Article published in Elderly Client adviser March/April 2010

As a solicitor specialising in Wills and Probate work I inevitably spend a large proportion of my time dealing with the elderly. As a firm our philosophy is to offer all our clients a rounded service in addition to focusing on the individual transaction or issues that the client may have consulted us about. It has become increasingly apparent that this is of prime importance when dealing with the elderly client market and our firm’s Wills Probate and Trusts department has spearheaded the development in our firm of applying this “holistic” approach.

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a document whereby you appoint a person or people to act upon your behalf in the event that you are unable to manage your financial property and affairs or make healthcare decisions. This article concentrates on LPAs applicable to your financial property and affairs.

This November, once again Bristol-based solicitors Wards were amongst a number of UK firms volunteering their time and skill to write free Wills. In return for waiving their fees, Wards were able to raise money for the 9 Will Aid charities. Their generosity, hard work and dedication has certainly paid off.

Shirley Marsland, Will Aid Campaign Manager said: “I am very excited to report that, for the first time ever, we have received over £1.2m in donations and Gift Aid. This is a marvellous achievement, which I know represents a huge amount of effort from all the solicitors who have taken part. But that’s not all. Will Aid Will makers have also pledged over £5m in legacies which will be a valuable support for the work of the charities in years to come. Thank you so much for all the help you have given Will Aid. The money you have raised will make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable people around the world”.

The Wills & Probate team at Wards, who carried out the work, are absolutely delighted at this achievement. Partner Jenny Pierce, said: “We have taken part in Will Aid for the last 4 campaigns and have raised over £20,000 in total. This year, to date, we raised £15,365, making this our most successful year yet by far.

Wards are delighted to have raised so much money for the Will Aid charities, helping to fund their vital work transforming lives here in the UK and around the World. We are also pleased that the campaign has encouraged so many local people to write their Will and therefore save families and loved ones from the strain of intestacy.”