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Solicitor suddenly closed, what happens to will?
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MM
Apr 13, 2016, 3:24:21 AM4/13/16
to
I had my will prepared several years ago and now I learn that the firm
has ceased business and closed down.
Would that closure have any effect on my will? I do have a copy of it
at home.
MM
has ceased business and closed down.
Would that closure have any effect on my will? I do have a copy of it
at home.
MM
davi...@gmail.com
Apr 13, 2016, 4:20:40 AM4/13/16
to
Robin
Apr 13, 2016, 4:46:37 AM4/13/16
to
one reason I recommend people store the will with the London Probate
Registry. It only costs £20. It means anyone who tries to deal with
your estate by applying for probate (or letters of administration) finds
the will. IMO it is much better value than commercial services which
offer to do the same but without any guarantee that anyone will check
with them for a will (not even the commercial service which the Law
Society endorses for reasons I have yet to fathom fully).
One advantage a solicitor ought to have over the probate registry is
that they should also store any relevant records of how they will was
drafted - e.g. notes of discussions with you which may be relevant if
the will is challenged. But they should keep those whether or not they
have the actual, signed will.
You could always ask for your will back from whoever has it and store it
with the Probate Registry now. See the link to the leaflet PA7 at the
bottom of https://www.gov.uk/make-will/writing-your-will
--
Robin
reply-to address is (intended to be) valid
Chris R
Apr 13, 2016, 7:15:55 AM4/13/16
to
> On 13/04/2016 08:03, MM wrote:
> > I had my will prepared several years ago and now I learn that the firm
> > has ceased business and closed down.
> >
> This pass-the-parcel game with wills can give rise to problems. It's
> one reason I recommend people store the will with the London Probate
> Registry. It only costs Ł20. It means anyone who tries to deal with
> one reason I recommend people store the will with the London Probate
> your estate by applying for probate (or letters of administration) finds
> the will. IMO it is much better value than commercial services which
> offer to do the same but without any guarantee that anyone will check
> with them for a will (not even the commercial service which the Law
> Society endorses for reasons I have yet to fathom fully).
>
> One advantage a solicitor ought to have over the probate registry is
> that they should also store any relevant records of how they will was
> drafted - e.g. notes of discussions with you which may be relevant if
> the will is challenged. But they should keep those whether or not they
> have the actual, signed will.
>
> You could always ask for your will back from whoever has it and store it
> with the Probate Registry now. See the link to the leaflet PA7 at the
> bottom of https://www.gov.uk/make-will/writing-your-will
The main thing is to make sure your executors know where your will is and to
> the will. IMO it is much better value than commercial services which
> offer to do the same but without any guarantee that anyone will check
> with them for a will (not even the commercial service which the Law
> Society endorses for reasons I have yet to fathom fully).
>
> One advantage a solicitor ought to have over the probate registry is
> that they should also store any relevant records of how they will was
> drafted - e.g. notes of discussions with you which may be relevant if
> the will is challenged. But they should keep those whether or not they
> have the actual, signed will.
>
> You could always ask for your will back from whoever has it and store it
> with the Probate Registry now. See the link to the leaflet PA7 at the
> bottom of https://www.gov.uk/make-will/writing-your-will
leave pointers to it (and copies) where they are likely to be found, eg with
your papers in the house. A problem with lodging at the Probate Registry is
that it's so uncommon, no-one would think to look there unless prompted -
they could have been searching for a will for six months before applying for
letters of administration, only for the registry to then produce the will
and make them start al over again.
--
Chris R
Robin
Apr 13, 2016, 7:51:09 AM4/13/16
to
On 13/04/2016 12:15, Chris R wrote:
> The main thing is to make sure your executors know where your will is and to
> leave pointers to it (and copies) where they are likely to be found, eg with
> your papers in the house. A problem with lodging at the Probate Registry is
> that it's so uncommon, no-one would think to look there unless prompted -
> they could have been searching for a will for six months before applying for
> letters of administration, only for the registry to then produce the will
> and make them start al over again.
>
True. But you can do all that - telling executors, leaving notes etc-
> The main thing is to make sure your executors know where your will is and to
> leave pointers to it (and copies) where they are likely to be found, eg with
> your papers in the house. A problem with lodging at the Probate Registry is
> that it's so uncommon, no-one would think to look there unless prompted -
> they could have been searching for a will for six months before applying for
> letters of administration, only for the registry to then produce the will
> and make them start al over again.
