Can You Apply for Probate Yourself? Pros, Cons and Common Pitfalls
- Probate & Estate Support Hub
- Jan 8
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 24
Many people reach probate and ask a very reasonable question: “Can I just do this myself?”
Sometimes that question comes from a desire to save money. Sometimes it comes from not wanting to hand something personal over to strangers. And sometimes it comes from not really knowing what’s involved yet.
I don’t offer legal advice, but I can help you understand when applying for probate yourself can work well, where people tend to struggle, and what pitfalls I see most often in practice. This knowledge comes from having worked with thousands of people going through the probate process.
For more information about applying for probate, and related topics, please visit our page Applying for Probate.
At a glance
Yes, you can apply for probate yourself in England & Wales
DIY probate works best for simple estates
Problems usually arise later, not at the application stage
Many people underestimate the time and responsibility involved
Getting clarity early often prevents expensive mistakes later
Already know you would like some support?
Option 1 – Talk it through
If you prefer to talk through your specific situation to help you decide whether DIY is right for you, book a 30-minute Probate Clarity Call.
Option 2 – Full step-by-step roadmap
The Probate, Done Properly Guide explains how to navigate the entire probate journey - what to do, when to do it, and what commonly goes wrong.
Is it legally allowed to apply for probate yourself?
Yes. Executors are allowed to apply for probate themselves without using a solicitor.
There is nothing unusual or wrong about doing so, and many people choose this route — particularly when the estate feels straightforward at first glance.
The important question is not “Can I?” but “Is this the right approach for this estate?”
When applying for probate yourself often works well
From what I’ve seen, DIY probate tends to work best when:
the estate is small or simple
there is no property, or only one uncomplicated property
there are few beneficiaries
everyone is on good terms
finances and paperwork are clear
In these situations, people often feel confident managing the process with guidance and patience.
Where people commonly underestimate the workload
What catches many people out is not the initial application — it’s everything that comes after.
Common surprises include:
the volume of correspondence
dealing with institutions moving at different speeds
managing beneficiary expectations
understanding responsibilities once probate is granted
Probate is rarely one task. It’s a sequence of decisions spread over time.
Common pitfalls I see with DIY probate
These are not mistakes caused by carelessness — they’re usually caused by lack of visibility early on.
Underestimating complexity
What looks simple at the start can change once property, tax, or family dynamics come into play.
Rushing to save money
Trying to avoid costs can sometimes lead to delays or corrections that cost more later.
Not realising where responsibility sits
Executors often feel shocked by how personally responsible they feel once probate is granted.
Leaving difficult decisions too late
Property, disagreements, or tax issues don’t resolve themselves with time.
A typical real-world scenario
Imagine an executor who applies for probate themselves because:
the estate looks simple
they want to save money
everything feels manageable
Six months later, they’re dealing with:
a property sale
beneficiary disagreements
uncertainty about what they’re allowed to do
all on top of their regular home and work responsibilities
At that point, they’re no longer deciding whether to get help — they’re trying to fix problems under pressure.
This is extremely common.
Common misconceptions
“Doing it myself means no risk.”
DIY probate still carries responsibility.
“Solicitors just fill in forms.”
Forms are only one part of the process.
“I can always hand it over later.”
You can, but options are limited and timing matters.
“If probate is granted, the hard part is over.”
For many estates, that’s when the real work begins.
How people usually decide what’s right for them
The healthiest decisions I see are made when people:
understand the full scope of the role
recognise where complexity might arise
weigh time, stress and responsibility — not just cost
Some people go fully DIY.
Some get help with specific parts.
Some decide full support is worth it.
There isn’t a single “right” choice — but there is a right choice for each estate.
Further Reading & Useful Links
Comprehensive Guide bundle: The Complete Executor Bundle
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for probate myself in the UK?
Yes. Executors are allowed to apply for probate themselves in England & Wales.
Is DIY probate cheaper?
It can be, but only if the estate remains simple and no issues arise later.
Can I start DIY and switch to a solicitor later?
Yes, but switching later can be more complicated than getting clarity earlier.
Is DIY probate risky?
It isn’t automatically risky, but responsibility sits with the executor throughout the process.
When is professional help usually worth considering?
When estates involve property, tax complexity, disputes, or uncertainty about responsibilities.