Members of the public

The Probate Section is run by solicitors for solicitors. It is one of four self-governing, committee-led membership associations of the Law Society, which represents and regulates solicitors throughout England and Wales.

If you are a member of the public wanting assistance finding a solicitor in your area, search the online Probate Section member database, contact the Probate Section administrator (email us or telephone 020 7316 5678) or go to the Find a solicitor page on the Law Society website.

In addition, The Law Society produces a series of information leaflets, available in various languages from the Your solicitor page of their website or The Law Society Information Service (telephone 0870 606 6575), including:  
The page also includes information on why you should use a solicitor and how to find solicitors who specialise.

Frequently asked questions about obtaining copies of probate records; safe keeping documents; grants of probate; performing standing searches; and withdrawing a will from safe keeping can be found on the HMCS website along with addresses of probate offices and information about probate records and family history.

Information about making a will and donating to charities can also be found at charityexplorer.com, which is managed by the Law Society Gazette.