I'm trying to reach my Mum

How can a lawyer continue to go on and on about Wills, marriage cancelling Wills, Contentious Probate and getting advice as early as possible, even when she's not working, she's taking a break, or she doesn't even offer that area of law personally?

Well, it's part of a legacy, you see.

And some years ago, while chatting freely with someone who was listening, really listening, I had the a-ha moment when I said the words "I'm trying to reach my Mum."

I realise that you, whoever you are, are not my Mum.

My Mum was a very specific person, and I feel we had a special relationship.

However, if you're a parent who's become part of a blended family, if you're a person who would if they were aware, be concerned about giving to a partner freely on death if that meant your estate could end up with people you haven't even met, if you're a person who has priorities in terms of who should control and benefit from your assets when you're gone, then you represent my Mum.

So, when I go on and on about Wills, I'm trying to reach you.

It's true that I don't always do all the work myself.

When someone needs a simple Will, or a Will with an element of protection by way of the life interest, I'm your woman. If you need a Discretionary Trust or have complex requirements, then I'll identify the need and suggest you go to a fellow professional.

Part of my family's exasperation with lawyers when I was a little girl and none of my Mum's estate came my way, was that lawyers charged their fees while achieving nothing financially. This means that I promote the idea of people discussing fixed fees with their lawyers, where appropriate.

And it certainly is appropriate when discussing Probate services, which happen after someone has died. Probate work is very predictable by nature, and once a specialist has listened to what there is and what needs to be done, they should be able to provide a fixed fee quotation for a family to rely on.

Obtaining the Grant is a specific outcome, and can be achieved for a specific price. And dealing with the full estate administration, which is a far more involved service, will attract a very different price. You need to be aware, to have the conversation about both options.

Now, let's be clear, when there's a dispute, and things become contentious, that's what I call a super specialist area of law, called Contentious Probate services. I don't deal with that personally, but I know a good number of lawyers who do, and because of my personal experience, I'm picky about who I connect people with.

I like people to be able to have a free chat about their situation, without worrying about unexpected fees. I personally like to receive punchy advice, delivered with sensitivity, but I like the advice itself to be clear and not wishy washy.

Sometimes there's a need for a specialist professional who is used to liaising with lawyers in other jurisdictions, and I am mindful of that being a particular skillset.

Please, when you feel you have a question, or something you'd like to clarify before moving forward with an adviser, please feel you can run anything past me. I do genuinely feel it's part of my Mum's legacy.

What people close to me know, is that I don't like to be too busy all the time. I like that when I take on work personally, I can focus on it, do it superbly well and deliver as much value as is humanly possible. And then I can enjoy time with my family.

And that's why my team is bigger than just me. It's a wider team than my own firm. I partner with other firms so that you get the very best service that's available, at the best legal fees possible, to achieve the very best outcome for you and your family.

Give me a call and share what's on your mind. My office line is 01727 840 240 (option 3 for me) or you can contact me via email on [email protected] and we can set up a time to chat.

Don't be shy.