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People often make incorrect assumptions about what will happen to their Estate if they die without a Will and don’t necessarily appreciate how some of the stress of dealing with the death of a loved one can be alleviated if there is a well drafted Will in place.
The prospect of sitting down to draft a Will is, for some, a daunting prospect and, as a result, a task that is often put off. However, a properly drafted Will can ensure that your assets go to your chosen beneficiaries, that the Estate is administered by people of your choosing, that your children are looked after by people that you trust and that appropriate structures are put in place to protect beneficiaries where required.
We can advise on all aspects of Will drafting to include tax planning and trusts. We understand that in today’s society family structures and relationships can be complex. The Will can address any issues to ensure that our clients have the comfort of knowing that after their death their family are looked after.
There may also be issues of a second marriage and a wish to provide security to a spouse but to protect children from a previous relationship, a vulnerable or disabled beneficiary where a trust may be appropriate, complex assets across differing jurisdictions, the possibility of mitigating the payment of tax.
You may also want to consider including Digital Assets in your Will, as we live much of our day to day lives online, and some assets may have a significant sentimental or financial value attached to them, which you will want to pass onto your loved ones.
All such issues, and many more, can be fully discussed and the available options explained in plain English. Please contact one of our team today to see how we can help.
Laceys can also help with contentious wills, probate, estates and trusts acting for beneficiaries, executors and trustees. Please click here for more information.
Take our short questionnaire to find out what would happen to your estate (your money, property and possessions) if you died without a Will.
Direct dial: 01202 755999
“Joe was superb and we would not hesitate in recommending her or using her services again.”
“Joe managed to put my incoherent notes and thoughts into a straight forward readable legal document with the minimum of fuss. This was done in a professional and friendly manner for which I thank her. I have already recommended a friend. She was excellent. Thank you. ”
“Matters dealt with, with confidence in confidence - thank you.”
“Laceys is a highly professional, easily accessible firm of Solicitors who put you at your ease and instil confidence.”
Joe joined Laceys Solicitors in 2018 from a well-respected local firm. Joe qualified as a solicitor in 2002 training and working in the Thames Valley until she moved to Dorset in 2012. Joe is a member of the Society of Trusts and Estates Practitioners and specialises in all areas of Trust and Estate Administration, Tax Planning and in the preparation of Wills and Powers of Attorney. Joe enjoys all aspects of private client work and feels a particular sense of satisfaction when working together with a clients’ other professional advisors to provide a holistic response to life’s complex ups and downs.
Outside of the office Joe enjoys spending time with her family, appreciating the great outdoors and trying to keep up with her husband and two young children as they investigate the magnificent Dorset coastline! Some quiet time with a book and her cats is also always very welcome!
Direct dial: 01202 755218
“Matthew Crampton's communication skills were excellent from the beginning. He ascertained the requirement and prompted me in the execution of that requirement, as a consequence it was achieved in a timely and cost efficient manner.”
“Everything was professional and informative.”
“Matthew handled the writing of a will and setting up a lasting power of attorney in a very professional manner with good communication by post, phone and face to face.”
“Excellent service clearly explained. ”
Matthew is an Associate in Laceys Private Client team. His main areas of expertise include wills, lasting powers of attorney and administration of estates. Matthew has been working in this area of law since he qualified and has assisted a large number of clients.
Matthew qualified as a solicitor in 2012. He completed his Law Degree at the University of Sussex and the Legal Practice Course at Bournemouth University. Matthew completed his training contract at Morris Scott and Co. (now Kiteleys Solicitors) and also worked at Aldridge Brownlee Solicitors LLP before joining Laceys in September 2017.
Matthew prides himself on his approachable nature and enjoys assisting and supporting clients experiencing difficult circumstances following the death of a loved one.
Out of the office, Matthew enjoys spending time with his wife and two young sons. He is a big AFC Bournemouth fan having held a season ticket at Dean Court for many seasons.
Direct dial: 01202 755224
“Alix gave me very good advice about a Lasting Power of Attorney for Health and Welfare decisions which I did not know about and information on Capital Gains Tax, some aspects which were new to me.”
