Any probate solicitors about?

[Ecceromano]

A quick question for an expert in this area … I am not the executor of my mother’s estate but my (extremely toxic grabby) sibling is. There is something not quite right with the solicitor being used given that they agreed to a POA under my sibling’s direction when my mother was bedridden with dementia….wholdcotger thread right there. I am being asked for proof of ID (fair enough) but also my NI number. Is this usual? Why is this needed? There is no IHT to pay, I’m not buying the property being sold, I haven’t applied for the probate and my own tax position is my own business surely?

Can anyone advise if this is legally required?

You don't need a probate expert to answer this question. It is about anti-money laundering regulations and is also required if there is a need to register a trust. Revealing your NI number to them will not tell them anything about your tax position.

By the way, even though there is no IHT to pay the executors still have to complete the IHT forms.