On the BBC’s Rip Off Britain programme dated 7th December, yet another case was aired of a person who when making a Will was mis-sold other services.
Through no fault of her own the lady was persuaded by what could only be called a salesman, into signing up for probate services which in her case would be unnecessary. This involved the appointment of the company she was dealing with as a professional Executor.
Appointing the company as a professional Executor entitled them to charge for their services when dealing with her Estate. It should be noted that such charges usually only occur on death, and as such come out of the Estate itself.
However the company concerned sold their client a package with the upfront costs of over £3000. Not having the ready funds to pay this high sum, an onerous credit agreement was entered into.
The case in point only required a straight forward Will, the cost of which should have been in the region of £100.
Please be aware that in most cases it is fine to have your family as your Executors. If your family feel they need assistance in dealing with your Estate, they can obtain such advice and assistance when they need it. In simple cases your family will be capable of dealing with the bulk of the administration of your Estate themselves.
In putting in place a Will, always ensure that the person or company you are dealing with will NOT sell you something else, which you might not need. Never sign up for “future probate services”, as what you own on your death may be completely different from what you have now.
If you have signed with a company, and you did this in your own home you have a cooling off period of 7 days in which to cancel! If you do cancel you must do this in writing. Finally, do not be intimidated into signing anything you are unsure of!!