*Based in Southwark.  Also covering the London boroughs of Lambeth, & Wandsworth*

A F Hill is a different kind of solicitor. Different because we really do care about our clients and their wellbeing. Different because we offer experienced personal legal advice, with a modern and friendly approach, more personable. Different because we see things from your position, to help take the stress out of dealing with legal matters without it being too complicated.

1. Wills

The only way to ensure that wishes are carried out after death is to leave a will. If a person dies without a will in place, the law currently dictates how the estate is to be distributed which can cause unwanted results. It is also important that, having made a will, it is kept under regular review to ensure that the will takes into account changing family circumstances.

We are able to assist with the drafting of a will, whether the affairs are straightforward or more complex. We are also able to advise on the use of wills as an effective tax planning tool and, as to the inclusion of trusts within a will where appropriate.

2. Living Wills

A living Will is a written statement where you may personally set out which treatments you feel you would, or wouldn’t wish to receive if you were to lose mental capacity.  It is not legally binding but health professionals are required to take these wishes into account when deciding your treatment.  A living Will may be made verbally but a written document is preferable.

3. Power of Attorney

Whilst everyone is aware that they should perhaps make a Will, little (if any) thought is given to preparing for unforeseen events which could happen during your lifetime.

Consider what would happen if you were perhaps incapacitated due to an accident or you had a stroke and were unable to express yourself. Perhaps you are struggling to sign cheques or are going abroad for a period of time.

If you wish someone you trust to be able to deal with your finances and deal with your property you may execute a Power of Attorney. This document could be limited to allow your appointed ‘Attorney’ to be able for example to deal with a house sale if you are abroad or sign cheques on your behalf. It may only be used in the way you specify and whilst you retain your mental capacity.

There are two types of Lasting Power of Attorney – one deals with your financial matters and property and the other deals with personal and welfare decisions.

4. Probate and Administration of Estates

What is probate?

In the UK, when a person dies, their assets are frozen. These can only be accessed by the deceased's Personal Representative (PR) who administers theirs estate. PRs can be appointed in a Will. Where this is the case, they are officially known as the Executors. If there is not a valid Will, the PRs are known as Administrators and there are rules determining who may take on this role.

5. Court of Protection Applications

If someone is mentally incapable of making a particular decision at a particular time and they have not made a Lasting Power of Attorney or an Enduring Power of Attorney the Court of Protection can be applied to and it will either make the decision itself or it will appoint a Deputy to make those decisions which the individual is unable to make.

What does the Court of Protection do?

The Court of Protection makes decisions for people who are unable to do so for themselves. It can also appoint someone (called a deputy) to act for people who are unable to make their own decisions. These decisions are for issues involving the person's property, financial affairs, health and personal welfare.

**Linley James Solicitors covers England and Wales, in particular London **

About Us:

Linley James Solicitors started in the summer of 2023. Craig Ward of Lundie (the principal solicitor) has been a solicitor for nearly 20 years. Prior to this he was the senior partner at another law firm.

The Much Hon. Craig Ward of Lundie is a regular speaker around the UK and internationally on mental capacity law and managing vulnerable adults. Before he qualified as a solicitor Craig worked for seven years for the Alzheimer's Society providing legal information to carers and other relatives.

Craig Ward of Lundie is a member of Society of Trust and Estate Planners (STEP) and the British Psychological Society. Craig has a psychology degree as well as legal qualifications. The firm has several consultants solicitors and experts to assist clients needs.

Services Provided Include: 

• Advising on adult abuse cases 
• Probate and contentious probates 
• Safeguarding vulnerable adults 
• Drafting Lasting Powers of Attorney (Personal and Business) 
• Deputyship applications to manage finances of someone lacking capacity 
• Advising on mental Incapacity law 
• Drafting wills and trusts 
• Court of Protection cases for people lacking capacity, abuse claims and disputes

We offer a free initial reviews of cases. This helps us advise on what might be the best course of legal action for clients. 