>
with a will lodged with the Probate Registry just as with a will left
with solicitors. But with the Probate Registry you get the *additional*
benefits that they don't retire, don't merge with a different firm, and
do deal with every application for probate or letters in E&W so the will
is bound to be found by then. Eg, if the OP had lodged his will with
them when it was signed he wouldn't really need to be bothered about the
solicitor closing down.
More generally, I also worry that commercial services (a) often require
a subscription - eg £5 a year and (b) will lead to lawyers advising
anyone applying for probate to pay for checks with such firms just in
case there is a later will.
RobertL
Apr 13, 2016, 8:23:11 AM4/13/16
to
On Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at 9:46:37 AM UTC+1, Robin wrote:
> On 13/04/2016 08:03, MM wrote:
> > I had my will prepared several years ago and now I learn that the firm
> > has ceased business and closed down.
> >
> > Would that closure have any effect on my will? I do have a copy of it
> > at home.
> >
>
>
> This pass-the-parcel game with wills can give rise to problems. It's
> one reason I recommend people store the will with the London Probate
> Registry. It only costs £20. It means anyone who tries to deal with
> your estate by applying for probate (or letters of administration) finds
> the will.
Does it mean that? If the executors apply for probate using an earlier will, believing it to the be the last one would the later stored one be discovered?
> On 13/04/2016 08:03, MM wrote:
> > I had my will prepared several years ago and now I learn that the firm
> > has ceased business and closed down.
> >
> > Would that closure have any effect on my will? I do have a copy of it
> > at home.
> >
>
>
> This pass-the-parcel game with wills can give rise to problems. It's
> one reason I recommend people store the will with the London Probate
> Registry. It only costs £20. It means anyone who tries to deal with
> your estate by applying for probate (or letters of administration) finds
> the will.
When I read the Probate Registry documents I concluded (quite possibly incorrectly) that it would not be automatically produced.
Robert
Robin
Apr 13, 2016, 8:56:24 AM4/13/16
to
On 13/04/2016 13:22, RobertL wrote:
>
> Does it mean that? If the executors apply for probate using an earlier will, believing it to the be the last one would the later stored one be discovered?
>
> When I read the Probate Registry documents I concluded (quite possibly incorrectly) that it would not be automatically produced.
>
It is an aspect they don't cover in the PA7 leaflet. I think this is
>
> Does it mean that? If the executors apply for probate using an earlier will, believing it to the be the last one would the later stored one be discovered?
>
> When I read the Probate Registry documents I concluded (quite possibly incorrectly) that it would not be automatically produced.
>
because they want to avoid legal liability if something were to go wrong
and a will lodged with them wasn't found when someone applied for
probate with an earlier will. And things could go wrong - eg if someone
uses different names at different times at different addresses. But
what the probate Service do (or certainly did) in practice when they get
an application is check their index (computerised now of course) to see
if someone else has already applied for probate or if there is a will
lodged.
But you should never trust anything from some unknown bloke on Usenet
who can't point you to an official source :) So I'd urge you to phone
and check with them.
Andy Burns
Apr 13, 2016, 9:07:35 AM4/13/16
to
Robin wrote:
> I recommend people store the will with the London Probate
> Registry. It only costs �20.
Is this them, or just someone "cashing in" on Google search words?
> I recommend people store the will with the London Probate
> Registry. It only costs �20.
<http://theprobatedepartment.co.uk>
Peter Parry
Apr 13, 2016, 9:17:46 AM4/13/16
to
On Wed, 13 Apr 2016 10:15:55 +0100, Andy Burns
No. That appears to be a commercial organisation. Storage with their
associated company seems to cost someware between £5 per year and £10
per month.
Try
http://hmctsformfinder.justice.gov.uk/courtfinder/forms/pa007-eng.pdf
<feb2017...@adslpipe.co.uk> wrote:
>Robin wrote:
>
>> I recommend people store the will with the London Probate
>> Registry. It only costs �20.
>
>Is this them,
> <http://theprobatedepartment.co.uk>
>Robin wrote:
>
>> I recommend people store the will with the London Probate
>> Registry. It only costs �20.
>
>Is this them,
No. That appears to be a commercial organisation. Storage with their
associated company seems to cost someware between £5 per year and £10
per month.
Try
http://hmctsformfinder.justice.gov.uk/courtfinder/forms/pa007-eng.pdf
Robin
Apr 13, 2016, 9:20:50 AM4/13/16
to
at the end it ain't official.
That said, that site is upfront and honest about being solicitors.
There are other sites which are likely to mislead people into thinking
they are the official route to probate.
