Fees factor Nets work

A London firm which specialises in property deals has pulled in thousands of pounds of probate work in just three months - and has put its success down to a new facility on its Web site.

Sykes Anderson put a probate calculator on its site so that clients could work out fixed fees for dealing with an estate, and then instruct the firm to go ahead via an e-mail link.

Partner David Anderson said it had been 'overwhelmed' by more than 6 million in net estate value since the calculator went live in December, bringing in fees of around 90,000.

'We class ourselves as a property firm, but this is now the fastest growing area of our practice,' he said.

Mr Anderson said a further benefit was avoiding arguments with clients and complaints over fees, which often came about because probate was an 'emotive subject'.

The firm has also included a calculator for commercial leases.

Mr Anderson said clients liked to see a greater level of transparency when it came to fees.

'We believe this should be viewed as an opportunity and not a threat,' he added.

Links: www.sykesanderson.com

Paula Rohan