Gilbert Stephens LLP

This firm acted as the executors in dealing with the estate of a friend, unfortunately, the experience has been extremely disappointing. The estate consisted of one property and some bank accounts, yet after more than 2½ years, it is still not fully resolved. Communication has been very poor throughout, and we have repeatedly had to chase for updates and answers. The sale of the property was also handled very badly. The initial valuation arranged by the firm was significantly overestimated, which resulted in the property failing to sell and an earlier offer being rejected. The property was eventually sold for considerably less than the original valuation (and the earlier offer). The delays and the handling of the property sale have also had a financial impact on the estate. The longer the estate has remained unresolved, the more it has cost the estate. What has been particularly frustrating is the lack of communication and their apparent unwillingness to take any responsibility when things have gone wrong. As executors, we expected them to act efficiently and in the best interests of the estate. Overall, a very disappointing experience. Therefore based on our experience, I would 100% avoid using this firm for probate.

James Leo (solicitor) dealt with the Estate of our late father very efficiently. We also used the Ottery St Mary branch for the house sale. Both solicitors worked well together.

We had a nightmare experience trying to tie up a trust account and sell a 1-bed leasehold flat. No work was ever carried out unless we constantly chased them. We felt we had to completely micromanage Nikolas Barnes just to get anything done. He was forever off on holiday, training days, or offering various other excuses. Worse still, his emails were consistently riddled with basic spelling mistakes, showing an absolute lack of care. Because of this firm's total lack of urgency combined with the horrendous management company assigned to the flats (FirstPort), we lost two sales. We finally finalised a deal with a third buyer at a significant financial loss. The entire process was exhausting and deeply unprofessional. Save yourself the headache, run a mile rather than spend a single second considering them. STAY WELL CLEAR.

Me boy is still with the GPS and is so happy thanks to your quick thinking am eternally gratefully thank u sir

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Mark Richard Arden

I have used Gilbert Stephens a few times previously and had extremely efficient service in the past - as freeholders of different property we deal with various solicitors, however upon dealings with Xanthe Worth we were so very impressed with how she handled a sale for a leaseholder we were in contact with, we asked her if she would act on our behalf when selling property. Generally these days, no one has any time to spare, however the service we received from Xanthe was absolutely faultless. She has acted with complete professionalism, competence & expertise during the sale process and gave important feedback along the way. Xanthe has gone over and above in every way, she has kept us fully up to speed during the sale, nothing has been too much trouble, the level of service that she has afforded us has been so reassuring - we want to say a huge thank you to Gilbert Stephens and especially Xanthe Worth as her attention to detail, expertise & kindness has been wonderful - thank you so much Xanthe - Katie Tree