RobertL
Apr 13, 2016, 10:56:34 AM4/13/16
to
http://hmctsformfinder.justice.gov.uk/HMCTS/GetLeaflet.do?court_leaflets_id=1033
It does not say (as you point out) that they check their files if someone applies for probate. When I looked into this before i was rather put off my the lack of any mention of an automatic search.
Robert
Peter Crosland
Apr 13, 2016, 11:10:13 AM4/13/16
to
Law Society should be able to help.
--
Peter Crosland
Reply address is valid
MM
Apr 13, 2016, 12:07:03 PM4/13/16
to
executor to process when I die, I won't be too bothered, except by the
annoyance of not having been contacted by the solicitor in question
prior to close-down. Maybe I'll store a second copy with my bank, but
the last time I stored something with them, it wasn't cheap!
MM
MM
Apr 13, 2016, 12:07:56 PM4/13/16
to
Probate Registry, but I assume they will want the *original*, not my
copy? And the original will is, as far as I know, in the hands of the
now-retired solicitor.
MM
MM
Apr 13, 2016, 12:08:44 PM4/13/16
to
On Wed, 13 Apr 2016 09:46:25 +0100, Robin <rb...@hotmail.com> wrote:
>On 13/04/2016 08:03, MM wrote:
>> I had my will prepared several years ago and now I learn that the firm
>> has ceased business and closed down.
>>
>> Would that closure have any effect on my will? I do have a copy of it
>> at home.
>>
>
>
>This pass-the-parcel game with wills can give rise to problems. It's
>one reason I recommend people store the will with the London Probate
>Registry. It only costs Ł20. It means anyone who tries to deal with
>On 13/04/2016 08:03, MM wrote:
>> I had my will prepared several years ago and now I learn that the firm
>> has ceased business and closed down.
>>
>> Would that closure have any effect on my will? I do have a copy of it
>> at home.
>>
>
>
>This pass-the-parcel game with wills can give rise to problems. It's
>one reason I recommend people store the will with the London Probate
>your estate by applying for probate (or letters of administration) finds
>the will. IMO it is much better value than commercial services which
>offer to do the same but without any guarantee that anyone will check
>with them for a will (not even the commercial service which the Law
>Society endorses for reasons I have yet to fathom fully).
>
>One advantage a solicitor ought to have over the probate registry is
>that they should also store any relevant records of how they will was
>drafted - e.g. notes of discussions with you which may be relevant if
>the will is challenged. But they should keep those whether or not they
>have the actual, signed will.
>
>You could always ask for your will back from whoever has it and store it
>with the Probate Registry now. See the link to the leaflet PA7 at the
>bottom of https://www.gov.uk/make-will/writing-your-will
Is my copy of my will not good enough for my executor to process after
>the will. IMO it is much better value than commercial services which
>offer to do the same but without any guarantee that anyone will check
>with them for a will (not even the commercial service which the Law
>Society endorses for reasons I have yet to fathom fully).
>
>One advantage a solicitor ought to have over the probate registry is
>that they should also store any relevant records of how they will was
>drafted - e.g. notes of discussions with you which may be relevant if
>the will is challenged. But they should keep those whether or not they
>have the actual, signed will.
>
>You could always ask for your will back from whoever has it and store it
>with the Probate Registry now. See the link to the leaflet PA7 at the
>bottom of https://www.gov.uk/make-will/writing-your-will
I die?
The weird thing about this is that apparently NO customers of this
firm have been notified. A piece appeared in the local paper, and that
is all. In the window of the firm's premises there is a typewritten
note, saying (paraphrased, as I didn't copy it verbatim) "This office
is now closed. Thank you for all your business over the years. For any
enquiries, put a note through the door or contact <email address>." I
sent a brief email yesterday, but haven't heard back yet. The firm has
been doing business here for 25 years and has always had a good
reputation.
It may be that this week's edition of the local paper will have
further details.
I'm quite astonished that a solicitor can just close down like this
with no further access to goodness knows how many documents pertaining
to people's business and personal affairs without informing those
people. Apparently, this closure happened three weeks ago, but I only
got to hear about it yesterday when reading the local paper in a
barber shop.
MM
Clive George
Apr 13, 2016, 12:28:53 PM4/13/16
to
On 13/04/2016 17:00, MM wrote:
> I will certainly look into the process of lodging my will with the
> Probate Registry, but I assume they will want the *original*, not my
> copy? And the original will is, as far as I know, in the hands of the
> now-retired solicitor.
