The Probate Bureau often gets to hear about the advice given to customers by companies claiming to handle probate in a professional and dignified manner.

In a recent case, a telephone enquirer, Carol, contacted The Probate Bureau’s free advice line to discuss her situation.  While talking to her it became evident that the advice she had received was not only inaccurate, but delivered in a highly inappropriate fashion.

Unfortunately, Carol’s husband was tragically killed in a road traffic accident, leaving Carol with assets requiring a Grant of Representation. Carol had already applied for the necessary forms from the Probate Registry with the intention of completing them herself.  In her opinion the forms appeared straightforward.

However, the funeral of Carol’s husband was arranged by one of the large corporate firms of funeral directors, who offered Carol a free appointment to discuss probate as part of their funeral package.

Regrettably, the representative who attended the appointment was aggressive in his approach scaring Carol into thinking she could not apply for probate herself. Furthermore, he advised that all her husband’s personal assets would need to be professionally valued “because the Tax Man wants his bit of it too.” He also told her she needed to place an advert in the London Gazette for at least 2 months, at a cost of £205.00 per month! Whilst aspects of these statements are true, they have been terribly conveyed to Carol.  Yes, personal effects are taken into consideration on the probate application forms, but a professional valuation would not be required unless the deceased had items of value.  With regard to the London Gazette, an advert costs just slightly more than £70 and is held electronically for 6 months. Any creditor would be able to source this data after Carol paid for just one month of advertising.  Horrifyingly, the representative went on to quote Carol £3,000 + VAT and disbursements to administer the estate on Carol’s behalf, a service she did not need.

More worryingly, during the meeting the representative did not take into consideration a lump sum of £47,000 Carol is about to receive from a pension. Nor the fact that Carol is on a widowed parents benefit. In a situation like this, Carol should have received advice about protecting her benefits and setting up a trust for the future benefit of her children.  Instead, Carol was likely to lose her regular income, which would result in her having to use her menial savings.

The fact that Carol can complete the Grant of Probate herself (a saving of £3,000+VAT), is not required to pay Inheritance Tax and is able to save £125.69 in placing appropriate adverts in the London Gazette, indicates how misleading and insistent some well known companies in this industry can be.

Not all companies are able to offer prudent advice and save you money, preferring to make a quick buck on products that are not appropriate or actually required. The Probate Bureau builds a different relationship with its clients. This works to the benefit of the client and helps to build the reputation of The Probate Bureau.  In many instances, The Probate Bureau can create estate- planning solutions even for the most modest estates, so probate can even be avoided altogether!!

The Probate Bureau offers intelligent sound advice from staff who are knowledgeable and care about their customers. If you would like to discuss your situation for free, contact The Probate Bureau on 0800 028 2837.