Case Studies
See how we’ve used our unique combination of litigation, investigation and communications to deliver effective solutions to our clients.
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Wills & Probate
Case Study (A)
Wills & Probate Case Study (A)
Problem
We go out of our way to help vulnerable individuals. We received an enquiry from a lady sectioned under the Mental Health Act and living in a mental health hospital. She was suicidal and suffered severe anxiety and paranoia. She was worried she was going to die and wanted to sort a Will urgently. She was also married; her husband had left her, and contact had been lost.
What We Did
The team arranged an appointment with her that week visiting her in hospital to take instructions. Her marital situation was discussed, and she advised she wanted a divorce. We arranged for a colleague in the family department to make contact.
Her mental health deteriorated, however, the team stayed connected to ask how she was over a period of a few months building a relationship with her father.
Result
After several months of keeping in touch, her condition had improved, and she was in assisted living accommodation. We were able to discuss her Will over the phone.
Her new residence was a 40-minute drive from our office, we arranged to visit her to have the Will signed and witnessed for ease.
Departments Used
Wills & Probate, Family Law
Wills & Probate
Case Study (B)
Wills & Probate Case Study (B)
Problem
We act quickly when emergency situations arise. A current client contacted us from hospital regarding her LPA which we prepared in 2021. It was explained that the client’s attorney had stolen thousands of pounds from her bank account.
What We Did
We advised that it should be reported to the police and to the OPG.
The attorney was the wife of a close friend with the theft starting after the close friend – also appointed as attorney – had passed away. We advised that this was an abuse of her powers and that our client should revoke both the Property & Finance and Health & Welfare LPAs and arrange for new ones.
Result
On further investigation, we identified that this attorney was also a beneficiary and executor in our client’s Will. We treated this as an urgent matter, also liaising with the safeguarding team at the hospital, and visited her on the ward in the same week. We created new LPAs and a Will and arranged for her to sign all the documents the week after taking a colleague to witness this in hospital – this process ordinarily takes 2-3 weeks.
Payment is usually taken at these meetings, however, in these circumstances the client had her bank account frozen pending the police investigation, so we agreed to defer payment.
Departments Used
Wills & Probate
Wills & Probate
Case Study (C)
Wills & Probate Case Study (C)
Problem
We pride ourselves on offering a personal service. We were contacted by Sheffield City Council who advised that a gentleman had passed away in hospital. He had previously been a resident in council owned sheltered housing. They had gained entry to the flat and found a Will appointing us as executors.
What We Did
The deceased’s surviving family were unable to help with the estate as one lived in South Africa and two others, residing in the UK, were elderly and frail. We took responsibility for organising the deceased’s funeral and the disposal of his ashes in line with the wishes in his Will.
We visited his residence to ensure it was secure and collected important items to properly deal with the estate. We liaised with his family every step of the way with empathy and respect making them aware of how his estate was being managed.
Result
We are currently arranging for his remaining items to be disposed of and the property given back to the council.
Departments Used
Wills & Probate