Make a new will with the same wording as the old one plus whatever is
> I will certainly look into the process of lodging my will with the
> Probate Registry, but I assume they will want the *original*, not my
> copy? And the original will is, as far as I know, in the hands of the
> now-retired solicitor.
required to say it supersedes it, then that is the new original?
Robin
Apr 13, 2016, 12:41:49 PM4/13/16
to
On 13/04/2016 16:54, MM wrote:
>
> The weird thing about this is that apparently NO customers of this
> firm have been notified.
<snip>
>
> The weird thing about this is that apparently NO customers of this
> firm have been notified.
That sounds odd, although I don't know if you t count as a "client"
currently for the purposes of the SRA. Anyhow, if you don't hear more
contact the SRA - see the link I posted a minute or 2 ago -
https://www.sra.org.uk/solicitors/code-of-conduct/guidance/guidance/Closing-down-your-practice.page
Chris R
Apr 13, 2016, 12:51:16 PM4/13/16
to
On Wed, 13 Apr 2016 09:46:25 +0100, Robin <rb...@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
> >On 13/04/2016 08:03, MM wrote:
> >> I had my will prepared several years ago and now I learn that the firm
> >> has ceased business and closed down.
>
>
> >On 13/04/2016 08:03, MM wrote:
> >> I had my will prepared several years ago and now I learn that the firm
> >> has ceased business and closed down.
>
> Is my copy of my will not good enough for my executor to process after
> I die?
No, you do need the original - or at least it's a whole lot easier to get
> I die?
probate if the executors have the original.
>
> The weird thing about this is that apparently NO customers of this
> firm have been notified. A piece appeared in the local paper, and that
> is all. In the window of the firm's premises there is a typewritten
> note, saying (paraphrased, as I didn't copy it verbatim) "This office
> is now closed. Thank you for all your business over the years. For any
> enquiries, put a note through the door or contact <email address>." I
> sent a brief email yesterday, but haven't heard back yet. The firm has
> been doing business here for 25 years and has always had a good
> reputation.
>
You will probably get a reply.
> The weird thing about this is that apparently NO customers of this
> firm have been notified. A piece appeared in the local paper, and that
> is all. In the window of the firm's premises there is a typewritten
> note, saying (paraphrased, as I didn't copy it verbatim) "This office
> is now closed. Thank you for all your business over the years. For any
> enquiries, put a note through the door or contact <email address>." I
> sent a brief email yesterday, but haven't heard back yet. The firm has
> been doing business here for 25 years and has always had a good
> reputation.
>
>
> I'm quite astonished that a solicitor can just close down like this
> with no further access to goodness knows how many documents pertaining
> to people's business and personal affairs without informing those
> people.
Having closed down a solicitors' firm, I know how hard it is. There is
> I'm quite astonished that a solicitor can just close down like this
> with no further access to goodness knows how many documents pertaining
> to people's business and personal affairs without informing those
> people.
usually no database of clients whose documents are held and with the
exception of wills, POA's and some property deeds, most clients have not the
slightest interest in retrieving their documents. Clients have moved since
they instructed the firm (especially in conveyancing cases!) and you can't
just send confidential or valuable documents to old addresses. They make new
wills and don't tell the firm. You really just have to wait until until
clients ask for their documents back - which might take 20 years.
It can be even harder to get rid of small balances of client money!
Firms, or the SRA, almost always make arrangements for documents to be
retained and someone to respond to requests. If the firm or its successor
doesn't respond, ask the SRA.
--
Chris R
========legalstuff========
I post to be helpful but not claiming any expertise nor intending
anyone to rely on what I say. Nothing I post here will create a
professional relationship or duty of care. I do not provide legal
services to the public. My posts here refer only to English law except
where specified and are subject to the terms (including limitations of
liability) at http://www.clarityincorporatelaw.co.uk/legalstuff.html
======end legalstuff======
Robin
Apr 13, 2016, 2:13:06 PM4/13/16
to
On 13/04/2016 17:00, MM wrote:
ought to be able to tell you how to get the original back. If you can't
find out who inherited the solicitor's business contact the Solicitors
Regulation Authority who should be able to tell you. See
https://www.sra.org.uk/solicitors/code-of-conduct/guidance/guidance/Closing-down-your-practice.page
If the original is lost a photocopy of the signed-and-witnessed will can
be used to apply for probate but it involves your executor in more work.
So it's best to try to find where the will went.
Janet
Apr 13, 2016, 5:37:54 PM4/13/16
to
In article <75rsgblr103u27hsv...@4ax.com>,
kyli...@yahoo.co.uk says...
Some people's Wills list their solicitor as the Executor. If your Will
does that, you'll need to change it anyway.
