The Legal Ombudsman (LeO) has issued guidance for accountants authorised to offer probate services.
Since September 2014, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) has been able to authorise firms to undertake probate activities under the Legal Services Act 2007. Those firms then fall under the jurisdiction of LeO’s regulatory oversight and complaints investigation activities. The guidance reminds accountancy firms to handle complaints within eight weeks and to a high standard, and to co-operate with LeO at all times.