Will Writing & Estate Administration | Davis Blank Furniss

Davis Blank Furniss – the Manchester based law firm – welcomes the news that the proposals to regulate will-writing and estate administration providers are becoming a possible reality after the Legal Services Board (LSB) this week confirmed its plans to make them ‘reserved activities’.

The new proposals, which are designed to protect consumers, are likely to be recommended to the Lord Chancellor for his approval. This development comes nearly a year after the main consultation process was launched.

If they are put in practice, the proposals would ensure that organisations providing these kinds of services would be fully regulated. The LSB’s investigations found a catalogue of problems with some providers delivering ‘consistent patterns of sloppiness, simple errors and poor communication’. It also claimed that all ‘too often consumers were subjected to unfair sales practices’, fraud and deception.’

Karen Witter – partner in the private client department at Davis Blank Furniss – commented; “All too often, we see people from across the North West who have received a poor service from inexperienced and sometimes even aggressive organisations. Many clients who come to us are surprised when we explain to them the implications of their current wills, particularly where they didn’t realise that they had appointed the will writing providers to be their executors and that they would charge a fee for dealing with their estate. Will writing and estate administration can be complex so it is vital to get advice and guidance from people who actually know what they are doing.

Karen added; Over the past couple of years, we have seen a sharp rise in those seeking help so hopefully these proposals will be implemented as they would give the general public proper protection and would ensure the industry is free from rogue providers.”

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Excellent experience start to finish – always very responsive to any queries and the turnaround on the property I was buying was very quick, even in the busy time leading up to stamp duty deadline. Jenny was always very helpful and went above and beyond to close on a short timescale.

Ben Armitage

“Very approachable, practical solutions to problems, but most of all very responsive which I personally think is very important because if you need help, you need it quickly, or at least to know someone is looking at it for you”.

Joanne Rowe, Finance Director, Greater Manchester Chamber

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Nives Feely, JAM Recruitment

“I believe I have been able to establish a professional working relationship with everyone I have come into contact. Importantly, I sense the relationships which have been established give me the confidence that I can make contact with Davis Blank Furniss at any time and on any matter. I would also like to express my thanks to the very impressive “gatekeepers” who work in reception, not only for making me very welcome, but also for their professionalism”

Bill Pryke, CEO, Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors

“Thank you for your efficient and friendly help throughout this process. We have had it easy but your approach has been part of that”.

Robert Amsbury (Conveyancing Client)

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you personally for the ongoing support and assistance the firm has offered to our parents over the years. I hope also that we may be able to call on you if necessary in the future.”

Valerie Fisher (Probate Client)

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Peter Fernandez, Corporate Director at Royal Bank of Scotland

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“Before putting my case in Kirsty (Morbey)’s capable hands I’ve met a couple of other solicitors. None of them listen to me as intently as Kirsty and showed me as much empathy and understanding as she did. Simultaneously she was able to look at my case from legal perspective, explain all the options and follow each of our meetings with written summary of the discussed matters (in timely manner). Her advice was invaluable and led me to successfully ending the case matter (hopeful for good). I’m forever grateful for he work and would definitely recommend her to anyone looking for reliable, knowledgeable and committed solicitor”.

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