How is the probate office chosen?

Woolington

Hi all,

my mum lived and died in Leeds, the solicitor was based 14 miles away but still in West Yorkshire. Her will is lodged in Winchester, Hampshire. Is that odd?

Thank u

Yorkshireman99

Not really. It was probably nearest to where the executor lived.

Woolington

Could there be an untoward reason?

One executor was my stepdad who lived in the same Leeds house as mum. The other was the solicitor from the West Yorks firm. Wouldn't have thought he lived in Hampshire.

Just looking up the now defunct solicitors office I see that this particular solicitor was fined for making secret profits from clients in 2004 but allowed to continue to practice law. And also a link to the SRA (no longer available)which indicates that regulatory and disciplinary action was taken against the firm in 2008.

Yorkshireman99

AFAIK there is no reason to choose one Office over another except at time one can be busier than others. They all do the same job so it is hard to see what other difference one would make.

Crabapple

Preference of solicitor. They can apply to whichever they like.

With a personal application you'd need one close by but not otherwise.

Woolington

thank u both! I think I can put this query out of my head now!

Yorkshireman99

You don't need one close by as the oath can be taken at a solicitor nearby for a fee of £5.