Can we dispense with solicitors?

[MADMagic]

My mother died last November. In her will she appointed two Executors - my brother and a friend of her's who is a retired solicitor. The latter insisted we instructed solicitors, but the costs are spiralling out of control. The Executors are due to sign the oath of Probate next Monday 14th March.

 

Can we (or technically my brother) dispense with the services of a solicitor?

 

The other Executor (who is actually doing nothing) won't want him to but we're finding it too expensive and also we feel a bit out of control.

[sir_gilmour]

Hi MADMagic

Welcome to The Consumer Action Group.

 

 

I am just letting you know that as you haven't had any replies to your post yet, it might be better if you post your message again in an appropriate sub-forum. You will get lots of help there.

 

Also take some time to read around the forum and get used to the layout. It is a big forum and takes a lot of getting used to.

 

 

Once you start to find your way, you will soon realise that it is fairly easy to get round and to get the help you need.

 

It can be bit confusing at first.

[rebel11]

Hi Mad

 

Welcome to CAG

The guys will advise as soon as they are available. Thread moved.

[citizenB]

http://www.linkslegal.co.uk/services/wills-and-probate/

 

It looks like if the will is simple, then you might not need the services of a solicitor. If you already have one, then I imagine they will want to be paid for the work they have already done.. ? I will flag your thread up for site team attention

[MADMagic]

Of course we're prepared to pay for services already incurred. However the secondary problem relates to the second Executor - if he does not agree.

[caro]

My mother died last November. In her will she appointed two Executors - my brother and a friend of her's who is a retired solicitor. The latter insisted we instructed solicitors, but the costs are spiralling out of control. The Executors are due to sign the oath of Probate next Monday 14th March.

 

Can we (or technically my brother) dispense with the services of a solicitor?

 

The other Executor (who is actually doing nothing) won't want him to but we're finding it too expensive and also we feel a bit out of control.

 

Firstly I'm sorry for your loss. My sister and I had this problem when our mother died 2 years ago. The costs were a disgrace but the problem that we found was that he'd taken his instructions from Mum and had a duty to do as she'd instructed. I have no doubt didn't realise just what a chunk he'd take.

 

I tried the Law Society, and I also queried his costs asking for a breakdown which he provided, and he knocked off a couple of hundred. From memory their was a way the Law Society would look into the costs, but there was a price to pay and no guarantees.

 

TBH it sounds like they've virtually done now so probably too late to do anything.

 

Nice work if you can get it!!

[caro]

BTW, we were given an estimate of the costs at the time and the time was estimated at 10 to 15 hours I think, so that might give you an idea if he tries to charge for more than that.