Janet
kyli...@yahoo.co.uk says...
does that, you'll need to change it anyway.
Janet
Janet
Apr 13, 2016, 5:38:27 PM4/13/16
to
In article <3fqsgbp6a7c7pfcua...@4ax.com>,
kyli...@yahoo.co.uk says...
original signatures of the witnesses) ?
Janet.
kyli...@yahoo.co.uk says...
>
> On Wed, 13 Apr 2016 09:46:25 +0100, Robin <rb...@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
> >On 13/04/2016 08:03, MM wrote:
> >> I had my will prepared several years ago and now I learn that the firm
> >> has ceased business and closed down.
> >>
> >> Would that closure have any effect on my will? I do have a copy of it
> >> at home.
> >>
> >
> >
> >This pass-the-parcel game with wills can give rise to problems. It's
> >one reason I recommend people store the will with the London Probate
> >Registry. It only costs Ł20. It means anyone who tries to deal with
> >your estate by applying for probate (or letters of administration) finds
> >the will. IMO it is much better value than commercial services which
> >offer to do the same but without any guarantee that anyone will check
> >with them for a will (not even the commercial service which the Law
> >Society endorses for reasons I have yet to fathom fully).
> >
> >One advantage a solicitor ought to have over the probate registry is
> >that they should also store any relevant records of how they will was
> >drafted - e.g. notes of discussions with you which may be relevant if
> >the will is challenged. But they should keep those whether or not they
> >have the actual, signed will.
> >
> >You could always ask for your will back from whoever has it and store it
> >with the Probate Registry now. See the link to the leaflet PA7 at the
> >bottom of https://www.gov.uk/make-will/writing-your-will
>
> Is my copy of my will not good enough for my executor to process after
> I die?
By copy, do you mean a duplicate original (every page adopted,
> On Wed, 13 Apr 2016 09:46:25 +0100, Robin <rb...@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
> >On 13/04/2016 08:03, MM wrote:
> >> I had my will prepared several years ago and now I learn that the firm
> >> has ceased business and closed down.
> >>
> >> Would that closure have any effect on my will? I do have a copy of it
> >> at home.
> >>
> >
> >
> >This pass-the-parcel game with wills can give rise to problems. It's
> >one reason I recommend people store the will with the London Probate
> >Registry. It only costs Ł20. It means anyone who tries to deal with
> >your estate by applying for probate (or letters of administration) finds
> >the will. IMO it is much better value than commercial services which
> >offer to do the same but without any guarantee that anyone will check
> >with them for a will (not even the commercial service which the Law
> >Society endorses for reasons I have yet to fathom fully).
> >
> >One advantage a solicitor ought to have over the probate registry is
> >that they should also store any relevant records of how they will was
> >drafted - e.g. notes of discussions with you which may be relevant if
> >the will is challenged. But they should keep those whether or not they
> >have the actual, signed will.
> >
> >You could always ask for your will back from whoever has it and store it
> >with the Probate Registry now. See the link to the leaflet PA7 at the
> >bottom of https://www.gov.uk/make-will/writing-your-will
>
> Is my copy of my will not good enough for my executor to process after
> I die?
original signatures of the witnesses) ?
Janet.
MM
Apr 14, 2016, 3:36:08 AM4/14/16
to
On Wed, 13 Apr 2016 17:36:13 +0100, Robin <rb...@hotmail.com> wrote:
>So it's best to try to find where the will went.
New update in last few minutes.
>So it's best to try to find where the will went.
I've received an email, saying he can drop my original will in to me
from his strongroom. I've elected to do that. Then I can decide at my
leisure what to do with it in future, for example, by using that
Probate Registry you mentioned.
Thanks for all responses. This issue is now closed. I've learned a
lot!
MM
MM
Apr 14, 2016, 3:36:23 AM4/14/16
to
visited his offices, he always seemed to run a very organised outfit.
Which is why it's so strange for him to just close like that.
MM
MM
Apr 14, 2016, 3:36:37 AM4/14/16
to
On Wed, 13 Apr 2016 17:41:08 +0100, Robin <rb...@hotmail.com> wrote:
>On 13/04/2016 16:54, MM wrote:
>>
>> The weird thing about this is that apparently NO customers of this
>> firm have been notified.
>
><snip>
>
>
>That sounds odd, although I don't know if you t count as a "client"
>currently for the purposes of the SRA. Anyhow, if you don't hear more
>contact the SRA - see the link I posted a minute or 2 ago -
>https://www.sra.org.uk/solicitors/code-of-conduct/guidance/guidance/Closing-down-your-practice.page
Yep, will do, thanks.
