When my husband died, I did all the preparatory work, gathering papers etc., but I let the family solicitor do the final formal stuff, as I knew it would be upsetting.
At the time I was newly disabled trying to run a business, care for my son with learning difficulties, and my elderly disabled mum. I also knew that my husband had substantial life insurance policies.
Before you make a decision whether to DIY, or use a solicitor, find out the costs involved.
It also depends on whether mum's estate was very simple, or complicated.
If the estate is below a certain amount, I think there are simpler rules.
When my own mum died in a nursing home, we had already sold her house to pay for care, and as we had a joint bank account, there was no need for probate.
You have to weigh up how stressed and tired you feel already, how much work is involved; against how much you need the money involved. It's a very personal decision.
