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As an 'outsider' it makes me smile when I read of solicitors complaining that the cost of issuing probate is the same regardless of the size of the estate. For example:

(a) "Surely processing a probate application costs the Courts much the same regardless of the size of the estate." (Anon 19 Feb, 01.50) and,
(b) "...........and, as has been said, what has the value of the estate got to do with the work required of the Probate Registry in issuing a Grant of Probate? I submit nothing whatsoever," (Ian Lane), to quote but 2 examples.

I recently visited a couple of solicitors' offices in the town where I live to enquire as to the cost of executing my wife's and my wills. Neither would quote me a fixed rate, but both gave me leaflets detailing their fees, which were on a sliding scale depending on the value of our estate! What's that? Oh yes, pot, kettle and black!