I am sorry for your friend; there are usually more debts than anyone admits to in an intestate situation. My guess is that the single realisable asset (the house) would have to be sold to pay them off. Your friend, as next of kin, can request a break-down and challenge anything excessive. The Law Society may listen if the solicitor's fee is huge and broker a reduction. You should realise that the solictor belongs to a big club which protects itself to the hilt. I tried and failed to go up against an incompetent solicitor - even the one representing me agreed he was negligent but told me to drop it - costs too much to fight them.(posted 7992 days ago)