The 5 Best Estate Lawyers in Glasgow for Wills, Probate & Executry
Sorting an estate isn’t the same thing as hiring a family lawyer for divorce or custody issues. When I looked into it, it was clear I needed a good estate lawyer in Glasgow who actually understood wills, executry, powers of attorney, and Scottish succession laws.
In Scotland, it’s called executry rather than probate, and the executor usually needs Confirmation to deal with the estate properly. I found that, even when the steps sounded straightforward on paper, the legal and tax side could get complicated very quickly.
It gets even trickier if there’s no will, because the rules of intestacy in Scotland are strict, and not always what families expect. Based on experience, having a good estate lawyer like the ones we’ll review was less about formality and more about avoiding costly mistakes.
How much does an estate lawyer charge in Glasgow?
In Glasgow, estate lawyer fees usually depend on the type of work involved. For executry, solicitors often charge either a percentage of the estate’s value (1% to 3%) or an hourly rate (£150 to over £300 per hour).
For simpler private client work, a straightforward single will typically cost around £150 to £250, plus VAT. Drafting and registering a Power of Attorney usually falls between £250 and £400 plus VAT, not including the Office of the Public Guardian registration fee.
If the estate is interstate and needs a Bond of Caution, there will also be an added premium, which varies depending on the value of the estate.
1. Raeside Chisholm Solicitors Limited
Address: Tontine House, 8 Gordon St
Contact: +441412483456
Business hours: Monday to Friday, 9 AM–5 PM
For my colleague who recently lost his mother, Raeside Chisholm Solicitors was the sensible pick. They help recently bereaved clients who need steady executry help without too much jargon involved.
Their private client team handles wills, powers of attorney, executries and trusts, so they’re not just dipping their toes into estate work. They’re ideal for straightforward to modestly complex matters involving trusts and retirement planning,
My work pal appreciated how the firm openly frames their executry work around helping relatives get closure while dealing with the Scots law steps properly. They invite clients to arrange an initial consultation, and don’t hide their team behind vague marketing.
They are based in Tontine House, so they’re a City Centre option that’s handy for much of Greater Glasgow. It’s a good firm to book if you want a conveniently located practice with a clear private client offering and an empathetic tone during a rough time.
The main downside is the City Centre location, because parking around Gordon Street can be a bit of a nuisance.
I am grateful for all the hard work they did
I would highly recommend Ifet Raza and Amani Zuhoor in the residential conveyancing team. They are true professionals and took time and had lots of patience with me when dealing with my flat sale. They were very supportive when the purchasers caused challenges. They always responded quickly and explained the process clearly. As mentioned, I highly recommend these individuals and the firm. I am so grateful for all the hard work they did.
- Aasia Mohammad, Google Review
I would highly recommend giving them a call!
We have used Raeside Chisholm for many years now, as we have always received outstanding service in comparison to many other solicitor firms we have used previously. We usually liaise with Pamela Livingstone, whose knowledge, efficiency and professionalism are unmatched in Glasgow. The reviews speak for themselves, and I would highly recommend giving them a call!
- Hafiz Hamid, Google Review
2. Wilson & Fish Solicitors
Address: Queens House, 29 St Vincent Pl
Contact: +441412227951
Business hours: Monday to Friday, 9 AM–5 PM
When my grandmother passed, Wilson & Fish felt like the kind of firm built for exactly this sort of situation. They only handle executry and estate administration, so I didn’t feel like we were explaining family grief to a general practice that does a bit of everything.
My family appreciated how clearly they set out the actual work that needed to be done, from gathering assets to applying for Confirmation and paying debts before anything could be distributed. We also liked how they spoke in plain English and made a point of offering sympathetic support.
On the practical side, they are upfront about transparent fees and offer fixed fees where possible, which reassured us while trying to keep the estate paperwork from becoming stressful.
Their Glasgow base also made them feel local, but their process was organised enough for families who want a specialist rather than a broad-spectrum solicitor. I would recommend them to bereaved families needing dedicated executry help.
The only real drawback for me is that they are so specialist, so they may not be a good fit for families needing broader property legal work.
She guided us through every step of the process with care
I cannot thank Donna at Wilson & Fish enough for her exceptional support and professionalism in handling my late sister’s estate. She guided us through every step of the process with care, efficiency and compassion during such a difficult time, and her expertise and attention to detail ensured everything was managed smoothly and with minimum stress. I would not hesitate to recommend Wilson & Fish to anyone needing to engage with a knowledgeable and reliable executry solicitor.
- Michelle Gallagher, Google Review
I am very pleased with the service provided
I engaged Wilson and Fish to assist me in finalising my aunt’s intestate estate (no will). This was quite a complex matter as I am located in Canberra, Australia, and my aunt died in Glasgow, Scotland. Donna and her team were fantastic, keeping me informed of each step in the process, facilitating my appointment as executor, conducting a comprehensive assets search, engaging a genealogy team to identify the legal beneficiaries, managing probate and taxation matters, providing timely advice for all questions I asked, and finally settling the estate. The whole process was managed over email and registered post for certain documents. I am very pleased with the service provided and have no hesitation in recommending them to manage matters of the estate.
- John Ramsay, Google Review
3. Weir Law Solicitors
Address: 12 Fitzroy Pl, Finnieston
Contact: +441416285544
Business hours: Monday to Friday, 9 AM–5 PM
My best pal was curious about whether an inheritance can be changed after someone dies. Weir Law Solicitors managed to make things clear for him and actually answered his questions instead of dancing around them.
