Judith Derbyshire

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

August, 2022

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Judith

Judith was exceptionally quick to respond to my initial enquiry, which continued with a couple of subsequent emails. I very much appreciated her clear and straightforward replies and, should I find managing probate on my own too onerous, I would be only too happy to refer back to Judith.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

October, 2021

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Judith

I am hoping Judith will update my will. In my dealings with Judith, I have found her to be professional, both in her person & business.

Judith's reply

Dear Patricia, When I saw you had done a review I was expecting a negative one as I didn't respond to your query via Vouched For, but by email direct to you. I lost sight of the fact that you didn't respond to that, and wondered if you had changed your email? Of course I can help with updating your Will. Could you let me know what your current email address is? Best wishes Judith

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

July, 2021

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Judith

Really helpful and knowledgeable, very much appreciated her advice. Would definitely contact her if the need arises. Thank you Judith.

Judith's reply

Thanks Angela, It was a pleasure to talk to you and I hope you are able to resolve your situation. Best wishes Judith

Review from verified client

May, 2021

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

Needing to obtain probate on the death of a parent

How has Judith Derbyshire helped you?

Assisted in obtaining probate and then went on to update wills, assisting in putting in place powers of attorney, amending wills, registering property and ensuring all property assets properly registered. Finally obtaining probate as all elderly relatives passed away and acting as executor also.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes and with great efficiency and compassion

What could they have done better?

All dealt with efficiently and with great care so no room for improvement

Judith's reply

Thank you Kay and Ian

Review from verified client

January, 2021

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

Wanting to make a will

How has Judith Derbyshire helped you?

Judith was approachable, easy to talk with, knowledgeable and understanding of the need for budgeting

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Judith's reply

thank you Sarah. I'm only sorry we haven't been able to meet.

Review from verified client

December, 2020

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

My brother died suddenly leaving no will and as my sister died last year sorting out his estate and applying for a Grant of Probate became my sole responsibility. I was at a complete loss as to how to go about it. So, I rang Judith and she reassured me that Purely Probate would be happy to be of service.

How has Judith Derbyshire helped you?

Throughout the whole episode I was ably supported by Leonie Merrifield, a very experienced legal expert in the whole business of obtaining grants of probate. Both Leonie and her excellent colleague Pippa, supported me as we proceeded through some tricky bureaucracy. Leonie held my hand when I was perplexed by the jargon; patiently explaining the process when it was necessary; regularly communicated with my solicitor who was handling the sale of my brother's house in London. Both Leonie and Pippa were doggedly determined in their dealings with the various offices involved in the Grant. Bearing in mind that 2020 has been an incredibly challenging year and one might well have expected a probate case to take even longer than usual, but this was not the case. Leonie and Pippa remained determinedly focussed and achieved a very satisfactory conclusion in under six months. The team were diligent, organised and extremely thorough. I cannot fault their performance, and all times Leonie proactively kept me informed and up to date on everything that was going on.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The achievement of the grant of probate was conducted with enormous efficiency and in it's speed and support has far exceeded my expectations.

What could they have done better?

I honestly cannot make any suggestions for any improvement in performance. Probate is a hugely complex legal area but I am very fortunate that Leonie is highly experienced. I can find no faults in how the process was managed.

Review from verified client

November, 2020

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

My sister passed away with no will and I had to be the legal administrator

How has Judith Derbyshire helped you?

The team at Purely Probate provided Advice on legal requirements and responsibilities, process, timescales and courses of action. Applied for letter of administration and managed the closing of the estate and distribution of inheritance.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

The process of administering the estate was carried out during the period of the lockdown during 2020. However the company still managed to conduct their work quickly and efficiently and communication between them and myself remained excellent during this difficult time.

Judith's reply

I'm so pleased that everything went smoothly for you. Judith

Review from verified client

November, 2020

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

I needed a solicitor to deal with Probate for my late mother's Estate.

How has Judith Derbyshire helped you?

Judith and her team dealt with all Probate matters for an agreed fixed fee. This was very reassuring to the family, as we knew from the beginning what the financial coats would be. Communication was excellent; we received prompt replies to any queries and regular updates were received.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Probate was dealt with very efficiently and we received some excellent advice.

What could they have done better?

I honestly could not fault Judith and her team.

Judith's reply

Thank you Raquel, I really appreciate it and have shared what you have said with Beth, Linda and Marianne.

Review from verified client

September, 2020

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

The family wished to amend the beneficiaries of a will so the estate would pass to the next generation.

How has Judith Derbyshire helped you?

Clearly walked the family through the process, offered sound practical advice when previous solicitors were being challenging and took the time to understand what we needed. Throughout there was clear, regular communication, a friendly approach and we had absolute confidence in the quality of advice we were receiving.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - the family are all very happy and would not hesitate to recommend Judith and her team. Beth was an excellent point-person for us, ably supported by Pippa. Great team work! Thank you.

