Executor Query

LooneyLuna_HP1

Hi, 
My Dad unexpectedly passed away recently and we are devastated.  In his will, my mum, brother and myself are listed as executors along with a 4th professional executor. I have been in touch with them and they are insisting that we need a meeting to assess the Will. They want to charge £350 + VAT and 2% of my Dad's final estate amongst other 'disbursements'.  They are quite insistent. Does anyone know if it is mandatory that we use this company? Everything has been left to my Mum and we are 99% sure we don't need probate and no inheritance tax is due. I'm guessing my Dad named this company in our best interest so we didn't need to deal with it all but if it's a straightforward process I don't want my Dad's hard earned money going to a company when we could sort it ourselves. Can anyone advise or provide your own experience?
Thanks.

Hoenir

Suggest you all meet to discuss the issue. There's no legal requirement for the firm to renounce executorship. However insistent you are. Executors primary responsibility is follow the deceased's wishes. 

Keep_pedalling

Is this a will writing company or solicitors? I hope the latter because they are more than likely to renounce with a small fee for the paperwork. Will writers are unregulated and there is no one to take a complaint to if they decide to be 

If probate is not required taking 2% for little work (you and your family will be doing most of the legwork anyway)  is extortionate. 

I would suggest the three of you write to them formally saying that you wish for them to renounce their powers and because of this you see no reason why a meeting is necessary. 

If the same people made your mother’s will, it would be best if she makes a new one. 

madbadrob

Keep_pedalling said:

Is this a will writing company or solicitors? I hope the latter because they are more than likely to renounce with a small fee for the paperwork. Will writers are unregulated and there is no one to take a complaint to if they decide to be 

If probate is not required taking 2% for little work (you and your family will be doing most of the legwork anyway)  is extortionate. 

I would suggest the three of you write to them formally saying that you wish for them to renounce their powers and because of this you see no reason why a meeting is necessary. 

If the same people made your mother’s will, it would be best if she makes a new one. 

I have to say reading this thread it does sound like a will writing company although the figures quoted are those id expect from a solicitor if they were acting as sole executors.  I could only offer the same advice as you and ask them to renounce

ROb

DippySkippy

Ask them to renounce - I paid £350 to get rid of solicitor that wanted huge fee. It'll be a simple PA17 - make sure you get the signed original and you pick up original will

DancingBadger

We had a close shave with a very dodgy will-writing company in Bristol, but fortunately realised what they were about before any damage was done.  Please say you're not in Bristol.