A Scottish law firm has vowed to tackle the crippling cost of death.
Friends Legal says its new unit, named By Your Side, will lead the way on transparency and provide value for families.
A table of fees will be published so consumers understand costs in advance and can compare them with rival firms’ charges.
Among four competitors canvassed for costs for settling simple estates worth £200,000, prices ranged from £3,000 to £4,200.
Friends Legal will charge £1,800.
Other charges range from £250 to settle a small estate to a fixed fee of £8,500 for an estate worth between £750,000 and £1m.
Customers will pay £95 including VAT for a simple will, produced in 5 days.
Last year, Scotland’s average funeral costs rose to almost £4,100. Legal fees on top to settle estates are beyond many people.
Tony O’Malley, Friends Legal’s Managing Partner, said: “Dealing with the loss of a loved one is tough. Bereaved people are vulnerable, often feel short of time and energy, and bad choices can result.
“There should be mandatory price transparency for afterlife legal services so families know exactly what they are getting, what it costs and how it compares with other firms.
“The Law Society is introducing some guidance, but it remains to be seen how effective this will be.
“If you visit any number of solicitors’ websites, it can be extremely complicated to work out what you have to pay.
“This needs to change. The interests of the bereaved family must come first.”
The Law Society of Scotland will publish new guidance on January 31.
Regulatory Committee Convener Craig Cathcart said: “As well as increasing clarity for consumers, we hope it will help improve access to justice.”
