What do I need to do if I am a previous client of McClure Solicitors?

Written by Amy Douch | Wills, Trusts, Tax and Probate Team | 10 July 2024

The closure of McClure Solicitors has left many former clients facing uncertainty and concern regarding their legal and financial arrangements. If you are a previous client of McClure Solicitors, it is crucial to take proactive steps to address any issues and secure your interests.

Gather together documentation

The first step you can do is gather together all documents, correspondence and evidence you have regarding the advice and legal arrangements which McClure Solicitors provided. This could be documents from when the Trust was first created, or later documents or correspondence from after creation. If the property/assets included in the original Trust have changed, sold or been replaced, it would be helpful to bring details about those assets and how they have changed. As you may be aware Jones-Whyte took over much of the McClure Solicitors work after the company went into administration, so it is important to collate any documents or correspondence you have received from Jones-Whyte as well. You can contact Jones-Whyte and request all your original documents, and a copy of your file, which will assist your solicitor in advising you fully from the outset.

Seek Professional Legal Advice

Consult a qualified solicitor who specialises in trusts and estate planning. They can help you and your trustees assess your current legal arrangement, identify any issues, and provide guidance on the necessary steps to resolve them. This can include steps you can take yourself, as well as options on how your solicitor can deal with matters for you going forwards if you wish to have assistance. This will help minimise any further costs for you, as we do understand it can be a distressing time paying more legal fees to resolve matters.

Our team have been helping many former clients of McClure’s with a range of issues. We are regularly recommended on the Victims of McClures solicitors page on Facebook. If you’d like to discuss your circumstances with the team to see how they can help, you can get in touch with them directly here.

Address Potential Tax Implications

Given the complexities surrounding trusts and estate planning, it is essential to understand the tax implications of your arrangements. We may advise you to speak with a tax advisor to review any potential liabilities, and assist with completion of returns which may be required for tax such as Inheritance Tax, Capital Gains Tax, and Stamp Duty. It is important that all outstanding returns are completed and brought up to date, to then be able to consider the best option going forwards, whether that be bringing the trust to an end, or the trustees understanding their obligations with an ongoing trust.

Communicate with Trustees

It is important to share your concerns with the trustees to ensure they are aware. Trustees play a crucial role in managing the trust’s assets, and clear communication can help avoid misunderstandings and disputes. We can assist if there needs to be any change of trustee and legal documents are required to give effect to this. Where McClure Solicitors members partners or directors are named as trustees, we can assist with making contact when needed.

Update or Amend Legal Documents

Depending on your review and the advice of your solicitor, you may need to update or amend your legal documents. This could involve revising your Will, restructuring a trust, or creating new documents to address any identified issues.

Protect Your Beneficiaries

Ensure that your beneficiaries are aware of the current situation and any changes being made to your legal arrangements. This can help them understand their rights and responsibilities and prepare them for any future actions they may need to take.

The closure of McClure Solicitors has created a challenging situation for many former clients. By taking proactive steps to review your documentation, verify trust registrations, seek professional advice, and communicate with trustees and beneficiaries, you can address any issues and secure your legal and financial arrangements. If you are a previous client of McClure Solicitors, consulting a qualified solicitor is essential to navigating these challenges and protecting your interests for the future.

The administration of McClure Solicitors has had a huge impact on their former clients, which has resulted in stress and worry. It’s important that you seek professional advice as soon as possible to ensure your trust is working for you. Our team has worked with many former clients of McClure to help them put things right for themselves and their loved ones. If you’d like to discuss your circumstances with them, you can get in touch with them directly by calling 01752 827067 or emailing wills@nash.co.uk.