>On 13/04/2016 16:54, MM wrote:
>>
>> The weird thing about this is that apparently NO customers of this
>> firm have been notified.
>
><snip>
>
>
>That sounds odd, although I don't know if you t count as a "client"
>currently for the purposes of the SRA. Anyhow, if you don't hear more
>contact the SRA - see the link I posted a minute or 2 ago -
>https://www.sra.org.uk/solicitors/code-of-conduct/guidance/guidance/Closing-down-your-practice.page
MM
MM
Apr 14, 2016, 3:36:55 AM4/14/16
to
I'd have to pay a new solicitor all over again. Seems a bit unfair.
MM
MM
Apr 14, 2016, 3:37:16 AM4/14/16
to
On Wed, 13 Apr 2016 21:50:28 +0100, Janet <nob...@home.com> wrote:
>In article <3fqsgbp6a7c7pfcua...@4ax.com>,
>kyli...@yahoo.co.uk says...
>>
>> On Wed, 13 Apr 2016 09:46:25 +0100, Robin <rb...@hotmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> >On 13/04/2016 08:03, MM wrote:
>> >> I had my will prepared several years ago and now I learn that the firm
>> >> has ceased business and closed down.
>> >>
>> >> Would that closure have any effect on my will? I do have a copy of it
>> >> at home.
>> >>
>> >
>> >
>> >This pass-the-parcel game with wills can give rise to problems. It's
>> >one reason I recommend people store the will with the London Probate
>> >Registry. It only costs £20. It means anyone who tries to deal with
>In article <3fqsgbp6a7c7pfcua...@4ax.com>,
>kyli...@yahoo.co.uk says...
>>
>> On Wed, 13 Apr 2016 09:46:25 +0100, Robin <rb...@hotmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> >On 13/04/2016 08:03, MM wrote:
>> >> I had my will prepared several years ago and now I learn that the firm
>> >> has ceased business and closed down.
>> >>
>> >> Would that closure have any effect on my will? I do have a copy of it
>> >> at home.
>> >>
>> >
>> >
>> >This pass-the-parcel game with wills can give rise to problems. It's
>> >one reason I recommend people store the will with the London Probate
>> >your estate by applying for probate (or letters of administration) finds
>> >the will. IMO it is much better value than commercial services which
>> >offer to do the same but without any guarantee that anyone will check
>> >with them for a will (not even the commercial service which the Law
>> >Society endorses for reasons I have yet to fathom fully).
>> >
>> >One advantage a solicitor ought to have over the probate registry is
>> >that they should also store any relevant records of how they will was
>> >drafted - e.g. notes of discussions with you which may be relevant if
>> >the will is challenged. But they should keep those whether or not they
>> >have the actual, signed will.
>> >
>> >You could always ask for your will back from whoever has it and store it
>> >with the Probate Registry now. See the link to the leaflet PA7 at the
>> >bottom of https://www.gov.uk/make-will/writing-your-will
>>
>> Is my copy of my will not good enough for my executor to process after
>> I die?
>
> By copy, do you mean a duplicate original (every page adopted,
>original signatures of the witnesses) ?
>
> Janet.
It's just a photocopy of the signed and witnessed original.
>> >the will. IMO it is much better value than commercial services which
>> >offer to do the same but without any guarantee that anyone will check
>> >with them for a will (not even the commercial service which the Law
>> >Society endorses for reasons I have yet to fathom fully).
>> >
>> >One advantage a solicitor ought to have over the probate registry is
>> >that they should also store any relevant records of how they will was
>> >drafted - e.g. notes of discussions with you which may be relevant if
>> >the will is challenged. But they should keep those whether or not they
>> >have the actual, signed will.
>> >
>> >You could always ask for your will back from whoever has it and store it
>> >with the Probate Registry now. See the link to the leaflet PA7 at the
>> >bottom of https://www.gov.uk/make-will/writing-your-will
>>
>> Is my copy of my will not good enough for my executor to process after
>> I die?
>
> By copy, do you mean a duplicate original (every page adopted,
>original signatures of the witnesses) ?
>
> Janet.
MM
Rob Morley
Apr 14, 2016, 3:43:23 AM4/14/16
to
knock up a new copy on a word processor, LASER print it on some decent
paper and have a couple of people witness your signature. Better yet,
print off three or four copies ...
Roger Hayter
Apr 14, 2016, 4:00:36 AM4/14/16
to
is written and signed) to say it supercedes previous wills, mainly
because it doesn't need to if the previous one is the same, but also
because it probably already says something of the sort and has a newer
date.
