Probate licence back on the cards for ICAEW
ICAEW revisits plan to enable its members to gain a licence to offer probate services
ICAEW professional standards director Vernon Soare
Another attempt at organising probate licences for members will be made by
the
ICAEW
over the coming months.
The institute had previously ditched plans to enable members to offer probate
services over fears of cost and red tape.
But at this morning’s ICAEW council meeting, director of professional
standards Vernon Soare said that the cost issue had been removed during the last
18 months since it last considered the move. Red tape concerns in working with
the Legal Services Board had also dissipated.
“Our intention is to bring a fresh application process,” said Soare.
Around 600 of 2,500 small practices surveyed by the institute were interested
in offering the service. Individuals would receive their own licence, rather
than the firm.
Potential options for gaining a licence include practitioners taking an exam,
or attending a course.
A fresh application process is expected to be made by the end of the year,
with a successful bid reaching approval by mid-2011.
Further reading:
ICAEW
backs off in probate battle