Shelley Stock Hutter and BKL launch probate services

TWO TOP 50+50 FIRMS have launched probate services to support the executors and administrators of deceased estates.

Accountancy Age can reveal that London-based Shelley Stock Hutter has gained a probate licence from ICAEW to expand into the previously restricted legal services market. Founding partner Lynton Stock (pictured with SSH partner Bobby Lane) will run the firm’s probate department.

“We believe accountants are best place to offer this type of advice to our clients,” said Lane, head of SSH’s outsourcing arm.

The news comes as BKL launched its own probate service to complete the firm’s private client offering.

Geraint Jones, a partner in BKL’s private client team, commented: “Our new probate service will reduce the burden on people who are administering complex estates at a time when they are likely to have little energy for financial administration.”

ICAEW received final approval to regulate probate services and act as a licensing authority for alternative business structures in 2014.