Legal Chat UK

In this episode, Rebecca Massam talks about Alternative Dispute Resolution in Family Law Matters.

Rebecca answers some of the most commonly asked questions such as: 

• What is Alternative Dispute Resolution or ADR? 
• What are the different Alternative Dispute Resolutions available in family law?
• What is mediation?
• What happens at mediation? 
• What is collaborative law and how does it work in practice? 
• How long will the collaborative process take?
• How do I know if these alternative dispute resolution methods are right for me?

Rebecca is a partner in the family department at Warners Solicitors.

In this episode, David Cooper talks about Lasting Powers of Attorney, also known as LPAs. 

David answers some of the most commonly asked questions such as: 

• What is a Lasting Powers of Attorney? 
• What is the difference between a Lasting Power of Attorney and an Enduring Power of Attorney? 
• Who can be my Attorney’s and does it have to be a professional? 
• What happens if I do not have a Lasting Powers of Attorney and I lose capacity?

David is a solicitor in the private client department at Warners Solicitors.

In this episode, Martin Terrell discusses the Court of Protection. 

Martin is a well-known and acknowledged expert in Court of Protection matters. He is recognised as a leading individual in this field by both legal directories, The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners. Martin has lectured and written extensively on Court of Protection and elderly client matters. 

In this episode, Martin gives his insight into what it's really like working with the Court of Protection. He also discusses the highs and lows of working with individuals who have lost mental capacity and how he deals with difficult relatives.

In this episode, Gail Hall looks at how we can all prepare for older age. 

It can be a costly business getting old if you are in declining health. No government for the last decade has had the appetite for getting to grips with the mounting cost of social care, so the cost of paying for your care could be down to you. Gail discusses the options that are available to you, including the little-known 'attendance allowance' benefit.

There are lots of steps that you can take now to make things easier for you and your family. This is especially true if you are not married and you live with your partner. In some cases, your house may be sold to pay for your care fees, and your partner could end up homeless.

In this episode, Aneesha Dhami discusses Wills. Aneesha explains why it is important to have a Will and what will happen to your estate if you die without having a Will in place. 

She talks about how having a Will allows you to appoint guardians for your children and helps you make the most of any Inheritance Tax exemptions that may apply.

Aneesha discusses the downside of using DIY Wills or an unregulated Will writer. She also talks about the implications of getting a divorce and what impact this has on your Will.

In this episode, Fiona Taylor, Senior Associate with Warners Solicitors, discusses probate.

Fiona explains what probate is and the different approaches taken depending on whether the deceased has left a Will or if they have died intestate. She describes the various stages that are involved, from applying for probate to the distribution of the assets.

She discusses why some people choose to administer the estate themselves and why some people instruct solicitors either for the whole process or for a part of it. 

Fiona also talks about Inheritance Tax. She describes who is responsible for paying it and by when and the fines that can be issued if the deadlines are not met.

In this episode, Simon Garner discusses Inheritance Tax and Declarations of Trust.

Simon explains what Inheritance Tax is and who’s responsibility it is to pay it. He also describes how most estates don’t fall within the Inheritance Tax threshold because they can make use of certain exemptions and reliefs. 

Simon discusses the three main areas where clients reduce the amount of Inheritance Tax that may be due on their estates, including Wills, donating to charities and giving gifts.

In this podcast, Simon also discusses Declaration of Trusts. He describes the circumstances where they can be used and why clients might want to make one.