Judith's reply

That's lovely thank you Becky. I have shared your nice comments with Beth and Pippa.

Review from verified client

April, 2020

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

Death of relative

How has Judith Derbyshire helped you?

Dealing with probate on estate

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Review from verified client

March, 2020

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

To ensure my husband and I had Wills in place, and the security and piece of mins that our dependant son would be cared for, in the right hands and would be financially secure should the worse happen to us both.

How has Judith Derbyshire helped you?

She was fantastic... I told her what I was looking for and she was prompt and really informative in her responses. She was clear with he rfuidance throughout.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Even better, the reason my husband and I had put it off for so long was due to our working hours and getting time off together to see a solicitor to arrange our mirror wills. Instructing Judith, we didn't need to. She did it efficiently and timely over the phone and email and we didn't have to attend any appointments, not once! Suited our needs perfectly, and we are now safe in thr knowledge we have Wills in place to protect any or all of us for the future. She was fantastic!

What could they have done better?

Absolutely nothing, she was incredibly professional, really easy to talk to and super efficient! Highly higjly recommend Purely Probate to deal with any Probate / Will matters.

Judith's reply

Gosh what a lovely review. Thank you Leah.

Review from verified client

February, 2020

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

My father died without a Will and with very complex assets in the UK, Barbados, and the BVI

How has Judith Derbyshire helped you?

She was able to do everything necessary for my brother and I to inherit my father’s estate in the UK. She was also able to do everything necessary to facilitate Barbados and BVI lawyers with everything they needed.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Service was outstanding. And with patience for my total lack of understanding about complex legal issues. And extremely reasonable rates.

Judith's reply

Thank you Kerry - I will pass on to Beth

Review from verified client

February, 2020

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

As one of the executors of my mother's will I needed to have probate and ensure the correct distribution of her estate

How has Judith Derbyshire helped you?

Despite some complexities she explained the issues clearly, kept us informed, achieved probate within 6 months and managed the distribution to the beneficiaries. She and her colleagues were unfailingly patient and helpful guiding us through the process.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely yes

What could they have done better?

I can't think of anything just now

Judith's reply

Thank you for this generous review. Beth is the one who has earned it, I will make sure she knows.

Review from verified client

February, 2020

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

Following my Mother’s death we needed a professional to guide us through Probate.

How has Judith Derbyshire helped you?

We knew that Judith’s business specialised in Wills and Probate and from recommendation felt confident she would provide us with good, sound, professional advice. Without reservation she delivered on all these accounts and within a budget that was acceptable and agreed upon at an early stage.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, without reservation. Letters, emails and phone calls were seen to promptly and if visiting the office we were always welcomed by friendly and courteous personnel who were helpful and understanding in matters arising.

What could they have done better?

We were very satisfied with the service we received. To highlight a negative is difficult. I suppose when it was time to transfer funds, more detailed communication with the other beneficiaries, of which there were a number, would have been helpful.

Judith's reply

Thank you Caroline. I'll pass on to Beth who is the one who did the work and deserves the praise.

Review from verified client

September, 2019

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

Most recently I have used Purely Probate for dealing with probate and the distribution of an estate for which I was an executor

How has Judith Derbyshire helped you?

As above

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing. All aspects of the service provided were truly excellent.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2018

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Judith

Did not hear from her at all

Judith's reply

Dear Kay I am really sorry, but I have no record of having received an enquiry. I'm sure it is too late but please email me if you still want any help. jd@purelyprobate.co.uk Judith

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2018

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Judith

Judith did send me a message informing me she was not available on Monday 5th November and would contact me on Tuesday 6th but I did not hear again or by email. I have now made a will with an online company this year which is lacking in some respects. I would always value knowing an individual solicitor to help me with my affairs in the future.

Review from verified client

September, 2018

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

2 executors, 4 main beneficiaries and a need for probity.

How has Judith Derbyshire helped you?

She and team handled all aspects legal and financial of our fathers will.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Probably the best specific legal service I have used, and I can’t think of any way that it could have been improved.

Review from verified client

June, 2018

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

I was looking for a legal team who could deal with probate.

How has Judith Derbyshire helped you?

Judith and her team are excellent. Going through loosing a loved one is difficult, but talking to Judith and her team made me feel a wait had been lifted from my shoulders. I cant thank them all enough.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, very officiant, explaining all details, nothing was too much trouble for them. They put my mind at rest, at this difficult time.

What could they have done better?

I can not fault anything. Thank-you Judith and team

Review from verified client

January, 2018

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

We recently moved house and needed to update our wills.

How has Judith Derbyshire helped you?

