Firstly, Sorry to hear about your loss.
Secondly, don’t touch ITC with a bargepole they are VERY expensive and their initial quote is very rarely what you end up paying.
Thirdly, I will declare an interest – I am a Will Writer and Probate Practitioner.
So, for a small estate it is perfectly possible to do things for yourself. If the estate is under £5,000 you will not need to apply for probate, if the estate is between £5,000 and £20,000 you (as executor) can normally sign a disclaimer with the banks and they will transfer assets into your mum’s name.
Remember that any assets that were held in joint names between mum and dad will normally pass automatically to mum by what is known as survivorship. This will normally include the family home if it was owned jointly.
Bottom line is that every case is different but for a married couple on first death with everything passing to the survivor £3K is ridiculous, we recently did a similar case for £200 plus VAT (admittedly very simple). I would stick my neck out and say most people in your circumstances can manage it yourself.
Check my website http://www.myinheritance.co.uk for my phone number and give me a call for an informal chat.
Regards
Nick.