Bates Wells & Braithwaite - Sudbury

Linda S.

Beyond shocking service when dealing with my mother’s estate …interestingly it is the wills and probate team that get all the low reviews on here and in my opinion do not merit even 1 star … after lots of ‘ the dog ate my homework excuses ‘ which sadly were somewhat repetitive and totally unprofessional , 2 formal complaints to Director level and us getting the ombudsman involved ( who found in our favour ) the complete lack of communication and basic courtesy did not improve , sadly it got worse and was apparent at every level of the company. My polite advice is take your custom elsewhere …

Lydia A.

I would also wish to give less than 1 star but it’s not possible. This company is currently continuing its pattern of behaviour, while dealing with my dad’s estate. I’d be really interested to hear if anyone else who has received the same rock bottom treatment while grieving. My name is unusual so please 🙏🏻 get in touch. For anyone looking for representation in probate or executors then don’t use this firm.

Andrew W.

Difficult flat sale was deal with professionally and efficiently. Was happy the entire way through the experience, the conveyancing team were brilliant and helpful. Was never made to feel annoying or impatient when contacting them.
Would recommend to anyone.

Andrew R.

Awful service - avoid at all costs

Eights years after my wife died I found Heselden (joint executor) had failed to act on a number of matters.

Now they refuse to reply to anything.

Looks like we are heading to the SRA.

DEBRA S.

I am so appreciative of the service at BWB. I had a very tight deadline in which to exchange and complete on both a sale and purchase. My Solicitor, Lorraine was brilliant. I knew exactly what was happening every step of the way. The secretaries are amazing being so polite and helpful.

Tony M.

We would not recommend using this firm of solicitors for probate legal services.
We found the whole experience extremely frustrating and upsetting constantly having to chase matters to obtain feedback in highlighting matters of importance that had not been dealt with.
The service was completely inefficient and ineffective, demonstrating a complete lack of proactiveness.
Even though matters have been concluded we still remain highly disillusioned and disappointed with the service and associated costs. With the input we made in resolving matters just what had we paid for?.
This firm of solicitors need to reflect on their website ‘mission statement’ as we would whole heartedly disagree with terms such as:
“Synonymous with a high level of service and expertise “
“A name you can trust “
Not so in our experience.

Polly S.

I am an executor after a relative died two and a half years ago and the firm has still not done the two tax returns due on the estate. I've complained and they have not responded. I've asked questions and they haven't replied. I am now sending them a weekly email with a list of actions outstanding. When the eight weeks are up I will be going to the legal ombudsman, and I will be going to court to get this firm removed as executors (Posted October 2023)
UPDATE February 2024: Immediately after I posted this review I got a response. The tax returns have now been done (albeit via an accountant I hired myself, but at least they did provide the information she needed). However, even though all tax has now been paid, this firm is holding £40,000 remaining in the estate, Mark Hesledon is not replying to my regular emails asking him to produce the final accounts, give me a fee narrative and make the final distribution. I am posting this review in the hope that it will make him, act (as my previous review did). I've promised to delete the review when the business is drawn to a close. But i will be complaining to the Ombudsman about this firm.

Peter T.

A difficult property sale handled with expertise and kind understanding by Lorraine and the team.