HSBC to stop executor service

Wards Solicitors' specialist Wills & Probate lawyers are offering a free codicil changing executors of a Will for existing and former customers of HSBC Bank in the Bristol area who have appointed the bank's trust company as Executor. HSBC have written to customers (at least those for whom they have a current address) saying they will no longer offer probate services from as early as October this year. The letters go on to ask customers to make early decisions about their executors as the bank will not be willing to act in future. The bank's probate business is being transferred to private equity-owned company Simplify Channel Limited.

Wards Solicitors are happy to discuss the merits of having a professional or lay executor appointed. Much depends upon individual personal circumstances and the financial assets you own. HSBC have provided a standard codicil but are not offering any in depth, local advice as to the alternatives.

Wards Solicitors' dedicated Wills & Probate team are happy to offer a free initial meeting to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of having a professional executor appointed. There are 10 Wards Solicitors offices covering the Bristol, North Somerset , South Gloucestershire and BANES area with a specialist and qualified Wills lawyer in each branch. Wards have been established for over 100 years and will remain firmly committed to our probate services in the future.

Please contact Jenny Pierce, Head of Wills and Probate on 0117 9292811 or contact your local office.