She had a good website, gave us sound advice and produced our wills in a timely and efficient manner.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, all done.

What could they have done better?

It was all good, signed and delivered as we requested.

Review from verified client

November, 2017

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

Deed of Variation.

How has Judith Derbyshire helped you?

Clear, to the point, efficient, no nonsense.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes.

Review from verified client

July, 2017

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

For probate on the death of my husband.

How has Judith Derbyshire helped you?

My only son lives in India so I was in need of help to process probate and all it entails.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes I was talked through the process with patience and empathy.

What could they have done better?

Nothing I can think of.

Review from verified client

July, 2017

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

A need to set up Lasting Power of Attorney for myself and my wife.

How has Judith Derbyshire helped you?

Explained the process in a clear way. Judith was able in a sympathetic and understanding way to advise us of our options on appointing executors. This enabled us to be confident that we had made the right decisions on who we appointed.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

Review from verified client

July, 2017

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

i needed to deal with estate planning and some tricky family issues.

How has Judith Derbyshire helped you?

she helped me navigate touchy subject with family present and planning trusts to safeguard family remember was difficult but Judith got us through it without a hitch.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

it is now done and is exactly what i wanted with no one upset by the process.

What could they have done better?

Everything was perfect

Review from verified client

June, 2017

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

A family inheritance out of England, however I live in the USA. It was quite complicated but thanks to Purely Probate it was happily resolved in a reasonable amount of time. I am so thankful for choosing them.

How has Judith Derbyshire helped you?

She handled our estate inheritance and her advise was always reasonable and professional.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, completely.

Review from verified client

May, 2017

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

Probate estate above IHT threshold.

How has Judith Derbyshire helped you?

Legal and procedural advice and intervention.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

I was quite satisfied with the service.

Review from verified client

October, 2016

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

Needed to have a will.

How has Judith Derbyshire helped you?

Everything is now sorted out to our satisfaction.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

Review from verified client

September, 2016

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

Have had an number of dealings with Judith:- revision of my wife and my wills, power of advocacy regarding my father, revision of his will, and later probate and administration of his estate.

How has Judith Derbyshire helped you?

In many ways :- through clear advice without "Jargon", patience and clear explanation, and efficiently dealing with all matters as required, and in an expedient manner.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes without doubt.

What could they have done better?

Nothing as far as I can tell. The only reason I marked price as "Good", i.e. mid range is that I have no knowledge of others charges. However I trust Judith & her staff totally, and have no doubt they provide a top quality service at a totally fair price, and this trust and quality of service is what matters most to me.

Review from verified client

August, 2016

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

Our father died suddenly and unexpectedly. A friend of our family recommended Judith Derbyshire so we made a telephone call to book an appointment. This was a difficult time for us all, dealing with the loss of our father and not knowing what to do next. From the moment we spoke to Judith and her colleagues, we felt reassured by the advice given to us.

How has Judith Derbyshire helped you?

Judith and her colleagues were kind, compassionate, respectful and professional at all times. They were in regular contact with us and worked quickly to process our claim.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes! They were excellent.

What could they have done better?

The service we received was excellent.

Review from verified client

June, 2016

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

I needed help with submitting probate and tax forms for both my parents.

How has Judith Derbyshire helped you?

Judith and her team were able to advise on the correct way to proceed with submitting tax and probate forms for both my parents in a complicated situation where an outdated trust was still in force. I had previously consulted two different solicitors, both specialists in this field, and both of whom had given completely differing advice. I found it essential to instruct true experts, which Purely Probate have proved to be, and I have had complete confidence in the advice given and the work completed..

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

Review from verified client

May, 2016

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

My wife and I needed to completely revise and update our existing wills.

How has Judith Derbyshire helped you?

Judith was excellent - clear, patient and knowledgeable. The work was done quickly and without fuss.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing to improve on at all

Review from verified client

November, 2015

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

My father's death. My sister's divorce.

How has Judith Derbyshire helped you?

Very efficient, timely advice including assistance with complex trust issues and imlplications outside of the UK.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. All satisfactorily completed.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Exemplary service from a great team. Very understanding and empathetic. Helped us find solutions to complex issues.

Review from verified client

October, 2015

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a legal adviser?

My husband & I needed to make new wills. We have an adult son with a complex range of special needs & needed advice about setting up a trust fund.

How has Judith Derbyshire helped you?

Judith was extremely helpful - totally professional yet very friendly & sympathetic.. We have already highly recommended her to other family members.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

With Judith's help & advice, we were able to complete our wills in just 2 visits including setting up provision for our son with special needs. Her booklet 'After I have gone' covers everything grieving families need to know. My daughter was really impressed with it & immediately asked if I could buy her a copy!.

What could they have done better?

