STAGE 01 • UNIVERSAL DIAGNOSTIC ENTRY | SOLICITOR-LED AUDIT

Factual Audit & Action Plan

Stage 01 establishes whether a Grant has been issued, identifies the particular procedural or evidential blockage, records material information gaps, considers identifiable material carrying costs where sufficient information is available, and sets out the proportionate available options.

A structured diagnostic assessment for executors, administrators, and professional advisers before committing estate resources to formal procedural steps or litigation.

Fixed Fee Mandate
£400 + VAT
⏱️ Written Plan Normally Delivered Within 3 Working Days

Includes a formal 2-page written Action Plan and a dedicated 30-minute consultation with Justin Patten, Principal Solicitor.

🛡️ 100% Fee Credit The full £400 + VAT fee is credited once against the first qualifying Zone 1 or Zone 2 procedural milestone instructed within 14 days.

What Stage 01 Delivers

1. Identifiable Carrying Costs

A practical assessment of ongoing estate carrying costs (such as unoccupied property insurance premiums, council tax multipliers, and statutory HMRC interest accrual under s.226 IHTA 1984) where records are supplied.

2. Load-Bearing Bottleneck Isolation

Distinguishes peripheral family narrative from the principal legal blockage—such as a caveator's standing, an uncooperative co-executor requiring citation under NCPR Rule 41, or a formal Section 25 AEA 1925 accounting request.

3. Measured Assessment of Relevant Risks

An objective legal appraisal of relevant procedural risks, statutory executorial duties, potential costs exposure under CPR Part 44, and personal representative protection.

4. Proportionate Action Plan

Sets out the proportionate available options and confirms whether the estate is suitable for a Zone 1 Caveat milestone, a Zone 2 Deadlock track, or an external litigation referral.

Scope Boundaries

Core Document Review (Up to 20 Pages)

To maintain focused analysis and prompt delivery, Stage 01 concentrates on the core legal records. Please select up to 20 primary pages, including:

  • Core Instruments: The latest executed Will, codicils, or draft grants (if applicable).
  • Registry Filings: Probate Registry Caveats, Form 4 Warnings, or Form 5 Appearances.
  • Primary Correspondence: Key position letters or emails defining the dispute or impasse.

* Any additional material documentation exceeding 20 pages is identified and agreed in advance under our published document expansion module.

Instruct Stage 01 Factual Audit

Next Step: Upon submitting this instruction form, your details are logged and formal invoice/submission details will be sent directly to your email address.