Chloe Evans is a chartered legal executive in our private client team at Larcomes, assisting and advising clients in all aspects of Private Client Law, including Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Deputyship application and administration of estates.
She has established a rapport with local care homes and authorities to ensure that clients are given the best care and professional support.
Chloe enjoys meeting new clients and has always focused on providing them with support, guidance and practical legal solutions.
We caught up with her to get an insight into her time at Larcomes, along with her viewpoint on what are some of the most important legal documents to have in place.
- How long have you worked for Larcomes?
I have been working for Larcomes since September 2012 and I qualified during that time in November 2014 as a Chartered Legal Executive specialising in Private Client work.
- What are your thoughts on the new online Lasting Power of Attorney tool, do you think this will improve the service?
Many areas of the Law are moving their services online to improve efficiency and with regards to online Lasting Powers of Attorney this should improve the service for both the Donor and the Attorney. However, when executing a document such as a Lasting Power of Attorney I would always recommend taking legal advice to ensure that the document is drafted correctly as this can save time and money and prevent problems in the long run.
- What would you say are some of the most important legal documents an adult should have?
I would say the most important legal document for an individual to have would be a Will as without one the Intestacy Rules will determine who will inherit your estate upon your death, and the outcome may not be what you would want.
It is also important to have in place Lasting Powers of Attorney for both Property and Finance and Health and Welfare Decisions. It is important to execute these documents whilst you have the capacity to do so that if you should lose capacity at some stage in your life, you have then appointed the people you want to deal with your affairs on your behalf.
Another important document to have is a Declaration of Trust. This is a legally binding document which records a financial arrangement in relation to ownership of property.
- Is it a good idea to use a solicitor when writing a Will?
It is always a good idea to use a solicitor who is a regulated Will writer to prepare your Will. This way you are in the knowledge that your document has been drafted correctly by a professional who has knowledge of the Law and the implications of any Will that you may execute. A solicitor will always keep an attendance note for any discussions they have with a client in respect of their Will so that if the document was ever challenged in the future, then there is a record of the clients’ instructions.
- If I have a Will, when should I update it?
Obviously if your wishes in respect of the provisions of your Will change then this is the time to change your Will. We would always recommend making regular reviews of your Will to ensure that it still accords with your wishes. It is also important to review your Will if there has been a change in law, perhaps to Inheritance Tax provisions or if there has been a change in your personal circumstances, such as a birth, marriage or divorce.
Just for fun:
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- What is your favourite place to visit?
I love visiting the West Country, St Ives being one of my favourite places. - What occupation did you want to be when you were younger?
At an early age I wanted to be a bus driver, and then for most of my childhood I wanted to be a teacher. - Why did you decide to go into the legal sector?
When I started college I took up Law, Psychology and Business Studies and enjoyed these subjects which led me to University to do my Law Degree. - What was your favourite subject in school?
I always enjoyed English – letters over numbers! - What is your dream holiday?
Somewhere hot and quiet!
- What is your favourite place to visit?
Expert Private Client Solicitors
Our private client specialists can give you accessible, cost effective and expert legal advice. We will work with you to assess your individual needs and guide you through the best possible estate and inheritance planning solution for you and your family. We also have the expertise to deal with high value assets including issues such as inheritance tax and trusts.
The private client team at Larcomes will be happy to speak with you regarding all areas of Wills, Probate, Inheritance Planning and Trusts. You can find out more about our team by clicking on the links below
To speak with one of our specialist Wills and Probate team please give us a call on 023 9244 8100 or make an online enquiry.