Author Archives: Samantha Downs
Do I need to obtain Probate?
Posted by Samantha Downs
Posted in: Wills and Probate
This is a question we get asked a lot. But before I answer this question, you need to know what Probate is. So, what is Probate? Probate is the legal word for describing the legal steps that have to be taken following someone dying. Broadly, this means collecting in the deceased person’s assets, paying their continue reading…
Did you hear Samantha Downs on BBC Radio Leicester talking about Lasting Powers of Attorney and the registration fee refunds?
Posted by Samantha Downs
Posted in: Wills and Probate
If the answer is no, then you can hear her by clicking this link – www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p05vt5rw. Sam can be heard from 1 hour 13 minutes in if you want to skip to her part. If you would like to know more about the registration fee refunds, Sam helpfully posted about it here – www.dodds-solicitors.co.uk/news/power-attorney-refunds/. If continue reading…
Power of Attorney Refunds
Posted by Samantha Downs
Posted in: Wills and Probate
It has recently been announced that if you registered your Power of Attorney between 1 April 2013 and 31 March 2017 you may be entitled to a refund of part of the registration fee. You can claim a refund if you are the person who made the Power of Attorney (the donor) or the person continue reading…
Team Dodds take part in the LOROS Full Steam Ahead
Posted by Samantha Downs
Posted in: Uncategorized
Yesterday, a team of eight of us and two dogs took part in the LOROS Full Steam Ahead event. We walked 5 miles from Great Central Railway Quorn Station to Rothley Station where we caught a train back to Quorn where we were treated to a hog roast. I’m sure I speak on behalf of continue reading…
Local solicitor warns changes to powers of attorney may leave older and vulnerable at risk
Posted by Samantha Downs
Posted in: Wills and Probate
Local solicitor, Samantha Downs from Leicester issues warning following FCA’s call to turn lasting powers of attorney (LPAs) fully digital Proposals would remove the need for a physical ‘wet signature’ Solicitors say this could lead to a drastic increase in cases of financial abuse Local solicitor Samantha Downs from Dodds Solicitors LLP based in Leicester continue reading…
Local solicitor defends lasting powers of attorney
Posted by Samantha Downs
Posted in: Wills and Probate
• Local solicitor, Samantha Downs from Dodds Solicitors LLP, has defended lasting powers of attorney • This follows comments from a former senior judge that power of attorney orders are open to financial abuse • But national group Solicitors for the Elderly says with the right advice, powers of attorney can act as important safeguards continue reading…
Do I Need a Will?
Posted by Samantha Downs
Posted in: Wills and Probate
Yes! The only time our answer would be “no” is if you have no assets and/or no children. Why do I need a Will? A Will lets you direct who should receive your money and property (your “assets”) and who should be in charge of looking after your assets in between your death and your continue reading…
What our Clients have to say about our Wills and Probate Team
Posted by Samantha Downs
Posted in: Wills and Probate
The Wills and Probate Team are so pleased by the lovely comments they have been receiving from current clients. The below are some of the comments: “We were very happy and had peace of mind at the outcome. Excellent service. Thank you.” “I thank you very much for your attention in getting the Deputyship application continue reading…
Wills – Who Should you Choose to be your Executor?
Posted by Samantha Downs
Posted in: Wills and Probate
So, you’ve made the decision to make a Will and you know who you want to leave your home and cash assets to. But who to choose as your Executor isn’t always as obvious or an easy to choice. Let’s start with what an Executor does. Your Executor tries to ensure that whatever you state continue reading…
Brexit – time for Mediation?
Posted by Samantha Downs
Posted in: Family/Mediation/Care, Mediation/Dispute Resolution
On the 24th June, we woke to learn that the British public had decided that the 40 year relationship with the European Union was to come to an end, citing irreconcilable differences. The United Kingdom wants out much to the shock of its partners. Now we’re in a state of limbo, do our politicians play continue reading…