--
Roger Hayter
Clive George
Apr 14, 2016, 7:20:40 AM4/14/16
to
AnthonyL
Apr 14, 2016, 9:46:26 AM4/14/16
to
On Thu, 14 Apr 2016 09:00:19 +0100, ro...@hayter.org (Roger Hayter)
wrote:
>
>Yes. You *don't* need to add any wording (except to change the date it
>is written and signed) to say it supercedes previous wills,
Just being precise it is "supersedes".
--
AnthonyL
wrote:
>
>Yes. You *don't* need to add any wording (except to change the date it
>is written and signed) to say it supercedes previous wills,
--
AnthonyL
MM
Apr 17, 2016, 9:34:41 AM4/17/16
to
On Wed, 13 Apr 2016 16:07:21 +0100, Peter Crosland <g6...@yahoo.co.uk>
wrote:
>On 13/04/2016 8:03, MM wrote:
>> I had my will prepared several years ago and now I learn that the firm
>> has ceased business and closed down.
>>
>> Would that closure have any effect on my will? I do have a copy of it
>> at home.
>
> The records will normally have been transferred to another firm. The
>Law Society should be able to help.
Footnote:
The local paper printed an update this week, and included a quote from
the Solicitors Regualation [sic] Authority:
"Solicitors have an obligation to close their firm in an orderly way
in line with the guidance on our website."
Indeed.
MM
wrote:
>On 13/04/2016 8:03, MM wrote:
>> I had my will prepared several years ago and now I learn that the firm
>> has ceased business and closed down.
>>
>> Would that closure have any effect on my will? I do have a copy of it
>> at home.
>
> The records will normally have been transferred to another firm. The
>Law Society should be able to help.
The local paper printed an update this week, and included a quote from
the Solicitors Regualation [sic] Authority:
"Solicitors have an obligation to close their firm in an orderly way
in line with the guidance on our website."
Indeed.
MM
Roland Perry
Apr 17, 2016, 11:12:09 AM4/17/16
to
In message <eqr6hbpqm1qchhgbj...@4ax.com>, at 12:12:44 on
Sun, 17 Apr 2016, MM <kyli...@yahoo.co.uk> remarked:
>The local paper printed an update this week, and included a quote from
>the Solicitors Regualation [sic] Authority:
>
>"Solicitors have an obligation to close their firm in an orderly way
>in line with the guidance on our website."
How does that work in a sole practice where the unfortunate solicitor
gets run over by a bus?
--
Roland Perry
Sun, 17 Apr 2016, MM <kyli...@yahoo.co.uk> remarked:
>The local paper printed an update this week, and included a quote from
>the Solicitors Regualation [sic] Authority:
>
>"Solicitors have an obligation to close their firm in an orderly way
>in line with the guidance on our website."
gets run over by a bus?
--
Roland Perry
Chris R
Apr 17, 2016, 12:47:45 PM4/17/16
to
--
Chris R
Roland Perry
Apr 17, 2016, 1:46:36 PM4/17/16
to
In message <nf0eh1$8bh$1...@dont-email.me>, at 17:47:07 on Sun, 17 Apr
2016, Chris R <inv...@invalid.munge.co.uk> remarked:
>> >The local paper printed an update this week, and included a quote
>> >from the Solicitors Regualation [sic] Authority:
>> >
>> >"Solicitors have an obligation to close their firm in an orderly way
>> >in line with the guidance on our website."
>> How does that work in a sole practice where the unfortunate
>>solicitor gets run over by a bus?
>
>Posthumous cases in the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal are rare.
How does any of this help their former clients?
--
Roland Perry
2016, Chris R <inv...@invalid.munge.co.uk> remarked:
>> >The local paper printed an update this week, and included a quote
>> >from the Solicitors Regualation [sic] Authority:
>> >
>> >"Solicitors have an obligation to close their firm in an orderly way
>> >in line with the guidance on our website."
>> How does that work in a sole practice where the unfortunate
>>solicitor gets run over by a bus?
>
>Posthumous cases in the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal are rare.
--
Roland Perry
Vir Campestris
Apr 17, 2016, 4:57:49 PM4/17/16
to
On 17/04/2016 18:36, Roland Perry wrote:
>
> How does any of this help their former clients?
It won't of course - but if he's been defenestrated or something, and
>
> How does any of this help their former clients?
had a viable business running, surely someone will take it over and do
their damnedest to sort things out?
