Amnesty International’s Free Will Writing Fortnight

Between the 7^th and 20^th of March 2016, Mr Tom Callaghan (our head of Wills & Probate) and Mr Jack Taylor (one of our trainee solicitors) will be taking part in Amnesty International’s Free Will Writing Fortnight. During this period we are offering appointments to discuss and prepare a simple Will for free or update an existing simple Will for free. This represents a great opportunity for anyone who has not yet made a Will and would like to do so whilst also helping to support a good cause. 

There are a limited amount of appointments which we can offer and these are provided on a first-come-first-served basis. 

Please contact Tom on 01273 662753 or tcallaghan@edward-harte.co.uk 

New Partner

Edward Harte LLP are very pleased to announce that Tom Callaghan, our Head of Private Client Section, became a Salaried Partner as from 1st August 2014.  Tom has been with us now for 4 years and is a very valued member of the firm.  His appointment as a Partner is well deserved and a reflection of his value to the firm.

BBC Sussex “Sound Advice”

Head of Wills, Trusts and Probate, Tom Callaghan, appeared as a legal expert on the Allison Ferns radio show on BBC Sussex on 22^nd May, answering listeners’ calls on Wills and Inheritance, talking about the importance of Wills and the recent changes to the intestacy laws (ie where a person dies without a Will) in the new Inheritance and Trustees’ Powers Act 2014.

The Act goes some way to simplifying who will inherit where there is no Will, but serves as a reminder that the best way to ensure your wishes are carried out on your death is via a professionally drafted Will.

SOLICITORS FOR THE ELDERLY

Tom Callaghan, head of Edward Harte LLP’s Wills, Trusts and Probate department, is now a member of Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE).

SFE is an independent, national organisation of lawyers who provide specialist legal advice for older and vulnerable people, their families and carers.

For further details see: http://www.solicitorsfortheelderly.com/public/what-is-sfe

Obtaining Probate in Record Time

We always endeavour to obtain a Grant of Probate/Letters of Administration with the minimum of delay. Recently, we were able, with the co-operation of the Probate Registry, to obtain probate in record time: five working days from lodgement of the Application. Our deceased client died late September leaving a complex situation in regard to minor children, guardianship, pension entitlements and death in service benefits. We gave very close attention to the needs of the bereaved family at a distressful time for them and by expressing the need for speed with the various debtors and creditors of the estate to provide accurate information as quickly as possible, we were able to present the papers to the Registry in a form enabling it to process the Application far quicker than usual.