*Based in Waltham Forest.  Also cover the London boroughs of Barking, Havering & Redbridge*

Y Bacchus & Co Solicitors is a forward thinking firm that prides its self on offering practical and expert legal advice.

We have over 10 years' experience in Wills, Probate, Inheritance Tax Planning, Court of Protection work, Family Law and Conveyancing. We are sympathetic, approachable and responsive to our clients' needs and always strive to provide a high quality legal service in an efficient and cost effective manner.

We offer a wide range of services including:

• Elderly Client Services:
• Lasting Powers of Attorney
• Court of Protection Deputy Orders
• Registration of Enduring
• Powers of Attorney

• Wills and Codicils
• Emergency Wills
• Home and Hospital Visits
• Inheritance Tax Planning
• Probate/Probate Disputes
• Deeds of Variation
• Conveyancing

• Trusts
• Post & Pre Nuptial Agreements
• Separation Agreements
• Cohabitation Agreements

1. Wills

A Will is one of the most important documents that you will ever make. It is an effective way of protecting your family and your assets. We specialise in all aspects of Will Writing. Making a Will with us is uncomplicated and great value for money. If you are unable to come to our office, we can visit you in the comfort of your own home at a time convenient to you.

We appreciate that everyone's circumstances are different so we take time to give you advice on writing your Will so that you can make an informed decision what your requirements are. We then prepare a tailor made Will for you.

2. Lasting Powers Of Attorney

Have you considered who would manage your finances or personal welfare in the event that you were unable to make decisions for yourself?

Many people believe that their affairs will automatically be dealt with by their next of kin, but this is a fallacy. It is crucial that legally binding documents are put in place prior to losing capacity. This is achieved by making Lasting Powers of Attorney to appoint people you trust to deal with your affairs.

A Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal document where one person, known as the Donor, gives another person, known as an Attorney, authority to manage their affairs should they be unable to do so themselves.

The Attorneys have wide powers to deal with all aspects of the Donor's property and financial affairs and they will continue even after the Donor has lost mental capacity, so it is vital that you appoint people who are trustworthy and have the appropriate skills to deal with your affairs.

3. Probate

Probate or administration of estate is a term used commonly used to refer to the manner in which the people responsible for dealing with the deceased's estate carry out their duties.

A Grant (otherwise known as a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration) is a legal document granted by the Probate Registry, which confirms that the personal representatives have authority to deal with the assets in the deceased's estate.

All of the deceased's assets and liabilities have to be ascertained and valued. The assets less any liabilities are known as the estate.

If the deceased left a valid Will, then the executors appointed are the only people entitled to deal with the estate. They will need to apply for a Grant of Probate (if necessary) and can start dealing with the estate straightaway.

If there is no Will, then the estate will be administered in accordance with the Intestacy Rules and the deceased's spouse or nearest blood relatives, known as administrators, will need to apply for a Grant of Letters of Administration. They will have no access to the deceased's estate until they have obtained the Grant.

If the value of the estate is over £5,000 and the deceased left a valid Will, it may be necessary to obtain a Grant of Probate.

Where there is no Will then a Grant of Letters of Administration must be obtained.

Where the estate is £5,000 or less, it may be dealt with under the Small Estates Procedure.

Probate or administration of estate is a term used commonly used to refer to the manner in which the people responsible for dealing with the deceased's estate carry out their duties.

4. Conveyancing

Buying and selling a home can be one of the most stressful things you ever have to undertake. We offer an efficient and professional service to ensure that the transition goes as smoothly as possible.

Our service includes advice on:

• Purchasing a freehold or leasehold property

• Selling a freehold or leasehold property

• Re-mortgaging

• Declaration of Trust of Property

• Transfers of equity

We can help with all of these issues. For a free no obligation quotation, please telephone us on 0208 524 9111 or complete the online Contact Form.

 Y Bacchus & Co Solicitors can provide you with specialist help and advice at short notice.

5. Inheritance Tax & Trusts

For help and guidance with all matters relating to inheritance tax and trusts please contact us.