Andy
Juan Carr
Apr 17, 2016, 5:22:39 PM4/17/16
to
In article <nelt6l$bss$1...@dont-email.me>, inv...@invalid.munge.co.uk
says...
When we bought our first property in 1985 we also made wills using the
services of the legal firm who handled the conveyancing.
We've both changed our wills at least three times since then, I assume
the legal firm (if they're still in existence) have the originals.
says...
>
> They make new wills and don't tell the firm. You really just have to
> wait until until clients ask for their documents back - which might
> take 20 years.
>
Indeed.
> They make new wills and don't tell the firm. You really just have to
> wait until until clients ask for their documents back - which might
> take 20 years.
>
When we bought our first property in 1985 we also made wills using the
services of the legal firm who handled the conveyancing.
We've both changed our wills at least three times since then, I assume
the legal firm (if they're still in existence) have the originals.
Chris R
Apr 18, 2016, 3:07:32 AM4/18/16
to
ultimately the SRA would intervene in the practice and cart all the
documents off to some distant law firm who charge the profession a fortune
for sorting them out. The system isn't foolproof, however, and documents can
get lost or destroyed; nevertheless they are probably as well protected as
they any system could, all things considered.
Robin
Apr 18, 2016, 3:11:25 AM4/18/16
to
On 17/04/2016 21:37, Vir Campestris wrote:
>
> It won't of course - but if he's been defenestrated or something, and
> had a viable business running, surely someone will take it over and do
> their damnedest to sort things out?
>
Think very long and hard before taking on the job of administering the
>
> It won't of course - but if he's been defenestrated or something, and
> had a viable business running, surely someone will take it over and do
> their damnedest to sort things out?
>
estate of a sole practitioner who dies in harness or shortly after
starting to close down a practice. There ought to be contingency plans
and run-on insurance in place but...
Chris R
Apr 18, 2016, 4:23:58 AM4/18/16
to
On 17/04/2016 21:37, Vir Campestris wrote:
> >
> > It won't of course - but if he's been defenestrated or something, and
> > had a viable business running, surely someone will take it over and do
> > their damnedest to sort things out?
> >
> Think very long and hard before taking on the job of administering the
> estate of a sole practitioner who dies in harness or shortly after
> starting to close down a practice. There ought to be contingency plans
> and run-on insurance in place but...
>
Run-off insurance is automatic (and compulsory) if you do nothing, but a
> >
> > It won't of course - but if he's been defenestrated or something, and
> > had a viable business running, surely someone will take it over and do
> > their damnedest to sort things out?
> >
> Think very long and hard before taking on the job of administering the
> estate of a sole practitioner who dies in harness or shortly after
> starting to close down a practice. There ought to be contingency plans
> and run-on insurance in place but...
>
premium has to be paid for it, which can be horrendous. I agree that the
admin involved is huge - I was involved in winding up a solvent practice and
there is still unfinished business ten years latter. We must have had two or
three employees for about six years after dissolution. And that was quite a
well organised firm.
--
Chris R
Robin
Apr 18, 2016, 4:28:16 AM4/18/16
to
On 18/04/2016 09:10, Chris R wrote:
>> >
>> Think very long and hard before taking on the job of administering the
>> estate of a sole practitioner who dies in harness or shortly after
>> starting to close down a practice. There ought to be contingency
>> plans and run-on insurance in place but...
>>
> Run-off insurance is automatic (and compulsory) if you do nothing, but a
> premium has to be paid for it, which can be horrendous. I agree that the
> admin involved is huge - I was involved in winding up a solvent practice
> and there is still unfinished business ten years latter. We must have
> had two or three employees for about six years after dissolution. And
> that was quite a well organised firm.
Thanks, I didn't know the insurance was automatic.
>> >
>> Think very long and hard before taking on the job of administering the
>> estate of a sole practitioner who dies in harness or shortly after
>> starting to close down a practice. There ought to be contingency
>> plans and run-on insurance in place but...
>>
> Run-off insurance is automatic (and compulsory) if you do nothing, but a
> premium has to be paid for it, which can be horrendous. I agree that the
> admin involved is huge - I was involved in winding up a solvent practice
> and there is still unfinished business ten years latter. We must have
> had two or three employees for about six years after dissolution. And
> that was quite a well organised firm.
And thanks too for not drawing attention to my running on rather than off ;)
MM
Apr 18, 2016, 7:18:17 AM4/18/16
to
On Sun, 17 Apr 2016 16:08:31 +0100, Roland Perry <rol...@perry.co.uk>
wrote:
This chap DIDN'T get run over by a bus!
MM
wrote:
MM
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