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 or contact the Probate Section administrator (email probatesection@lawsociety.org.uk or telephone 020 7316 5678).

In addition, The Law Society produces a series of information leaflets available from your solicitor or The Law Society Information Service (telephone 0870 606 6575). They following leaflets can be downloaded from this website:

Your guide to probate
Your guide to making a will
Your guide to financial matters for the elderly
Your guide to using a solicitor
The client’s charter: your solicitor’s customer care standards

Download the guides in a number of languages. In addition, the Law Society has issued advice on how to find the find the right expert solicitor to deal with your legal problem

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 at via 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 www.charityexplorer.com, which is managed by the Law Society's Gazette.