Locked Out of Inheritance: What Happens When Solicitors Shut Down?

My father passed away in July under distressing conditions. We were nearly through with the probate process handled by our lawyer.

Earlier this month, we got an email from our attorney at Samuel Phillips Law, informing us that they had stopped operating. They did not provide a reason for this sudden closure.

We have engaged a new legal team, but Samuel Phillips still holds our files and is unresponsive to our attempts to contact them via phone or email.

As a self-employed individual who could not work while caring for my ailing father, I am now financially drained. Without the necessary documents, I am unable to claim my father’s inheritance or verify our status concerning the inheritance tax threshold, as the former firm retains our records.

Our new lawyers have proposed filing a complaint with the legal authorities, though they’ve warned it could take several months. I have never felt more desperate or isolated.

FM Falmouth, Cornwall

It is truly unsettling to hear about your plight. Being young and the only offspring, you are overwhelmed by both your loss and bureaucratic hurdles.

Upon investigation, it was revealed that your solicitor’s firm was closed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), which also shut down an affiliated firm, Hathaways, managed by the same individual, Sufe Miah. The SRA expressed concerns about possible dishonest activities by Sufe Miah related to his legal practice and took action to safeguard the clients.

The employees and trainee lawyers at both firms were abruptly left jobless. The SRA has designated another law firm to manage the needs of the affected clients.

After bringing your case to the attention of the SRA, they quickly responded. You were contacted immediately by an interim representative and received digital copies of your documents promptly.

The SRA will maintain the documents of closed cases, such as deeds and wills, in its archives and will manage the distribution of funds recovered from client accounts. Others in similar situations should reach out to the appointed agent, John Owen of Gordons LLP in Bradford.

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