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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.
Direct dial: 01202 377900
Laura is a Senior Associate in the Private Client team. She advises on a broad range of matters, including Wills, inheritance tax planning, Lasting Powers of Attorney, administration of estates, intestacies, advance decisions (living wills), lifetime gifting, declarations of trust, deliberate deprivation of assets, care fees planning and management of financial affairs.
Laura also provides advice in connection with Court of Protection applications for deputyships, advice on statutory wills, preparation of annual reports and advice on attorney or deputy gifting.
Laura is a full member of STEP and Solicitors for the Elderly.
Laura is passionate about helping people to organise their affairs and plan for the future. She is calm, friendly and approachable.
In her spare time, Laura enjoys spending time with her husband and two young children. She likes to travel and enjoys baking.
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Direct dial: 01202 377963
Alison is head of our Private Client team specialising primarily in Estate Administration and Powers of Attorney having undertaken private client work for over 25 years in the local area most recently heading up a very successful dedicated Probate team within a large corporate environment dealing with a wide range of estates and intestacies from the very straightforward to the more complex and high net worth estates.
Alison adopts a sympathetic and patient approach to a family’s needs at what can be a very emotional time. She prides herself on being efficient and professional but friendly and approachable at the some time.
Outside of the office Alison is married with a teenage daughter and enjoys cooking, reading, spending time with family and friends and foreign travel.
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Direct dial: 01202 377800
Jen is a Solicitor in the Laceys Private Client Department. Jen deals with the administration of Estates and also assists clients with the preparation and completion of Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorneys.
Outside of work, Jen enjoys spending time with her friends and family especially her nieces and nephews.
Direct dial: 01202 377889
Having completed a Law and Human Rights Degree (LLB) at the University of Essex in 2021, Tino joined Laceys in 2022. Tino qualified as a CILEX paralegal in 2023 and is training to qualify as a Legal Executive specialising in the Private Client area.
Tino provides individuals and families with legal advice on a variety of matters, including making or amending a Will, helping them with investments, administering estates, trusts, and powers of attorney.
Outside of work Tino loves to travel, spend time with her very large family and campaigning for different causes through her previous beauty pageant experiences.
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Direct dial: 01202 377860
“I wanted to thank you for all your patient help and the many meetings surrounding the creation of Dr. Jane Goodall's Will and Powers of Attorney. Given the many pressures, on her schedule, the Covid shutdowns and many other influences I know that this has been a prolonged process. However your personal attention to all aspects of this and your patience in chasing us for information etc. have made this a truly pleasurable experience.”
“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. ”
“Extremely professional service from Matt Crampton. His knowledge and experience, in collaboration with partners, was invaluable and saved the beneficiaries to the will a significant sum of money, in both inheritance tax and substantial care home fees. I would without hesitation recommend Matt and the services of Laceys Solicitors.”
“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.”
Matthew is a Partner 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 377808
“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 377853
“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.”
“Professional, always available for a phone enquiry. Always informed me as thing's progressed. Excellent company with very pleasant and helpful front of house. My sincere thanks.”
“Kate took the trouble to understand the particularities affecting my Will and found sensible ways of dealing with them.”
Kate is a Partner in 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 377820
“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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