I first engaged with Shane at a time when my mother had passed away and my farther the same year. Work had been a nightmare, through no fault of my own and I was having other life changing problems.
I checked between CJ and another solicitor (always have options when committing to finances) who had been advised through a friends contact. Lots of things didn't stack up, services were over after probate application and had to spend 10 minutes asking the same question to get an answer. Shane admitted when he didn't know something and just came across as honest, unlike this other option.
CJ were twice the price but after several free, sensitive; very knowledgeable consultations with Shane and commitment to take the fee upon receipt of the estate, I went with Shane & CJ at twice the price (due to % based fee)! Something that would turn out to be a good decision.
I met with Shane and was introduced to Katie, a lovely trainee at the time, who helped through the process from the initial appointment to grant of probate. Lots of complications and issues arose that Katie helped with, while Shane offered to resolve one issue to do with lost documents from the 20th century as part of the fee (Change of name, which I later found but was a confidence boost at the time). Throughout the ups and downs Katie advised and put up with some of my more frustrated calls, with a final success and grant of probate.... and a deduction of the same fee as described at the point of agreement with CJ (madness I know!)
Honestly, the process was stressful enough, taking 18moths and without Katie (a fully qualified solicitor by this point) it would have been much worse and I was lucky to have her help and support.
Between the two of them they made a great team and, while more expensive, sometimes you need to go to Waitros or Sainsbury's to get your meat, as ALDI just doesn't cut it at the family roast.... and you'll regret it!
