My dad died in July in harrowing circumstances. Our probate utility was near being finalised by our solicitor.
Then this month we acquired an e mail from the solicitor, Samuel Phillips Regulation, to say it had ceased buying and selling. No rationalization was given.
Now we have instructed new solicitors, however Samuel Phillips nonetheless has our file and gained’t reply calls or emails.
I’ve no cash left as I’m self-employed, and was unable to work whereas my dad was dying. Now I can’t entry Dad’s legacy or affirm that we don’t meet the inheritance tax threshold as a result of this agency is holding information hostage.
The brand new solicitors have stated they will complain to the regulator, however it could take months. I’ve by no means felt extra hopeless or alone in my life.
FM Falmouth, Cornwall
I’m horrified to listen to of your state of affairs. You’re nonetheless younger and an solely little one, and are buckling underneath the load of grief and crimson tape.
Your solicitor, I found, was shut down by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) which additionally closed a sister agency, Hathaways, run by the identical man, Sufe Miah. The SRA instructed me there’s “cause to suspect dishonesty on the a part of Sufe Miah in connection together with his follow as a solicitor” and that it needed to act to guard purchasers.
The employees and trainee solicitors at each corporations have misplaced their jobs with out warning. The SRA has appointed one other authorized agency to take care of the businesses’ purchasers.
Once I alerted the SRA to your state of affairs, issues occurred quick. You had been instantly known as by the stand-in agent and also you acquired digital copies of your information there after which.
The SRA will maintain the paperwork of closed circumstances similar to deeds and wills in its personal archive and can disburse funds retrieved from shopper accounts. Others affected ought to contact the agent, John Owen of Gordons LLP in Bradford.
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