Discretionary Trust

keef-WhatStandards

The trust was set up whilst my parents were both still alive. I assume IHT was an issue, but I am not aware of the actual reasons a DT was used; perhaps a ploy by the trustees to hold on to the money for a long time?

I haven't asked about the above, but have sort advice when I was threatened with eviction and recently asked if there was any help to be had for recovering the funds.

keef-WhatStandards

Have already complained to SRA, thanks.

Keep_pedalling

keef-WhatStandards wrote: »

Not exactly, but it is beginning to look like a scam, especially as the SRA have no record of either Trustee being a solicitor!

That is a real worry, you need to take legal advice.

Keep_pedalling

keef-WhatStandards wrote: »

The trust was set up whilst my parents were both still alive. I assume IHT was an issue, but I am not aware of the actual reasons a DT was used; perhaps a ploy by the trustees to hold on to the money for a long time?

I haven't asked about the above, but have sort advice when I was threatened with eviction and recently asked if there was any help to be had for recovering the funds.

Thanks for the clarification, your earlier post led me to believe the trust kicked in on death.

keef-WhatStandards

I'm confused now: the trust did kick in on death. Initially my mother's estate passed to my father, or rather his power of attorney, then on my father's death, both estates to the trust.

keef-WhatStandards

Keep_pedalling wrote: »

That is a real worry, you need to take legal advice.

You mean go to a seminar? LOL

xylophone

You mean go to a seminar? LOL

Do you have copies of both your mother's and your father's wills and the Trust Deed?

Was probate granted for both?

Were the Trustees the executors of both parents' wills?

Is the "solicitor" appointed by the Trustees actually a solicitor?

Have you and your sister taken advice from your own solicitor?

If not, it seems high time you did? https://www.step.org/step-directory

And what has happened to the family home?

keef-WhatStandards

Yes, have a copy of both parents trust deeds.

Probate granted for both.

Yes, trustees executors for both parents.

Have not enquired if solicitor appointed is actually a solicitor. Is there an online search?

I don't have a solicitor. This experience has taught me to avoid them!

Family home sold and money has joined parents bank balances in the trust.

Keep_pedalling

keef-WhatStandards wrote: »

Yes, have a copy of both parents trust deeds.

Probate granted for both.

Yes, trustees executors for both parents.

Have not enquired if solicitor appointed is actually a solicitor. Is there an online search?

I don't have a solicitor. This experience has taught me to avoid them!

Family home sold and money has joined parents bank balances in the trust.

You need a solicitor, and one who is expert in dealing with trusts. What has been set up is most irregular and I it sounds like the trustees / executors are not regulated solicitors but a dodgy firm of will writers.

xylophone

Have not enquired if solicitor appointed is actually a solicitor. Is there an online search?

https://www.sra.org.uk/bogus-solicitors/

I don't have a solicitor.

You would seem to need one? See link in my post above.