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Original poster

What to look for to find a solicitor to set up a Will Trust?

16 replies

Aprexio · 09/02/2022 15:32

Has anyone set up a Will Trust or similar and if so, could you tell me how you went about finding a suitably- qualified and experienced solicitor?

We'd want a mixture of advice around estate planning and someone who'd be able to set it up well. We already have standard mirror-wills but as we're now older, it's time to update those and think about how to protect the children's interests if one of us died and the survivor re-married (and to protect them from scammers!)

I've searched the Law Society website and it comes up with a list of companies, but what exactly should I be looking for, and what questions should I ask?

I'm wary after setting up my late dad's POA with a local solicitor who made mistakes and was basically reading the instructions on how to do it while we were in the office with her (he was quite ill at the time and couldn't travel far, but DH and I could travel further to go to the right person).

Thanks in advance!

OP posts:

LazyYogi · 09/02/2022 15:54

It's tricky. I would suggest looking for a long established but large firm. The one we used is over 100 years old with 500 staff but still has local offices.
Is there anything like that around you? The info should be on there website. You can get get reviews on trust pilot and they might post testimonials (obviously only the positive ones) on their website.

You're right to look for the right firm, it's something that can be done badly if not done right.

Original poster

Aprexio · 09/02/2022 16:01

@LazyYogi thank you! Yes, there are large firms around us. I'll definitely be avoiding the small-town ones - I just remembered another local one (not the POA one) making a mess of the land registry stuff when dealing with my dad's estate - they sent me someone else's paperwork!
I got everything back from them and did it myself in the end (as well as probate) but a Will Trust is a whole different kettle of fish, I need a good legal expert.

OP posts:

LazyYogi · 09/02/2022 16:21

It's a shame as I would usually want to support a small business but I have found that the larger firms benefit from professionalism and wider breadth of expertise.

LazyYogi · 09/02/2022 16:22

Are you in Scotland? If so I can recommend the firm by DM?

Soffit · 09/02/2022 16:24

April King specialize in this area

Original poster

Aprexio · 09/02/2022 16:30

@LazyYogi No, not in Scotland.

@Soffit thanks - have you used them for this sort of thing?

OP posts:

Soffit · 09/02/2022 16:34

I would have but I haven't got round to doing it
They will send you out loads of useful information via post which helps just in terms of getting your head around a boring, complex subject. They also offer a no obligation first appointment by phone

Soffit · 09/02/2022 16:40

Their trustpilot reviews seem pretty good though.

Original poster

Aprexio · 09/02/2022 16:46

@Soffit I know, it's an easy thing to put off, isn't it? I've recently had a health scare and am determined to sort it out!

OP posts:

londonmummy1966 · 09/02/2022 17:16

The safest way is to find a solicitor who is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) - they have an online directory of members by location so you can find one near you. Members of STEP have to pass exams beyond the Law Society (or other professional qualification) to demonstrate their expertise and they have a code of conduct to follow in preparing wills. You can find them here

www.step.org/

Fleur405 · 09/02/2022 17:22

I used to be a private client solicitor. A will trust should be straightforward really but you do want someone who is a private client specialist. I’d recommend finding someone who is STEP qualified as the training/testing is high quality (or at least it was 10 years ago when I did it).

Fleur405 · 09/02/2022 17:22

www.step.org/directory/members

Haroweller · 09/02/2022 17:25

I am currently in the process of doing this.

I already have Solicitors in a large firm, who I really trust. I have used them for years for Conveyancing, a simple Will etc.

However, due to complex family issues that have arisen in the last few years I realised I needed a level of advice I have not received before.

I searched STEP - Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners and discovered one of the senior Partners in the Firm I already use was a member.

I made contact with him and the Estate Planning and Trust advice I have received has been very thorough.

STEP is a good place to start.

Soffit · 09/02/2022 17:40

[quote Aprexio]@Soffit I know, it's an easy thing to put off, isn't it? I've recently had a health scare and am determined to sort it out!

I'll do some more research in the meantime, not sure about April King, the chap mentioned in the reviews who's local to us had recently graduated. I think I'd prefer more experience but haven't ruled them out.[/quote]
Yes, I need to prioritise it as well. I'll be noting the advice on this thread as well!

Original poster

Aprexio · 09/02/2022 18:05

Thanks everyone, great advice 🙏😊

OP posts:

STEPLiz · 10/02/2022 16:06

Thanks to everyone who has mentioned that STEP can help with wills and trusts. Our website advisingfamilies.org/ has a range of articles with practical information about wills, trusts and other related issues. You can also search for a STEP member in your area.

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