Their Glasgow office focuses heavily on wills, Confirmation, bereavement law, inheritance protection, and succession planning, so they felt like a proper private client specialist rather than a generalist. The firm presents itself in a clear, approachable way that feels easier to deal with during sensitive conversations.
They specifically explain changing your inheritance through a Deed of Variation in Scotland, which is a useful niche if your family wants to alter how assets are shared. They’re ideal for estates that may need wider Scottish succession advice beyond a simple will.
My friend compared his options and found Weir law worth booking for their fixed-fee style clarity. They have precise turnaround times for some executor appointment work, and are a good fit for those with issues involving Confirmation or those needing more than basic will drafting.
That said, there’s no clearly stated free initial consultation or home-visit services. My friend also advises asking for a full fee quote in writing for broader executry or inheritance-change work.
I would not hesitate to recommend Weir Law Solicitors to family & friends
I would not hesitate to recommend Weir Law Solicitors to family & friends. I met several times with Tim, and during each meeting, he took the time to explain documents thoroughly & answered my many questions; his kindness and professionalism shone through. Excellent communication & service.
- Liz Rich, Google Review
Genuinely very impressed by him and their ethics
After my Father’s death, we required a solicitor to assist in winding up his estate. I have struggled to find a suitable company and fell upon Weir Law Solicitors- Tim Weir reviewed some documents I had sent him to initiate engagement. Tim very openly and frankly advised me of some complex matters our father’s Will contained and also that IHT was likely to be incurred due to some other historical decisions- he offered all this with no benefit to his company as some of the complex trust work was outside their remit – genuinely very impressed by him and their ethics – would not hesitate to use them when we need a solicitor again.
- Gavin Marshall, Google Review
4. McVey & Murricane
Address: 13 Bath St
Contact: +4z41413339688
Business hours: Monday to Friday, 9 AM–5 PM
My neighbour first thought it was just a paperwork issue, but it turned out his title problem was exactly the sort of thing that could hold up everything if it wasn’t handled properly. McVey & Murricane was the exact firm he needed.
They made sense to him because, beyond wills and estates, they’re genuinely used to dealing with the property side of when ownership or title details get messy. It gave my neighbour confidence because they weren’t vague about his issues.
They had clear talks about things like boundaries, access rights, common areas, and ownership questions. Being based on Bath Street also made them feel practical for someone like him who needs a City Centre firm rather than something too far out.
What stood out to him was how structured and transparent they were. He feels they’re a good choice for those with estate problems tied up with sorting title properly, not just those needing basic executry help.
Do note that they are more of a property-led firm with wills and estates support rather than a deeply specialist executry boutique. They may not be the best fit for those needing hand-holding bereavement support in the process.
I will be using them in future for any other relevant legal matters
Karen Orr was superb, continually updated me, showed empathy and support whilst keeping me on track and guiding me through a difficult process, ensuring that I didn’t put myself into any risky situations by signing too soon or being pressured by the other party. Highly recommend her and thank her for all her support and guidance. After such a positive experience, I have engaged M&M to also complete my will, and will be using them in future for any other relevant legal matters.
- Tanya Cooper, Google Review
Their update emails made sure we knew what was happening at every stage
We have had excellent service from McVey and Murricane. Their update emails made sure we knew what was happening at every stage. It was good being able to do it all online. The FAQs included in emails were also helpful.
- Claire Sutherland, Google Review
5. Harper Macleod LLP
Address: The Ca’d’oro, 45 Gordon St
Contact: +441412218888
Business hours: Monday to Friday, 9 AM–5 PM
Harper Macleod felt like a good fit for my baby sister because they don’t treat estate planning as something only wealthy or retired people need. I approve of this, as someone who left it too late and witnessed others do the same.
Their wills, trusts, and estates team covers wills, powers of attorney, succession planning, and executry work, so it suits those who want to start early and get the basics right.
The firm has the depth of a big independent Scottish practice rather than a tiny boutique. My sister liked their approachable and experienced executry team, which mattered because she wanted clear advice without feeling silly about planning ahead.
They’re best for broader estate planning rather than just a one-off will drafting, especially if the job may later involve executry, trusts, or powers of attorney. A practical plus is their named Glasgow private client solicitors working in wills and succession planning, so you know they’re accountable.
I feel they’re a good choice for younger adults or families who want to start estate planning before life gets complicated.
That said, Harper Macleod is a large full-service firm, and can feel more corporate than a small private client practice. If you’re the type who doesn’t get intimidated by this, then they’re worth a visit.
Some of the nicest people you will ever meet
I really could not thank Alexis Harper and all of her colleagues enough for dealing with my recent family law issue for almost two years. From my very first meeting with Alexis, I knew I was in safe hands with someone who had a wealth of knowledge about family law. From the very beginning, it was never about who was right or wrong; it was all about fairness, which was reassuring. Not to forget the other staff, like Erin and the reception staff, who are some of the nicest people you will ever meet. Thank you so much, everyone.
- Scott Anderson, Google Review
Her knowledge of the process overall was outstanding
My experience with Harper Macleod was excellent due to the ongoing, proactive and transparent communication from my case handler, Paige W. Paige consistently put me at ease during a challenging period, and her knowledge of the process overall was outstanding. Would thoroughly recommend this organisation!
- Aidan McIntyre, Google Review