Can I settle an estate without a lawyer?
Often yes. Here's where DIY is fine — and the few moments it isn't.
For a straightforward estate, most of the work is paperwork and waiting — things you can absolutely do yourself. Courts publish the forms, and many have a self-help desk that will answer questions for free.
Where DIY works well
Ordering death certificates, notifying agencies, canceling subscriptions, listing assets, filing a small-estate affidavit, and doing the routine court filings. If there's a will, everyone agrees, and the estate isn't huge, you can usually handle it start to finish.
Where a professional is worth it
Get advice if the estate might owe more than it's worth, if family members are fighting or a will is being challenged, if there's a business to value, or for the tax returns on a large estate. A single one-hour consult on the tricky part is far cheaper than handing over the whole thing.
The goal isn't to avoid help entirely — it's to only pay for the 5% that genuinely needs it. The questionnaire flags which of those apply to your situation, so you know where to spend and where not to.
Answer five quick questions and we'll tell you whether you need probate, what money you can recover, and the very first thing to do.
Start free →Common questions
If the estate may owe more than it's worth, there's a dispute or will contest, a business to value, or complex taxes. A one-hour consult on the hard part is often enough.
Yes. Courts publish the forms, and many have a self-help desk that answers questions at no cost.