What to look for
Wills and probate specialists draft wills, create lasting powers of attorney (LPA), advise on inheritance-tax planning, and administer estates after death. The work splits between regulated solicitors with private-client teams and specialist non-solicitor will-writers. Probate administration ranges from straightforward 'grant only' work to full estate administration.
- STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) full membership for complex estates
- Society of Will Writers membership for non-solicitor practitioners
- Professional indemnity insurance disclosed
- Will storage arrangement explained (and access fee)
- LPA registration process and Office of the Public Guardian fees disclosed
- Fixed-fee vs percentage-of-estate options on probate
Typical pricing: £180-£400 simple will, £150-£300 LPA, 1-3% of estate or £180-£300/hr for probate administration (UK 2026)
Regulator / certification to look for: Solicitors Regulation Authority (where solicitor), STEP, Society of Will Writers