Wills question:

My father has died and I’m the only close relative living near enough to deal with the practicalities. Is there anything I need to do before seeing a solicitor?

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Good Lawyer Guide's response

You may not have to see a solicitor at all but this usually depends on what assets your father has left behind. Firstly, make sure you register his death if you haven’t done so already and contact a funeral director so that you can make the necessary funeral arrangements. Once you have got those immediate practical matters in hand, you need to draw up a list of the assets and any debts your father has left. His assets will be made up of any property such as his house, bank accounts, life policies, shares, antiques and so on. Any debts may include any mortgage, credit cards and so on.

If his estate mounts up to little more than a few hundred pounds you should not need to pay for a solicitor – all you will need is the official death certificate to withdraw any money and close any accounts. But if, for example, he left a substantial amount of money, a house and so on you will need a solicitor to deal with the legal aspects such as obtaining an official Grant of Probate. Before you see the solicitor, make sure you have the list of assets with you, any will he made and any deeds to any properties he owned.