Interview Structure Flashcards
What must be included in the start?
- Welcome
- Exchange names
- Confirm I’m a trainee solicitor and who has conduct
- What will happen in the interview
- Client care procedures in the firm
- Charging structure
Acquiring information
Check accuracy with client at the end
Giving information
Set out options
Ensure final decision rests with client
End of interview
Ensure instructions confirmed Ensure client understands risks/benefits Any questions Confirm things to be done State that a confirmatory letter will be sent shortly Next contact Part in friendly manner
What are the 5 c’s of client care?
Costs Conduct Channels of communication Confidentiality/Conflict Complaints
How to start
Good Morning Mrs X I understand from my secretary that you've come because of a berevement I'm sorry to hear that, I will keep things straightforward so that you can decide if you want us to act for you If not sure, please ask I will be making notes Date of death Full name Date of birth Registered death Looked for will We are anxious about client care Who will deal with it + role Confidentiality - other's can help All will be in letter Costs - estimate Timescales - 6-12 months Confidentiality - but will contact others with your authority Full name/address, DoB Contact telephone Working? Children - of late husband? Property/Money - who's name? Other property? Money - joint account? Insurance policy - in trust? Car/property - who's name registered Pension Recap Value property Debts - funeral account Gifts - lifetime transfers
What if dies intestate
Who deals with estate - closest living relative
That means you can act as administrator
Will apply for ‘letters of administration’ is a grant which eg can be shown to bank to show dealing with person authorised to handle with the estate
Fill in forms - calculate value of estate
If no tax to pay, next question is distribution?
Firstly, pay debts
Can’t transfer ownership until have letters of administration
Recap
Confirm instructions
What will happen - letter in writing and advice and further information, costs, client care, list of documents
Will need documents, death certificate, tax position
Time frame - letter by end of week, if wish t
What is the intestate allowance?
250k to wife and all possessions
Remainder: half to wife, other half rbetween children
What is current inheritance tax allowance
325
Can inherit spouse’s share
40%, unless 10% to charity in which case 36% some assets
If leaving to children, extra 150k, if worth less 2m - 150k can be passed to spouse
No IHT on what is left to spouse
