Tuesday 02 October 2012 by John Hyde

Over-50s holiday specialist Saga this week confirmed its long-awaited move into the provision of legal services.

The company, with access to a database of more than eight million people, will offer wills and estate planning, probate and conveyancing services designed for customers in its existing market.

Saga, which has made an application to be an alternative business structure (ABS), will share fees with a small selection of panel firms selected for each practice area.

The new Saga Legal Essentials package will also offer unlimited legal advice, an online standard will and £100,000 of legal cover. The basic package starts at £30 for existing customers and £45 for others.

Saga is expected to launch a marketing and awareness campaign in the coming months emphasising that it can provide a more specialised service for older clients.

Parabis, which was granted ABS status in August, will be the company's partner for wills and probate matters. Saga has agreed deals with two conveyancers to join its panel, with more expected to join later.

Karen Brenchley, Saga's director of business development, said: 'There is no risk to having third parties - it is something we have throughout our services.

'It's all about due diligence and making sure our partners work to the same standards. There will be careful monitoring of that.'

Clients will also receive a discount on legal services if they take up legal expenses insurance with the company. Saga intends to build its current legal services offering for the moment but has not ruled out extending to other areas of law in the future.