Choosing your lawyer when someone dies

Dealing with someone’s estate after they have died is not something you are likely to have to deal with more than once or twice in your life. It commonly happens when a person loses their parent or their partner and they are either appointed as executor (where the person who has died left a Will), or they act administrator of the estate (if there was no Will and they are entitled to do so under the intestacy rules).

This is a difficult time, and the majority of people will instruct a lawyer to assist them in sorting out the estate. But how do people choose a lawyer? As most Wills are made and held by lawyers, the law firm holding the Will is in most cases the one instructed by the executor. This is simply because this lawyer is often the only lawyer the executor will have spoken to. We are sharing Lifetime Lawyers* tips and advice:

1.Remember that the Will belongs to the executor (unless the law firm themselves are appointed as executors).

2. It’s always advisable to consider instructing an accredited member of The Association of Lifetime Lawyers, as their accreditation serves as a quality mark for specialists in this area of law who must meet strict criteria to qualify.

3. Choose a lawyer who you can relate to, who understands your needs. Preferably arrange an initial in-person appointment with the lawyer who would potentially be acting for you to see if you have a rapport.

4. Price is also key; beware of very cheap quotations as they are likely to have hidden fees and aren’t necessarily the best. If you are unsure if an estimate / quotation is competitive, you are entitled to obtain an alternative.

5. Always instruct a regulated and qualified lawyer, such as a solicitor or chartered legal executive.

*Owen Kenny’s Private Client team are all Lifetime Lawyers. Contact us on 01243 532777 or email your enquiry to info@owenkenny.co.uk

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