• March 28, 2024
 Do clients prefer professional probate services?

Do clients prefer professional probate services?

The majority of Grants of Representation applied for and issued during 2016 were done by solicitors.

In a response to a Freedom of Information Request (FOI), figures from the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) indicate that solicitors lodged 62% of Grants last year.

A Grant of Representation provides someone with the legal right to deal with the various elements of the deceased’s estate.

The Grant can either take the form of probate – where a valid Will has been written – or Letters of Administration. In either case, it is up to the executor or individual wishing to deal with the estate how they wish to apply for the Grant.

Although it is becoming more common for individuals to make an application themselves or with the help of relatives, professional assistance is often sought.

This is often the case where:

  • The Inheritance Tax threshold (currently £325,000) has been exceeded
  • The estate is still earning income
  • There is no Will
  • Dependents wish to dispute the Will if they were deliberately left out of it
  • The estate includes assets outside of the country of residence

Where clients have sought professional help, it is important to ensure they are getting the best service. This can be done by establishing a transparent and trustworthy relationship, meaning that at a difficult time, they are reassured.

  • Provide clarity on costs; although giving exact figures may be difficult right from the offset, breaking down costs reassures the client that they are getting the best service.
  • A questionnaire can be useful when estimating total costs for clients, often being more efficient than asking lots of questions.
  • Where there are additional fees, it is equally important to make sure clients are aware of what these are and how they add up.

Although the wider availability of information means that clients are lodging more applications themselves, the MoJ figures indicate that most are continuing to use the help of solicitors. During a time where emotions are likely to be running high, the service of a professional to guide them through the process is likely to be welcomed; establishing a clear and trustworthy relationship will mean they will be much more inclined to seek the assistance of a professional.

Georgia Owen

Georgia is the Senior Content Executive and will be your primary contact when submitting your latest news. While studying for an LLB at the University of Liverpool, Georgia gained experience working within retail, as well as social media management. She later went on to work for a local newspaper, before starting at Today’s Wills and Probate.