I cant think of any way Judith could improve her service - sorry!

Review from verified client

March, 2015

How has Judith Derbyshire helped you?

Judith and her team at Purely Probate dealt with the estates of both my parents, who died within 9 months of each other in their 80s in 2013 & '14. They provided an absolutely fantastic service, which was just what we needed as my brother and myself were going through so much. They made things so simple, they were always there for us, and worked tirelessly to get everything tied up - which was no easy task. And on top of all this, the value for money for their service was outstanding. I will be wholeheartedly recommending Judith and Purely Probate to all.

What could they have done better?

Nothing they could have done better, they were perfect as far as I am concerned.

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Judith Derbyshire helped you?

There was so much to understanding in making a Will. Judith talked us through every scenario possible and my husband and I were both very impressed that the whole procedure from our first meeting with her to the signing of our Wills took just one week. We can rest easy now and thoroughly recommend this lady.

What could they have done better?

I really don't think she could have given us better advise. We are more than satisfied.

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Judith Derbyshire helped you?

Judith & her team took on the time consuming task of sorting probate following my mothers death. It has all gone exceptionally smoothly and progress notified to me either by phone call or email all the time

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Judith Derbyshire helped you?

Excellent service. Practical, sensible, friendly and professional.

What could they have done better?

I can not think of any deficiencies

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Judith Derbyshire helped you?

We found Judith to be extremely helpful in making our Wills. We were guided through the whole process in a smooth and efficient manner. We felt that Judith had an excellent grasp of our needs as well as being able to help us understand some of the more intricate legal terms involved.

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Judith Derbyshire helped you?

Judith has been a pleasure to deal with and made the process of writing a will far easier than we expected. Her experience, knowledge and expertise were invaluable and we would highly recommend her.

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Judith Derbyshire helped you?

Fantastic, swift and helpful advice. A long process made considerably easier

What could they have done better?

Can't think of any!

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Judith Derbyshire helped you?

I have no hesitation in recommending Purely Probate. Judith and her team provided a professional, efficient, prompt and friendly service. We had every confidence in the helpful and sound advice that was given to us.

What could they have done better?

As it was the best solicitor experience my husband and I have had I have nothing to add in this section.

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Judith Derbyshire helped you?

Judith is utterly professional, thorough, dependable and candid. I would have no hesitation in recommending her services.

What could they have done better?

I am thoroughly satisfied. No complaints.

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Judith Derbyshire helped you?

Judith Derbyshire at Purely Probate explained every aspect of making our wills superbly. My husband and I made our respective, and sometimes complicated, wills with great ease following the advice and guidance from Judith. We would highly recommend her services to those that have not yet made, or amended, their wills.

What could they have done better?

As great care and attention was made in the making of our wills, we do not believe the service we received could have been done better. We were very well prepared with all the information required for the writing of our wills, so perhaps a constructive suggestion would be to recommend a list of essential pieces of information be prepared by clients prior to the commencement of starting to write their wills.

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Judith Derbyshire helped you?

My wife and I arranged our wills with Judith. It's a very difficult subject, but one we knew we had to deal with. I have 3 step-children and a 9 year old son. Judith led us sensitively through the formalities, and we are now much more relaxed knowing that we have taken care of a lot of things should the worse happen. I am actively recommending her to all when the subject arises.

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Judith Derbyshire helped you?

Judith has advised my husband and I and three other elderly relatives and friends about changing our wills and setting up Powers of Attorney, and she has then acted on our behalves. She has been clear and thorough and has ensured that every step has been understood by all of us. She has been careful to ensure that each person has made their own decisions and that their choices have not been coerced by any other individual(s). Her manner is sympathetic and professional and I would have no hesitation in recommending her services to anyone.

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Judith Derbyshire helped you?

Efficient, knowledgeable , good communicator and reasonable charges

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Judith Derbyshire helped you?

The experience was positive in every way. No complaints at all. The service is efficient, well organised and reliable.

What could they have done better?

Nothing that I'm aware of.

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Judith Derbyshire helped you?

I couldn't thank Judith enough for the time and effort she has put in to making sure we got the best result possible from our situation. They (Purely Probate) took care of everything - from becoming Administrators to my Father's Estate, to making Wills for my brothers and I. The advice we have been given has been invaluable, and I would thoroughly recommend Judith and the team at Purely Probate to anyone.

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Judith Derbyshire helped you?

The experiance with Judith has been extremely positive, her professionalism and due dilligence has also been of utmost satisfaction, i would highly recommend her services

What could they have done better?

I honestly have no criticism whatsoever , very professional and thorough.

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Judith Derbyshire helped you?

Quick, efficient, personable, unpressured.

What could they have done better?

Increase the biscuit count.

Judith's reply

Thank you Brian