ITC Legal Services - Avoid Them

portlandboy

Scamhunter wrote: »

Hi and thanks for everyone's comments on ITC practices.

My father passed away last month (April) and like others I was 'guided' towards ITC by funeral service booklets etc and received a home visit where I handed over a number of documents and certificates. The only communications I have received have been the request to complete the power of attorney form along with additional certificates. Having read through this post, I am now considering cancelling BEFORE I hand over that power and either going through a solicitor or going for probate myself. I am concerned though about how long they'll take in sending back the documents they have (from the intial home visit) and what they think they can charge for just receiving the documents. Like everyone else, I just want to get on with the process and have some time to grieve without this anxiety!

Funny thing is, at the home visit, the sales guy asked 'So what's important to you?" I replied.. "Above all else, that this is handled professionally and efficiently and with respect!"

Hi,
Sorry to hear of your situation. It was the same for me just 2 years ago in April. It's good that you had the forthought to look ITC up on the net.
As far as I can see, ITC cannot charge you for any services because you have not given them power of attorney. You therefore still have that power and they are not able to apply for probate or release of any money owed to the estate without this power. They may still tell you that you owe them something but if they can't do anything they will not be able to produce any proof of a chargable action, unless it was performed illegally, without your permission. Obviously if you do sign it over to them they can then charge you for letters etc.
To ensure the prompt return of YOUR documents (as the executor they are yours and nobody elses) I would suggest that you write to them, recorded delivery, to tell them to return them to you immediately and also phone them to make sure they are aware of the fact that you want the items back. You may like to mention this website at the time, as they seem to not like bad publicity. I have recorded my calls to ITC (and informed them of the fact) as their pre-answering phone message says "...calls may be recorded..." so that is an idea. If you have a speaker phone and a camcorder it's easy to do! If you don't get them back quite quickly any solicitor you employ will get them for you.
Finally, the statements in your last paragraph will, unfortunately, not come to fruition with ITC Legal Services. In fact, I would guess that the rep had to go back and look up your reply in the reference manuals to see what it meant!
Keep in touch here as there are many peoplereading this thread who have good knowlege of the probate system and ITC and have good advice to boot.
Regards,

Scamhunter_3

Thanks Portland Boy

I have found and prepared a solicitor who will act on my behalf re probate and I'm expecting to speak to ITC today to cancel my preliminary agreement and have my documents forwarded to the new solicitor. I will mention this forum and explain that anything that I consider to be unreasonable (or positive) regarding the cancellation will be reported here.

Again, thank you so much to this community for making some heart rendering information available to people such as myself who very nearly got caught up in something that should not exist especially so soon after the loss of a loved one.

angrygirlie

I am glad to hear that you discovered this forum before you were too deep in with this company. You have made the right move and I am happy that we could all help to prevent you going through any more upset at this emotionally difficult and sad time

Scamhunter wrote: »

Thanks Portland Boy

I have found and prepared a solicitor who will act on my behalf re probate and I'm expecting to speak to ITC today to cancel my preliminary agreement and have my documents forwarded to the new solicitor. I will mention this forum and explain that anything that I consider to be unreasonable (or positive) regarding the cancellation will be reported here.

Again, thank you so much to this community for making some heart rendering information available to people such as myself who very nearly got caught up in something that should not exist especially so soon after the loss of a loved one.

Scamhunter_3

Thanks angrygirl;

I contacted ITC legal by phone and although I couldn't speak to the 'case manager' I explained my concerns after reading this forum in particular, and that there was far too much risk in my handing over power of attorney to them. The person I spoke to was actually quite helpful and explained that she was aware of the negative publicity although she did ask if there was any way I could be reassured.

I gave the contact details of my newly appointed solicitor and requested that all of the information and documentation they have be forwarded immediately. I explained that I would communicate any unreasonable or positive actions here.

Within 24 hours, my solicitor had received most of the documents (with any additional documents being sent seperately) PLUS a letter confirming there would be no fees charged for any work done by ITC prior to my request!

portlandboy

Scamhunter wrote: »

Thanks angrygirl;

I contacted ITC legal by phone and although I couldn't speak to the 'case manager' I explained my concerns after reading this forum in particular, and that there was far too much risk in my handing over power of attorney to them. The person I spoke to was actually quite helpful and explained that she was aware of the negative publicity although she did ask if there was any way I could be reassured.

I gave the contact details of my newly appointed solicitor and requested that all of the information and documentation they have be forwarded immediately. I explained that I would communicate any unreasonable or positive actions here.

Within 24 hours, my solicitor had received most of the documents (with any additional documents being sent seperately) PLUS a letter confirming there would be no fees charged for any work done by ITC prior to my request!

Excellent news! Glad that it all went as you wanted and, though I detest myself for saying this, well done ITC. Maybe we have made them take a good hard look at their own bad behaviour.

Power (of attourney) to the people!!:)

Deep_Throat

Watch this space:eek:

portlandboy

Watching...as ever!

eric_the_half-a-bee_2

I have read this whole thread, and I now feel like I have "come home". What a relief at a time of great stress to find that I am not single voice in the wilderness and that there are others like me who have been given what I will politely call the "dirty end of the stick".

If only I had seen this thread BEFORE the process started! Luckily for me, the whole process is now complete and I can get back to a near-normal life and deal with my emotional loss without added complications.

What annoys me the most, is that I am normally a fairly robust sort of bloke who gives short shrift to West African Generals, snake-oil salesmen and unclaimed lottery prizes. I guess those things are easier to see coming if your eyes aren't misted up.

Now that I'm feeling robust again, I can't help feeling that there should be enough native wit / intelligence / determination and variety of skills within this group so that we can pool our resources and actually DO something so that others don't suffer a similar fate.

"Don't get mad, get even", "United we stand" "The whole is greater than the sum of the parts" "Nil illegitami carborundum" (Don't let the b*stards grind you down:rotfl::rotfl:) etc

Super09

Loving this post above!!

ljo

AVOID ITC. I am another one of the trusting idiots who received the leaflet from the Registrar in Feb 2008. After 2 years 3 months, I have just signed the final financial documents. Their fees are far higher than I was lead to believe and I have very little confidence in them. As yet, to my knowledge I have never spoken to a solicitor only a telephonist.
After checking with the Law Society etc they don,t seem to have a regulatory body to cover organisations like ITC.