroud, Cheltenham, Tewkesbury or the Forest of Dean, or use the enquiry form on this page to request a callback.