“Alix exceeded my expectations. I found her extremely knowledgeable. I would certainly recommend her to others, without hesitation.”
“Alix provided a very efficient professional experience whilst we were updating our Wills. Costs were provided up-front and full explanations were given during our meetings on matters that required consideration. Many thanks.”
“Very good and extremely helpful.”
Alix is a Solicitor in the Laceys Private Client Department and advises clients in relation to drafting their wills, power of attorneys and administering estates.
Outside of work she enjoys spending her free time with friends and family and going to exercise classes, and when more time permits, loves to travel!
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Direct dial: 01202 307866
“Laceys acted on behalf of my late uncle in what proved to be a quite complex administration of his estate. Matters that required resolving included the management of the realisation of this estate - which was made significantly more difficult due to certain assets being held outside of the British jurisdiction. Natasha Cross dealt with this estate in a very professional and timely manner and helped me out enormously in the discharge of my responsibilities of both executor and trustee whilst doing so.”
“I found Natasha Cross very patient and always helpful to me and my family in what has been a very difficult time for us all over the last eighteen months. ”
“I found the whole experience with Natasha Cross very professional and she explained everything in a way I could understand. She is an asset to Laceys and I wouldn’t hesitate to use them again for any legal work.”
“Natasha has always explained things clearly so that I understood the process and reasons behind what she was saying. I would highly recommend her to friends and family should they need any work doing.”
“It was an awful time for us as a family made so much harder by being abroad and such a long long way from home. Natasha and the team at Laceys were truly amazing. They took such great care to cover everything thoroughly and helped us through each step of what is a complicated journey. My fathers estate was not so difficult to understand but still, to have great expert advice and wise guidance through the process was very much appreciated. My wife and I will always be extremely grateful to Natasha and the Laceys team for their professionalism, support and kindness.”
“Natasha helped take all the pressure off me at a time when I was acting as an Executor of my friend’s Estate and at the same time dealing with my wife’s illness and subsequent death.”
Natasha is the Partner in charge of our Parkstone Branch and specialises in Wills and Probate and Lasting Powers of Attorney. Natasha joined Laceys in 1999 as a Trainee Solicitor and qualified in 2001, she has been working in her specialised area since her second year as a Trainee and has therefore acquired a very in depth knowledge of this area. Natasha has a Law degree from the University of Hertfordshire and her route to qualify as a Solicitor was through the Legal Practice course which she did locally at Bournemouth University. In addition to this she has completed several professional development courses in her field.
Before starting at Laceys, Natasha worked in the Legal department at Bournemouth Borough Council and prior to that gained experience in dealing with elderly client matters having been a financial officer for the Council, dealing with financial applications for residential care and during her holidays whilst studying Law at university she was a care assistant in care homes and also a home help in the community.
One of her specialisms is making use of Trusts in Wills for couples to shelter assets from residential care fees or to ensure that children from a first marriage are guaranteed to inherit from their parents Estate should mum or dad die and want to benefit their new spouse under the terms of their Will.
Away from work Natasha enjoys taking her wheaten terrier Ruby on long walks by the sea and spending time with friends and family.
Direct dial: 01202 307861
“I was very impressed by the manner in which Lee and his secretary dealt with me during a difficult period following the loss of my mother.”
“I was extremely happy with the level of service provided by Lee in relation to the preparation of my new Will, and I believe that Lee is everything that a good solicitor should be.”
Lee is an Associate Solicitor in our Private Client department and advises clients in relation to Will drafting, Administration of Estates, Trusts and Estate Planning, and Powers of Attorney.
Lee is an Affiliate Member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and he has been awarded Advanced Certificates in the Administration of Estates and in the Administration of Trusts.
Outside of work Lee’s interests include cricket, kayaking, natural history and photography.
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Direct dial: 01202 755981
“We have had the pleasure of Kate’s sensitive and unwavering professional support for a number of years. She has always been able to combine her deep expertise, with practical context and a tone of voice that gently escorts you through, often difficult decisions. We could not recommend Kate highly enough, both professionally and personally.”
