How to find specialist probate solicitor

[LiverpoolLassie1974]

Can anyone give me any pointers on how to find and choose a good solicitor specialising in contentious probate please? I've previously posted about the situation re my mother who has unfortunately since died and it does indeed look like I will be needing to contest my mum's will. But how do I go about finding the right solicitor to take on the job? Obviously there are plenty of solicitors local to me and although they all seem to say they do probate work I think I would need someone with a proven track record but I don't feel confident in choosing one as I know nothing about the subject so don't even know what questions to ask to ascertain their capability. There are lots online but would I be best finding someone within travelling distance or could the case be carried out remotely over the phone, internet etc?
I have legal expenses insurance cover for costs of up to £100k, if they agree to take on the case would they have a say in which solicitor I use?

Your LEI insurer will want to instruct their own choice of solicitor as they'll have preferential rates agreed. It may be that they refuse any costs before the issue of proceedings.
Otherwise, it's worth a look on the law society find a solicitor page.

Contentious probate is different from regular probate, so look for a firm that specifically specialises on their website in that. Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners rate solicitors. You need to search by area first, and then look at the contentious probate section.
here is a link for East Midlands, by way of example.
https://www.legal500.com/c/east-midlands/private-client/contentious-trusts-and-probate/

Look for an ACTAPS member.

One thing to do asap is to lodge a caveat on probate. You can do this yourself https://www.gov.uk/stop-probate-application

Look at the member directory for the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) or when googling probate / private client solicitors in firms close to you look for one with the designation TEP which will denote a STEP member. The previous poster who cited ACTAPS is also correct.

Many thanks for all replies, a great help and very much appreciated. I shall ring my insurers first off to establish how I stand before instructing anyone.