In the last 97 years we've overcome almost every challenge that probate work can present, so we have a good appreciation of the issues that you may be facing.
Whatever the problem, we’re happy to offer free, no obligation consultations.
As life expectancy increases, more people lack capacity to deal with their legal and financial affairs - in such cases a Deputy is normally appointed by the Court of Protection. Sometimes a Family Tree is required if the Deputy needs to make an application for a Statutory Will.
Hoopers work with many such Deputies in both the private and public sector who value the efficient and discreet service we offer. Typically, a Deputy may not wish us to contact family members in such instances and Hoopers are experienced at working within these constraints.
Hoopers work with numerous National Panel Deputies and members of Solicitors For The Elderly (SFE) and we take a great deal of pride in helping them manage the affairs of vulnerable people. We assisted solicitors with a high number of emergency applications when the courts were prioritising these matters during the Coronavirus lockdown.
With nearly 100 years of probate experience, Hoopers can offer the practitioner an expert knowledge of the rules of intestacy. This leaves you free to conduct the administration, safe in the knowledge that we will swiftly identify the correct beneficiaries of an estate.
“Having spent thirty years at Hoopers, it is a great privilege to write this message as Chief Executive Officer. With our centenary fast approaching, this is a proud landmark in our company’s history. We have solved thousands of complex cases throughout the decades, including intestacies, deputyships and much more besides, and we look forward to assisting you with your probate problems in the future.”
At no cost to yourself, we can locate a statutory heir to act as administrator of an estate where the next of kin are not known. This creates a valuable opportunity for firms to gain instruction to act in the administration and helps keep fees within your practice.
Hoopers have an excellent referral rate back to the original solicitors, generally locating beneficiaries within 48 hours.
Hoopers has a nationwide network of friendly and highly experienced regional managers who can visit beneficiaries in person. Each has undergone bereavement training and an Enhanced DBS check.
Insuring against the possibility of any potential claims after distribution is considered to be good practice by the Law Society. Although such policies are no substitute for thorough research, they do ensure peace of mind for the administrator.
Every year Hoopers investigates a large number of cases throughout the UK and beyond. Unlike some firms of genealogists we never administer estates ourselves but always recommend the instruction of an independent firm of solicitors.
We are always looking to expand the panel of recommended solicitors to whom we introduce clients and we will be happy to discuss how you can benefit from becoming one of them.
Hoopers offer a clear and simple fee structure to help you manage the complexities of estate administration. As STEP advises, your best option may depend on the circumstances of the particular estate.
Hoopers can undertake research at a set rate and to an agreed budget (exclusive of disbursements and VAT), providing regular progress updates, a detailed final report upon the completion of our research and, if necessary, assistance in obtaining indemnity policies.
Our proven system of regular case reports and rigorous cost-controls ensure the expenses incurred remain under your control.