Thanks to everyone for their input.
Please do not get me wrong, I am not suggesting that we do not pay for the solicitor's time. My real objection is that in essence, we are being told that we must pay him a very large sun of money (+21% VAT) and when we question it, we get the stock response that i am entitled to charge this amount.
My dad put his faith in the solicitor to 'do the right thing', especially since the executors of previous wills were always family members. I do not believe that the full implication of having the solicitor as executor was made clear at the time of will drafting. Obviously proving this is another matter.
I agree that negotiation of fees up front is necessary. However in our situation the fees are effectively being dictated to us. I feel that we are in a no-win situation.
I will contact the law Society to see what they have to say. Might be interesting to see what they have to say, even if it is just a re-confirmation of the current situation.
One interesting point though. When I informed my own solicitor (not the one under discussion here) about the circumstances, he did remark that there was no schedule of fees attached to the will. I don't know whether or not that is standard practice, but it would help prevent any issues such as these arising.
When I get an update regarding the situation, I will post back. you never know, we might get a plesant surprise
Thanks,
S