EDWARD HANDS & LEWIS LIMITED

Would give zero stars if I could. I am writing this on behalf of a family member. It has taken around 15 months to finish probate and closure of estate. Zero communication, constant chasing from our side. Constantly being told she (the solicitor) would get back to us within a time frame, which she never kept. Constantly told too busy to talk to us, as she was busy with other clients. Misinformation, was told paper work was ok to be signed remotely, only to be told, by the same person, that it needed to be in person.
Made excuses for reasons of delay, unfortunately she could not keep her lies straight, multiple reasons for why estate not closed in a timely manner, often within the same fortnight.
Bear in mind, this was not a multi million pound estate, it was a moderate house with a small financial left over from the funeral.
Made an emotional time needlessly distressing, drawn out and left with a feeling that she could not be bothered with us and just wanted to drag out the case to warrant her fee.
DO NOT USE IF YOU VALUE YOU TIME AND SANITY.
Please read the other reviews for this melbourne bench, as everyone seems to have the same problem.

I am echoing the sentiments of many others regarding the Melbourne branch. My late grandfather’s probate and estate matters were transferred to Edward Hands and Lewis, and the experience has been a nightmare.

The service was characterized by months of total silence and unexplained delays. Most distressing was receiving two red late payment letters from the funeral directors, despite the estate having ample funds. The funeral director even confirmed that this is a "regular occurrence" with this firm.

I had to trigger their formal complaints process twice just to get the basic work done. No apologies or explanations were ever provided for the stress caused. It made what is already a distressing difficult time even harder unnecessarily.

I strongly advise anyone looking for probate services to look elsewhere. Do not trust this firm with your family's affairs.

A total lack of empathy and professional competence. Truly disappointing.

DO NOT USE.!!!!!
Paid up front to do FATHERS WILL as would NOT take on otherwise.
Misleading information.
States on her profile that keeps clients fully informed all the time.
I was constantly chasing what was going on(spoke to receptionist more than her.)
Had approx 5/4 meeting with solicitor in 18 months .
ALL OF WHICH I HAD TO MAKE NOT ONCE DID SHE CALL TO ARRANGE UPDATES.
Sent emails got replies says with clients !!!! then had to chase again.
if she did anything did not inform me so I could tell her what I wanted doing ie with finances.
TOOK 18 MONTHS JUST TO GET PROBATE.kept being given excuses by solicitor (not the true reason )but found out truth from Probate office.
Did the rest of will changing names etc as could not trust to do.
Moved all other wills etc from this to another solicitors never wish to have dealing with EHL Melbourne ever again.
IF I COULD GIVE 0 STARS I WOULD

Do not use this firm (Melbourne office) for wills/probate. It took two formal complaints and nearly two years to settle my mother's very simple estate. A frustrating and deeply distressing experience. Avoid them if you can.

The worst solicitors I have ever dealt with I wouldn’t trust them to do a will ever again they did my mothers will when she had dementia and Alzheimer’s what an utter mess