“Kate was extremely knowledgeable, straightforward to deal with as well as sympathetic during what was a difficult time. I felt in good hands!”
“We were treated with respect and felt our wishes were taken in consideration. The patience shown in helping us understand the implications of decisions was outstanding.”
“Very efficient and welcoming. Understood my access requirements and my unique concerns thoroughly.”
“Mrs Mansfield has been exemplary in every respect. She is an excellent listener and has the ability to explain complex issues patiently and emphatically. We are fortunate in having her as our legal adviser.”
Kate is head of our Private Client Team and has 25 years’ experience in private client work, specialising in wills, tax planning and estate administration. Kate has worked in this area since she qualified and has assisted thousands of families and individuals.
Kate qualified as a solicitor in 1995 after obtaining a 2.1 in Law from the University of Kent. She completed her training contract with Laceys and became a partner in 2002.
Kate is a full member of the Society of Estate and Trust Practitioners (STEP) and sat on the STEP committee for 6 years. She has also taught on the Legal Executives course at Bournemouth & Poole College.
Kate enjoys the personal side of the work and the satisfaction of assisting the bereaved and families with complex affairs, whether it be complex financial aspects or those where a diplomatic hand is required. She prides herself on being able to explain the legal position in plain English.
Out of the office she enjoys keeping fit. She enjoys going to the gym and getting out into the Dorset countryside on her road bike. Cooking, particularly baking, is also a passion.
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Direct dial: 01202 755210
“I was very happy with Beverley Randall and if it was out of 10, I would mark 20!”
“Very helpful, understanding, kind, nothing to much trouble. Have told friends how good everyone is!”
“We felt totally relaxed from beginning to end and were very happy with the way Beverley dealt with our business and would definitely return if necessary.”
Beverley is part of Laceys Private Client team, specialising in will preparation, lasting powers of attorney and administration of estates for probate.
Beverley enjoys the personal aspect of her work, helping people overcome bereavement and making the best out of often difficult, emotional circumstances. She deals with clients from all walks of life, and remains down to earth at all times, removing the legal jargon so clients understand their situations.
Having recently had a baby, Beverley has very little spare time, but she is still a fan of F1 Racing and retains her love of shopping, films and holidays in the sun!
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Direct dial: 01202 755983
“Mrs Pearce helped me whilst going through my grief and explained everything in simple language and with sympathy and understanding.”
“Making a Will was not on the top of my "to do" list as I found the thought of it fairly daunting. But when I eventually contacted Laceys Solicitors the whole process from beginning to end was so easy. I felt totally supported by Deborah Pearce and was grateful for her professionalism, kindness and efficiency. The whole atmosphere at Laceys is very caring, friendly and comfortable. I highly recommend them.”
“Mrs Pearce was always helpful, pleasant to deal with and professional.”
Deborah is a Chartered Legal Executive who has worked in the Private Client department at Laceys for over 18 years.
Deborahs journey to Laceys started in 1985 when she qualified as a FILEX. She then undertook her Associateship in Taunton and completed her Fellowship in Poole. Aside from a couple of years in Gibraltar, Deborah then gained valuable experience working for various local firms in their private client departments before joining Laceys in 2000.
She specialises in all areas of private client work, wills, powers of attorney, tax planning, Court of Protection, administration of estates, NHS Continuing Care, welfare benefits and all issues related to the elderly and infirm. She finds this area of law quite holistic – it is not just a matter of applying rules and regulations but organising a client’s affairs in such a way that they are made easier and clearer during what can be a very emotional and upsetting time. Her work requires a very good and patient listening ear, bedside manner and sometimes a sense of humour but still achieving the client’s objectives on time.
When time permits she enjoys reading, cooking and relaxing by the Christchurch River but only when the sun shines! Travelling is a great hobby but there is never enough time to visit all. She has four stepchildren, four grandchildren plus a nephew and niece who help keep her busy at home!
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