LAW
Trust – Andrew Steel heads up the wills , probate and trusts team at Punch Robson Solicitors .
encourage it , primarily because it ’ s sensible for them to be kept under review .
“ There ’ s nothing that beats sitting in front of a solicitor who has a wealth of experience ,” said Andrew .
“ One who can forge a bond with you and can act in your best interests , making alterations when your circumstances change .”
Annaliese added : “ It ’ s actually the things that clients don ’ t say that is important . You can read people ’ s body language when they ’ re sitting in front of you .
“ Yes , wills can be made online , but who knows if a person is then under pressure from family members to make certain decisions and , as already mentioned , choosing a solicitor also means that wills can be kept under review and changed if needed .
“ Our team are also the best people to know of the exemptions available and the loopholes which are a way of enabling continuance as a whole . As such they will be able to structure your wills to take advantage of this .” It ’ s not only your passing that could impact the future of your family and your business , as Andrew points out .
“ Losing capacity due to dementia , for example , may mean that an application has to be made to the Court of Protection to choose who looks after your affairs ,” he said .
“ You can avoid this by making a Lasting Power of Attorney ( LPA ), taking back the power and choosing your own attorneys who you trust to handle your business assets in a seemly manner .
“ This is arguably even more important with a business when it ’ s advisable to choose someone who is regulated , or who understands your business and who can enable management functions to continue and bills and staff to be paid .
“ This can come into play when you need protection from a detrimental effect on the business if you lose capacity and you need to make a dignified exit – something which we can also help with .”
Estate planning is something Punch
New recruit – Annaliese Barber , who is both an experienced solicitor and notary public dealing with both personal and large commercial and corporate companies , has joined Punch Robson Solicitors .
Robson treats with a holistic approach , ensuring that decisions are suitable to protect the whole family .
Andrew explained : “ Some people chose to do separate business and personal LPAs , and that ’ s fine .
“ We are here to ensure you are protected in whichever way is best for you .”
In the event that the situation has gone too far to enable the provision of an LPA and an application to the Court of Protection is needed , the wills , probate and trusts team at Punch Robson can offer their support .
Annaliese said : “ Court of Protection work can be a very long and expensive process , but we have huge expertise – both in our team and throughout the Punch Robson firm as a whole .
“ What we would really like is to try to avoid this , however , by encouraging people to plan ahead now .”
Andrew added : “ Some of our clients are understandably not in the best mindset when they are dealing with bereavement .”
Annaliese said : “ There ’ s lots of heightened emotion , but after many years in practice , we know when someone needs an arm around the shoulder or they need us to be strong . “ We are all human and our clients may need to feel reassurance from us . But you know , I couldn ’ t imagine doing anything else . When I get a hug or a thank you card it ’ s just so rewarding .
“ Whether you are of modest means or the head of a big corporation , we give the same service . We ’ re here to help .”
Find out more about Punch Robson and its services at punchrobson . co . uk .
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