WDS Associates LS Ltd - Bristol

Sean K. W.

Unprofessional and Disappointing Experience – Not Recommended

We engaged WDS to assist with the probate process for my late uncle’s estate. At first, the experience appeared positive—we agreed to their fees, and everything seemed to be moving in the right direction. The case itself was straightforward: my 81-year-old father is the sole beneficiary, so we anticipated a smooth and timely process.

However, we were soon informed that probate would take over a year, which, in the context of a simple estate, was entirely inaccurate. I made several attempts to follow up by phone, only to be met with evasive responses and a distinct lack of transparency. On one occasion, when I requested a call back from Debbie—the individual handling the case—I was curtly told, “No, email her.” I found this abrupt and dismissive response deeply unprofessional.

Due to growing concerns about the firm's conduct and lack of communication, we made the decision to terminate our engagement. We paid £120 to recover our documents and sought assistance elsewhere. We ultimately chose Wards, who have been exemplary—responsive, professional, and efficient. From the initial meeting to the anticipated conclusion of probate, the entire process is expected to take no more than three months.

In contrast, our experience with WDS was defined by poor communication, lack of care, and a general absence of professionalism. Based on our dealings with them, I would strongly advise others to look elsewhere for probate services.

Thomas F.

As a son of a beneficiary of an estate, I feel compelled to share our experience with WDS Associates Legal Services Ltd. Since the death of our relative in 2019, we have now been waiting for over four years for the completion of the estate distribution. The UK probate court had already issued a Grant of Probate in April 2020, but to this day, we have not received a complete account or the payout of the remaining inheritance.

In 2023, WDS informed us that there had been a fraud case involving a former employee. However, such an incident has no bearing on the obligation to distribute the estate to the beneficiaries. The way WDS handled this situation has been and continues to be extremely disappointing and frustrating for us. Public financial records show that WDS continues to operate – with a bank balance of nearly £200,000 and net assets of approximately £270,000.

To enforce our rights, we were forced to appoint both a German and an additional UK law firm – a significant effort and additional costs for us as a family living in Germany. The incomplete and lengthy estate accounting has also led to significant issues with the German tax authorities, who are requesting a full inheritance statement from us.

We would have greatly preferred if our relative had appointed a regulated law firm. The way things are currently proceeding, this was certainly not in her interest.

With this review, we hope to help others make a conscious and well-informed decision when choosing a service provider for estate administration.

Andrew T.

My mother died in 2014 leaving a will with WDS. Although one of three left property and other items in her will, only my father was allowed to take all. When I realised the sitatuation and began legal proceedings, I recieved calls from Lance who had nothing to do with her will warning me to drop all legal procedings. I have ignored him and finally after a year of dispute am finally getting what is owed. Shocked that WDS did not correctly distrubute my late mothers will correctly forcing me into a legal fight with my own father.

Liam G.

My Grandparents have been using WDS for their will and have done for many years. They always said how professional they have been.
I called the office and booked an appointment for my Gramps at home, very easy to book and offered lots of different availability to suit our needs.

Today Swayze (Great middle name) came for a home appointment to discuss a will WDS have stored, the kindness and professionalism again continued! Even remembered seeing an old car of my Grampys years ago in the garage - that made his day! Thank you.

Shannon C.

AVOID
AVOID! My previous true review was removed, so I will keep it simple! They are not regulated, they breach contract, by not providing the service they advertise for Will storage. They try to charge you, when you try to cancel their Will storage, due to their lack of providing the service advertised. Emails are not responded to, at least not the emails of complaint, seems they cherry pick what they want to respond to. I now have the stress of seeking my own legal action, against this unprofessional company

adrian N.

inept service, still waiting from 2023 for updated wills; spent an hour talking our revised needs with the rep who was more concerned with his dog which he had to leave in his car. With no trace of my chasers emails - surprise surprise. AVOID at all costs

mac T.

Shocking! My parents used this company of scam artists 10 years ago only to discover they never registered their power of attorney’s no not work the paper they are written on…. Sent official looking copies! Absolutely disgusting.

Pushy salesman! No compassion!

DO NOT USE

Paul S.

Had wills done many years ago when we lived in England. During the coming years we moved to Scotland and after a period of time we're made aware by WDS that the wills would be invalid in Scotland. We emailed and asked them to cancel our deal as the wills were not not worth the paper they were written on. After many months, WDS contacted us and offered to update our wills and would arrange a home visit( part of the package) appointment made, no show from WDS. No call no explanation at all, now they are sending us bills for a document they hold for us that is worthless, we have asked on many occasions to cancel, noting but letters demanding payments. Stay away, shocking service when you have an issue and no solution. Looking forward to their response and will be happy to share.
An amazing response, anyone thinking or dealing with these people should read the responses on Trust pilot. They said I missed the appointment and one of there staff waited an hour outside my property. Only to say below they would never make an appointment as we live to far from their offices.
Can you tell me why you have charged me for years when as you say, the asset we have in Scotland (where we now live) would not be covered. Charlie, you clearly lied about the visit which Is all covered on Trust pilot for everyone to read

Fast forward, we paid to get the wills that WDS were keeping for us(the ones that are worthless) we paid to end our contract with WDS. Only to receive a bill for for the Wills they keep 5 months after paying them. Please please do yourself a massive favour and stay away. They lie, and clearly have no idea who their customers are and just send bills out. I feel for some older people who these people will almost certainly be taking advantage.

Paul