jomifl; I'm not talking about the rates charged, I'm saying that if he dies intestate, no matter where you are, and particularly if there are several claimants, there will be a seemingly endless process started, every letter, email and phone call will be logged and be paid for from the estate to a wide variety of solicitors.
I've seen it happen in France, and I'm undergoing it myself - for 2 years- in the UK.