Problems claiming my late fathers shares in F&C

longster85

Good Afternoon all,

This is a little bit complicated and an area that i could really do with some help with.

My parents died within 2 months of each other early this year and as i have a law degree i have decided to deal with the estate myself, a task that has proven difficult but ultimately successful up to now.
I have managed to obtain grant of probate as well as money from a number of other investment companies.

I have tried to claim my father's shares from F&C but they are unwilling to relinquish them without a grant of probate for my father. We don't have one for my father as the time between the 2 deaths was too minimal for us to arrange such a task. They now seek a small estates form but it must be signed by a solicitor, i have dealt with all of the estate to avoid these costs, the sum i am legally entitled to is £500 and employing a solicitor for such a small amount seems very unnecessary. I have registered a complaint and will be contacted within the next 24 hours.

Does anyone have any advice please?

jayship

If you have to get the form signed by a solicitor it can be done for no more than £10. They may go by their rules but wait until they get back to you.
Sorry to hear about your loss.

YesWillMan

jsyship is right the cost is very minimal. All the solicitor, who normally needs to be a Commissioner of Oaths, has to do is get you to swear as to who you are and that the facts in the documents are correct,The Solicitor signs this and F&C will then deal with the shares.

longster85

Thank You very much, I didn't realise the cost would be as low as that, I will wait to see what they come back with and then take it from there!

le_loup

......... and you thought a law degree was a path to riches .... not at £10 a pop!

longster85

The customer service department got back to me and said they would accept a signature from the manager of my local bank to save on costs. Result!