Solicitors

[ysnnim]

Briefy, father died last year - I have just obtained probate etc, fathers solicitors are doing a bit more work for me. They are not executors of the will.

They asked to see the grant of probate (because they are carrying out a variation of the deeds of his property so that his will can be executed)and have now asked to see details of the assets declared on the IHT200 form (the HRMC form that lists all assets of the estate so that tax can be worked out), on which I obtained the grant of probate.

Is this normal practice? Why would a solicitor 'require details' of these assets? They have no interest in the Estate, Tax has been paid, and I have carried out the instructions of the Will. Are they 'checking up' on me?

Any ideas?

Cheers

David

[Lurking Lawyer]

Not my practice area so I'm not able to offer any meaningful advice but are the solicitors having to deal with any form of IHT return or other tax submission?

They are liable for the information that goes into the returns, and HMRC are taking a hard line with cases where solicitors can be shown to have submitted (even unknowingly) incorrect information.

So, it could be arse-covering to make sure that they're providing accurate information?

[ysnnim]

I did the whole probate thing. Solicitors did not help or were asked to help in any way... Guess I will ask them the question as to why they want this info tomorrow...