Tag Archives: wills and probate

News

Expanding law practice issues warning as almost half of UK adults yet to write a Will

ALMOST half of adults in the UK have not written a will.  

A report by the National Will Register also revealed 42% have not spoken to anyone about what should happen to their estate upon their death.

This is a growing issue nationwide, which is why Mackenzie Jones Solicitors – based in St Asaph, Menai Bridge and Chester – has added prominent Wills and Probate lawyer Matthew Skeels to its award-winning team.

Originally from Pembrokeshire and now living in Wirral – an area where the company has experienced growth in past months – the University of Chester graduate urged people to consider making a will and securing a Power of Attorney document for peace of mind.

“The most important aspect of doing so is the security of knowing your family and loved ones will receive your property or possessions and be cared for financially,” said Matthew, who has worked in the sector for more than a decade.

“But also, to help you avoid probate or any conflict and to make plans for the future. That applies to Power of Attorney as well, so that if you were to become ill or unable to work, or unable to make medical or ‘life’ decisions for yourself, someone else you trust and arrange for can make them for you.

“To see such a large percentage of the population do not have these safeguards in place is quite alarming given how family dynamics and demographics have changes over the generations, so we encourage people to get in touch, even just for advice and guidance so we can point you in the right direction.”

He added: “Being part of the growing team at Mackenzie Jones is fantastic, and with my contacts and presence in the North West that’s an area we will be focusing on over the coming years, in all areas of the business.”

The National Will Register report – published in 2023 – also found just 25% of adults have made a “life folder” with will details enclosed and told someone about it; 49% of respondents said their parents had never discussed instructions or details of a will either.

For those who have not made a will, two in five said that they had not got around to making one yet, while almost a third felt they did not have enough to warrant making a will.

Among over 55s, three in 10 have not spoken to anyone on the subject and half of those are unlikely to in the future – a figure that increases to 58% across all age groups.

For more information, visit www.macjones.com or call 0800 328 4466.

Alternatively, follow Mackenzie Jones Solicitors on Facebook and LinkedIn at @macjoneslaw.

News

Law firm sees surge in drug driving and criminal cases during pandemic

A LAW firm experienced a surge in the number of drug driving and criminal cases during the pandemic.

David Jones, senior partner at Edward Hughes Solicitors, admitted he and criminal law colleagues at the Colwyn Bay and Rhyl-based practice have never seen anything like it in their combined 60 years’ working in the legal sector.

He believes drug driving is now “on a par and possibly more of a problem” than drink driving, a statement reinforced by recent figures from the Ministry of Justice, which revealed North Wales Police had the highest number of drug driving violations per capita across Wales and England in 2020.

In the same year, the Force recorded 1,307 drug driving arrests, and a reported one in 20 fatalities on UK roads can now be attributed to the offence.

“We have seen a massive rise in the number of drug driving cases in the past few years,” said David.

“It is now on a par and possibly more of a problem than drink driving in terms of the cases we have been involved in since the onset of the pandemic, which is unbelievable when you consider how rare it was just five or six years ago.

“In terms of set guidelines, it is still a relatively ‘new’ crime and from the statistics it continues to rise which is a concern.

“We have also attended more criminal cases which is very sad to see, but perhaps a reflection on the pressures and stresses on people now given financial constraints and other challenges.”

David explained many people are still unaware they are entitled to free legal advice at the police station before being questioned, if arrested for any offence, or that they can be advised in advance of an interview.

“That right extends across England and Wales and can be over the phone or in person,” he added.

“In some situations, such as speeding or other motoring offences, there can be mitigating circumstances or special reasons, such as exceptional hardship, so it is worth getting in touch to ensure you have support in place.

“We offer a fixed fee (subject to agreement) when an individual has to appear before a court, and most importantly our expert lawyers will guide you through the process as it can be very stressful, to secure the best possible outcome.”

For more information and to contact Edward Hughes Solicitors, call 01745 343661 or visit the website: www.qualitysolicitors.com/edwardhughes.

You can follow them on Twitter at @QSEH_Solicitors and via Facebook and LinkedIn.

News

Leading solicitor celebrates 30 years with North Wales law firm

ONE of the most prominent solicitors in North Wales is celebrating 30 years with a long-standing law firm.

David Jones has spent three decades with Rhyl and Colwyn Bay-based Edward Hughes Solicitors, which also marked a major anniversary recently – its 70th year in business.

David, from Denbigh, has seen many changes – including major technological advances since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic – and has represented thousands of people across the region in employment, personal injury, criminal and civil cases.

As he prepares to welcome daughter Ela to the practice as a paralegal, joining brother Ben, now a fully qualified solicitor, the 52 year-old reflected on his own time with the organisation.

“I wanted to be a lawyer from a very early age, it was the opportunity to help people and make a difference that really appealed to me,” said David.

“I did some work experience in Denbigh and just loved it, the people side of the job and the characters you would meet.

“I never would have imagined all these years later how different the role would be, it’s altered beyond recognition, but I am as determined and passionate as ever about the law.”

A former pupil at Ysgol Glan Clwyd in St Asaph, David went on to study at Liverpool University and Chester Law School before joining Edward Hughes Solicitors as a trainee in the early nineties.

“I knew I wasn’t interested in the corporate side of the law, despite it being more lucrative; I wanted to work in litigation and civil and personal injury claims, so I could try and make a difference to people’s lives,” he said.

“I did that, and business steadily grew until before I knew it, by the turn of the century I was asked to become a partner.

“It remains a huge honour and as an organisation we have always tried to do things the right way. Sadly, many legal practices in this area are not around anymore but we’ve managed to stay the course and remain at the forefront.”

He added: “Along the way there have been huge changes, from word processors and typewriters to the present day, when many solicitors are cocooned in their offices, and a lot of cases are held online.

“That has been a necessity because of the pandemic but it is one thing I miss, the interaction with colleagues and clients, the personal touch is vital for me because it is a big responsibility to represent someone – in defence or prosecution – because often a big part of their future is in your hands.

“Technology has brought things on a lot, but that’s not entirely a good thing. There have been a lot of cutbacks that have had a negative effect, especially on more vulnerable people, which is sad to see, and you get to spend less time with clients, but that’s where we are now and has to be accepted – the world has moved on.”

David now looks forward to another 10 years in the legal arena but admits it may then be time for a change.

“I’m looking forward to seeing where life takes me. Who knows what’s next? I have a lot of ideas, there are many things I would like to do and a lot I want to give back, so watch this space,” he said.

“I’ve been fortunate to work on some huge trials, represent hundreds and hundreds of people and work alongside many great staff here at Edward Hughes, it has been an honour.

“This can be an intense and intimidating job, but you have to get on with it. That’s ultimately why we are there and after 30 years my ethos is still the same, to try and help those who need it most.”

For more information and to contact Edward Hughes Solicitors, call 01745 343661 or visit www.qualitysolicitors.com/edwardhughes. You can follow them on social media at @QSEH_Solicitors.