Chandler's Ford: HWB expands probate team

Accountancy firm HWB has expanded its team of those authorised to undertake probate work, with director Gary Brown and senior tax manager Gemma Hedges fronting the service offering.

HWB, which is based in Chandler's Ford, is licensed by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) to provide probate services. “There are very few accountancy firms who hold this licence, but it makes perfect sense to us and complements the service we can give our clients at a time when it is most needed,” said Geoff Rhodes, managing director of HWB.

Probate is the process of administering a person’s estate and possessions after they have died and has traditionally been carried out by solicitors. A change in the law means licensed accountancy practices are now able to carry out non-contentious probate.

Rhodes said: “The firm has a highly-regarded specialism in estate planning and inheritance tax, so adding to the team will ensure the service we provide is exceptional.

“We are in a position to handle virtually all estate administration. Losing a loved one is hard enough, but this licence means we are able to help our clients through this difficult time without the need for endless questions, as we are already familiar with their affairs and family structures. When they most need support they will be able to quickly and easily deal with a familiar face, rather than having the hassle of finding a solicitor.”

Both Gary Brown and Gemma Hedges are authorised with the ICAEW to carry out probate work and will be working with the firm’s growing client base across Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire.

For more information about HWB’s probate service visit www.hwb-accountants.com