A helping hand – Andrew Steel and Annaliese Barber of Punch Robson ’ s wills , probate and trusts team .
YOU ’ VE GOT THE POWER
Putting your personal wishes into effect now can protect your family and your business from upsetting legal issues in the future
PICTURES : CHRIS BOOTH WORDS : JULIE BURNISTON
Dealing with the future of our personal and business affairs is something that many of us choose to overlook – but it can cause devastation to those left behind following our passing , or if we become unable to make decisions due to incapacity .
The wills , probate and trusts team at Ingleby Barwick-based Punch Robson Solicitors are the experts when it comes to handling both simple and more complex cases with discretion and understanding .
“ Let ’ s face it , after a busy week at work , the last thing we want to do is sit down and think about our mortality ,” said Andrew Steel , a partner and head of the firm ’ s wills , probate and trusts team .
“ But taking an hour or two to plan for the future now can be cathartic and can give you peace of mind , knowing that you have taken care not only of your family , but of your business and your employees .”
Offering a full service personal and business package , Andrew and his team , including new associate solicitor Annaliese Barber , who is both an experienced solicitor and notary public dealing with personal clients and large commercial and corporate companies , take a realistic approach to planning for the future .
“ You would be shocked at the number of times we see people who have meant to make a will when their kids were young but have put it off , and now the children are in their thirties ,” said Annaliese .
“ Thinking about the future , about getting older , about our physical and mental health and even about our own mortality isn ’ t something that we look forward to doing – but having provision in place for these eventualities is vital – not only on a personal level , but for those who have the future of a company and its employees to consider .”
She added : “ The laws of intestacy haven ’ t changed since 1925 , which basically leaves inheritance down to government law . Making an appointment to see our team gives you back that control on both a personal and professional level .”
While many people think that making a will online will suffice , Annaliese and Andrew don ’ t
126 | Tees Business