F.A.Q

Frequently asked questions while you wait for a response:

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. 
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. 
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). 
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:
  • CILEx 'Authorised Practitioner Directory' page here
  • The Law Society 'Find a Solicitor' page here
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, or administer the full estate on your behalf. If you would 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. 
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.
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.  
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. 
All instructions must be taken directly from clients, and nobody 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.