Alexander Legal Services
About Us
Formed in 2017 as Alexander Wills, Alexander Legal Services is an award-winning practice based in North Shields, offering fixed-fee services throughout the North East of England. Since 2017, we have helped over 1,000 clients arrange their affairs by creating wills, prepared for future needs by putting LPAs into place, safeguarded assets by setting up trusts and assisted families through the probate process. You can read reviews from our clients by clicking here.
Our Principal
All of our services are carried out by Shaun Alexander. Shaun is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx) and as a Chartered Legal Executive is a commissioner for oaths and holds practice rights as a CILEx Probate Practitioner under the Legal Services Act 2007. Our firm specialises in Wills, Trusts and Probate and is independently regulated by CILEx Regulation. Shaun is also a Visiting Lecturer at both Northumbria University and BPP University, contributing to the teaching and assessing of students and trainee solicitors in Wills & Administration of Estates.
Appointment Options
Appointments are typically available Monday-Thursday, at our office, via Microsoft Teams, or by telephone and can be booked online by clicking here.
Regulation
Alexander Legal Services is Authorised by CILEx Regulation for Probate, authorisation number 3001391. Further information on our regulatory details (including CILEx Regulation, the CILEx Regulation Compensation Fund, our Privacy Policy, insurance cover and Complaints Procedure) can be found by clicking here.
Practice Areas
Wills
Writing your Will allows you to decide what should happen to your Estate (everything you own) after you have died.
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Will Trusts
Some Wills require Trusts to be included, such as allowing someone to live in your property after you have died.
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Lifetime Trusts
Setting up a Trust allows you to protect assets for the correct beneficiaries, such as your spouse or your children.
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Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)
An LPA allows others to make decisions on your behalf, over your property and financial affairs and/or your health and welfare affairs.
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Probate & Estate Administration
The process of administering a person's Estate; distributing their money, assets and possessions as inheritance – after paying any taxes and debts.
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Deputyship
The process of applying to act on another person's behalf, when they no longer have mental capacity.
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Cohabitation Agreements
Also known as 'living together contract', cohabitation agreements are suitable for unmarried couples.
Read MoreF.A.Q
Frequently asked questions while you wait for a response:
How do I book an appointment with Shaun?
The easiest way to book an appointment with Shaun is via the booking page on our website here where you can book from a variety of appointment options including:
- First Appointment for new clients / past clients to talk about our services. These appointments can be booked at our office, or remotely via Teams, or telephone;
- Follow-up Appointment for current clients who would like to discuss their drafts, or have reached a stage in a probate case and would like to talk to Shaun in more detail;
- Signing Appointment for existing clients who are ready to sign their documents at our office; and
- Telephone Callback for anyone needing a 15 minute call.
What is Shaun's availability for appointments?
Alexander Legal Services is a sole practitioner firm run by Shaun, with some admin support. Availability during term time is usually restricted by the afternoon school run with appointment times being:
- Monday-Wednesday: first appointment at 9:00, final appointment at 13:30
- Thursday: first appointment at 9:00, final appointment at 16:00
- Friday: closed
- Saturday-Sunday: closed
During the school holidays there may be more flexibility and the booking page here will include our up to date availability.
Does Shaun do home visits or out of hours appointments?
There is currently no availability for home visits or appointments outside of our typical appointment times (Monday-Wednesday 9:00-13:30, Thursday 9:00-16:00).
Do you do conveyancing?
Alexander Legal Services is a specialist firm, with Shaun working exclusively in the following areas:
- Wills
- Trusts
- Lasting Powers of Attorney
- Probate
- Court of Protection Deputyships
- Lifetime Planning (Cohabitation Agreements, IHT Planning and Care Fee Planning)
We do not offer any other service, but you can search for lawyers based on area of law and location via:
I'm an executor of a will and the person has passed away, what do I need to do?
Shaun's specialism is probate and estate administration, with him holding additional practice rights as a CILEx Probate Practitioner. We're able to assist executors during this difficult time and can apply for probate on your behalf, as well as administer the full estate, if required. If you would like Shaun's assistance you can book a First Appointment by clicking here.
Alternatively, if you're wondering whether you can administer the estate yourself like many executors do, there is a lot of useful information online, with the gov.uk website being a good starting point here.
How do I retrieve a will you are storing?
If you are the client and we are storing documents on your behalf, you can request the documents at any time. If you're sending someone else to collect them on your behalf, we will need written authority from you first.
If we are storing a will for someone who has passed away, we can only release them to the executor of the will, or someone authorised to act on their behalf, with us also requiring a copy of the death certificate. We cannot release the will to anyone else, even if they are the next of kin of the deceased.
I need a document certified, can you do it?
As a Commissioner for Oaths, Shaun can usually certify most documents. However, if you specifically need a notary, a solicitor, or need documents certified quickly, you will need to contact another firm, with most local solicitor firms being a good starting point.
I already have a will, do I need to update it?
Wills should be reviewed regularly, usually every 5 years or sooner if changes occur to your circumstances, family, wishes etc. If you're unsure whether your will needs updating, you can book a First Appointment here and Shaun will review the will and advise you accordingly.
I have an elderly relative, can you help me set up an LPA?
All instructions must be taken directly from clients, with nobody else speaking on their behalf. Although family members will often help clients book an appointment and bring them to the office, Shaun must speak with clients alone and anyone attending the office with them will be asked to wait in reception.
If you're concerned your relative may struggle to engage in discussions with Shaun, you should still bring them so Shaun can assess their capacity, and in some cases refer them to their GP for a mental capacity assessment.