About us; Final Duties are the UK’s leading probate specialist, our unique probate service has been featured in six national newspapers and which? money magazine. Our probate service is designed to ensure that you save money and get top quality advice from a leading specialist Probate firm at the lowest possible Fee. Owner Director Adam Walker set up Final Duties in 2009 because his father died in May 2009 and he had such a terrible time sorting out his legal and financial affairs he saw the need for a company that would help other people in a similar situation. His solicitor refused to quote a fee for the work then tried to charge 4 times the proper rate.
Ten Top Tips to reduce Probate and Administration fees and mistakes to avoid applying for probate.
1.DIY will
If the Estate is straightforward you may not need to use a probate solicitor to obtain Probate, here at Final Duties we offer a halfway house option where we obtain the Grant of Probate for you then leave you to deal with the distribution of the Estate yourself. Get Online quote now click here
About 29% of executors decide to deal with Probate themselves. You should, however, be aware that the work will be quite time consuming and that you will be legally liable for any mistakes that are made. Some people also find it upsetting to have to keep going through the papers of someone they knew and loved. Consequently 71% of people decide to seek help from a professional.
2.Get more than One Quotation
Probate fees vary hugely between providers. The most expensive can cost ten times as much as the cheapest. It is therefore important to get more than one quotation. Final Duties automatically does this with every case. It is interesting that even within our panel; quotations can vary by as much as 100% depending on how much each firm wants the work, we make the solicitors compete for the work. We take the burden off you of calling every Probate solicitors and getting hundreds of quotes. We let the bid against each other.
3.Don’t use the firm that is named in the Will as an executor
Most people believe that they have to use the solicitor, bank or Will writer who is names in the Will as executor. This is not the case. A professional executor can choose to renounce their appointment and most will do so if asked.
4.Don’t agree to an Hourly Rate
Many probate solicitors and banks charge an hourly rate for administering an Estate. This means that it is impossible to know how much the bill will be until the work has been completed. It also gives them no incentive to finish the work quickly. All of our solictors work on a fixed price quotation basis.
5.Avoid Percentage Based Charges
Many banks and probate solicitors calculate their fees as a percentage of the Estate. The size of the Estate has little bearing on the amount of work that will be needed to obtain the Grant of Probate and administer the Estate. You should insist on a fixed price probate quotation.
6.Insist on a Quotation not an Estimate
An estimate can be increased later. A quotation is fixed and binding. Always insist on a written quotation before you confirm your instructions.
7.Use an Expert
Probate is a highly specialised are of the law and you need to choose a solicitor or Probate provider who is an expert in this field rather than a general practitioner who will often take longer to complete the work and charge more.
8.Protect the Assets of the Estate
Once the assets within the Estate are sold the proceeds will be held in a client account. If your Probate provider is a qualified solicitor these monies will be fully protected by the solicitors compensation fund. If your Probate provider is not a qualified solicitor you need to check what arrangements are in place to safeguard their client account. There have been several cases over the years of Probate companies stealing money from their clients account and using …….. A cheap, unregulated Probate provider could prove to be a terrible mistake.
9.Provide paperwork Promptly
Probate cases often drag on because key documents cannot be found. You can help your Probate provider to help you by providing all documentation promptly.
For free help and advice call now on 0800 731 8722 or 01276 804615 or get an online unbeatable quote in a few simple steps click here
10.Maximise the Value of the House Sale
The biggest asset in most Estates is the deceased’s property. By spending a little money getting it ready for sale and choosing the right Estate agent you can often make enough extra money to pay for the entire cost of the Probate fees, For this reason, Final Duties offers a cleaning, gardening and Estate agency service.
Let us Help and get you the cheapest quote and save you valuable time, don’t risk your inheritence. Call now on 0800 731 8722
Get an Online quote now in a few simple steps click here
Fill in the form for some easy to understand advice and a commitment free quote.
Powered by Fast Secure Contact FormYour Enquiry
