Odd Solicitor Encounter

JR31

Hi,

I took my mother to see a solicitor today to update her will following my brothers death. The solicitor would only speak with my mother, and told me I wasn't allowed to be present when they were discussing the Will's contents with her. We're a family that shares info, so everybody in our family knows what's in my mother's Will. I am an equal beneficiary of the Will with my other siblings. Was requesting that I remain out of the room when the solicitor spoke to my mother appropriate? Legal?

Lenar3556

Yes, that would seem reasonable to me.

He was taking instructions from her in respect of her will and it would be difficult to do so in the presence of a beneficiary.

The solicitor would also have wished to satisfy himself that she was not making a will under any form of duress, and for this reason would have wished to speak to her, and advise her, privately.

Atlantic Dawn

Totally normal, have experienced the same.

Hobby farmer

It would have been inappropriate for you to be present. Not odd at all. If your mother wishes to discuss her will with you afterwards that's up to her.

Hooked

Not an odd encounter. Proper procedure. Sorry to hear about your brother.

Glaceon

I’m no expert in this area but the first thing that came to mind is that the solicitor might want her alone to ensure that whatever decisions she is making are her own and not coerced.

Atlantic Dawn

Next step they will usually issue a draft of the will to your mother, at this stage you can run over it with her to make sure it's all as she wishes and make any ammendments required, then final version can be made from that, again you can check it's as she requested.

black & white

perfectly normal, I brought my Old Lad when he was on his last legs as he wanted to make a change. Was politely told to wait outside as the solicitor was to speak with his Client. Reading what some wrinklies are put through in their later days, the more protected they are the better.

elperello

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058381542/odd-solicitor-encounter

It's quite ok for your family to share information as you see fit.

The relationship with the solicitor is a formal professional one.

The solicitor acted appropriately.

Oscar_Madison

It’s actually great to hear that happening - I wouldn’t be so sure it was always the case.

The one message I’d give all solicitors is for gods sake don’t leave ambiguous language in a will - it creates havoc for those left behind as I’ve experienced myself.
And also - for those leaving significant sums to non relatives- consider the amount of inheritance tax that will be owed to revenue -explore if you could spread the money out to others such as spouses and children of your intended beneficiaries - they will still benefit but then so will their family and less tax to govt

GerardKeating

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058381542/odd-solicitor-encounter

"Odd" would have been the solicitor allowing you to be present. Their duty is to protect the client, not all family members might be a good as you.