How does the Probate process work?

When a person dies, their Will is used as the foundation upon which their estate is administered. In order to do this, usually a Grant of Representation is required. The granting of this document means that the appropriate tax has been paid and the deceased's estate can be shared out as per the directions in the Will. The Personal Representatives of a deceased person (called the Executors in a Will) will work together with a Solicitor to gather in valuations of the deceased's assets and compile them together. They will then submit a tax return in relation to Capital Acquisition Tax and proceed to complete the Statement of Affairs form for submission the Probate Office. As part of their applicaiton, the Personal Represntatives will also submit the original Will and requisite sworn affidavits. Once the application has been reviewed by the Probate Office and providing they do not require any further information, then a Grant of Representation is issued. This can be either a Grant of Probate when there is a Will or a Grant of Letters of Administration when the deceased died intestate. With the Grant of Representation, the estate of the deceased can now be administered in accordance with their Will or in accordance with the intestacy rules under the Succession Act for those who died without leaving a Will.

Do I need to include a trust in my Will?

Whilst being a useful instrument, Wills are sometimes complex in nature, especially with the inclusion of trusts. In order to protect loved ones you wish to benefit under your Will, trusts are often created to enable this, for example when it comes to bequeathing assets to a loved one who is mental impaired or holding money in trust until children obtain a certain age. It is important to properly understand the implications of creating a trust(s) and that is why finding the right Solicitor is paramount.

Do I need a solicitor or barrister or both?

It depends. For contentious matters (i.e. those going to, or likely to go to a court or tribunal) you typically need both. For less serious cases you may just need a solicitor, but we are happy to advise you on this. For non-contentious matters (i.e any other matter other than the above) you will likely just need a solicitor or barrister.

What is the difference between a solicitor, barrister and lawyer?

Lawyer is an umbrella term, all solicitors and barristers are lawyers. Solicitors are the most frequent type of lawyer required by clients. Solicitors can be general practitioners or specialise in a particular area, solicitors act in both contentious matters by acting on your behalf in court or tribunal proceedings, and in non-contentious matters such as buying a house or a business. Barristers are expert advocates, their role generally involves preparing a contentious matter for hearing before a court or tribunal, and speaking on a client’s behalf at that hearing. Barristers may also be experts in their field in specific areas of law, and are often called on to give a legal opinion or provide advice on a specific issue that a client may want answered.

Are the lawyers regulated?

Yes, all panel lawyers are regulated by the Irish Legal Services Regulatory Authority. Solicitors are also regulated by the Law Society of Ireland, and Barristers are regulated by either or both the Bar of Ireland and the Honorable Society of Kings Inns.

Is FirstCall a Law Firm?

No, FirstCall is a legal technology and legal process outsourcing company. Panel lawyers are either sole-practitioners or members of law firms.

How do you select the lawyer?

We use our own expertise, drawing from the knowledge of our own qualified lawyers, and using our proprietary algorithm which matches clients with suitable lawyers.

Contact us confidentially with some information with regard to the type of legal matter you need assistance with. We will match you directly with a suitable lawyer after we have had a brief conversation with you to get further detail. Once the lawyer accepts instructions they will give an indication as to the timeframe, and you will receive updates in real time on our platform until the conclusion of the matter.

How much does it cost?

FirstCall does not charge any client a fee for this service. Platform maintenance and service fees are paid by the solicitors and barristers on our panel. In terms of legal fees payable by clients to panel members, this is negotiated separately between the lawyers and clients. For some legal matters, panel members may offer “no-foal no-fee” or “no-win no-fee” cost structures, but this is a matter for you and panel lawyer to agree.

How do I get started with FirstCall?

Simply contact us through our website or call our helpline. We'll gather some basic information about your legal issue and begin the matching process.

What if I’m not satisfied with the recommended legal expert?

Your satisfaction is important to us. If you're not satisfied, we will work with you to find a more suitable legal professional.

Can I choose between a solicitor and a barrister?

Yes, depending on your legal needs, we can connect you with either a solicitor for general legal advice or a barrister for specialised representation.

How does FirstCall ensure confidentiality?

We prioritise your privacy and ensure that all information shared is handled with the utmost confidentiality and in compliance with data protection laws.

Are the legal professionals in FirstCall’s network qualified?

Absolutely. All solicitors and barristers in our network are fully qualified, licensed, and have a proven track record in their respective fields.

What types of legal issues can FirstCall help with?

We cover a broad range of legal areas, including family law, criminal defense, employment disputes, personal injury claims, and more.

Can FirstCall assist with urgent legal matters?

Yes, we strive to connect you with the appropriate legal expert promptly, especially in urgent situations.

Is there a fee for using FirstCall’s matching service?

Our initial consultation is free. Any fees for legal services will be discussed transparently with the chosen legal professional.

How does FirstCall determine the right legal expert for me?

We assess your legal issue and match you with professionals who have the appropriate expertise and experience in that area of law.

What services does FirstCall offer to individuals?

FirstCall connects individuals with a panel of legal experts, matching them with the right solicitor or barrister based on their specific legal needs.

How do we initiate an LPO partnership?

Start by identifying the legal tasks you wish to outsource, research potential providers, assess their capabilities, and establish a clear contract outlining expectations and responsibilities.

Is LPO suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)?

Absolutely. SMEs can benefit from LPO by accessing legal expertise without the overhead costs of maintaining a full-time legal department.

How does LPO affect our in-house legal team?

LPO complements your in-house team by handling routine tasks, allowing your internal lawyers to focus on strategic and high-value activities.

What are the potential risks of LPO?

Potential risks include data breaches, quality concerns, and compliance issues. Selecting a reputable provider and establishing clear contracts can mitigate these risks.

Can LPO providers handle complex legal tasks?

Yes, many LPO firms are equipped to manage complex tasks such as intellectual property services, high-volume litigation support, and compliance management.

How do I choose the right LPO provider?

Consider factors like the provider's experience, expertise in relevant legal areas, security protocols, client testimonials, and alignment with your company's needs.

Is outsourcing legal services secure and confidential?

As a leading LPO provider we implement stringent data security measures and adhere to confidentiality agreements to protect sensitive information.

How can LPO benefit my company?

LPO offers advantages such as cost savings, access to specialised expertise, scalability, and improved turnaround times, allowing companies to manage workloads effectively.

Which legal services are commonly outsourced?

Businesses often outsource services including contract management, litigation support, legal research, due diligence, and regulatory compliance tasks.

What is Legal Process Outsourcing (LPO)?

LPO involves delegating legal tasks such as contract drafting, document review, and compliance work to external service providers, enabling businesses to focus on core activities while ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

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