It’s Not Just About The Advice

Harrogate based Personal Law Partner , Mark Jones, reflects on why no matter how good the advice may seem, it sometimes needs more explanation.

One of my friends recently read some advice from a lifestyle guru who said that if you don't use something for six months you should throw it away. So in August she threw away all of her Christmas decorations.

In fairness to my friend (and to avoid her disowning me for publically embarrassing her for the sake of an amusing blog) I should explain that she did not deliberately throw away her Christmas decorations. She simply saw a box that had been sitting in her garden shed for some months, thought of the advice and disposed of it. It was only later that she realised what was in the box and that there was a rational reason that it had sat unopened since early January.

It makes the point though that however good advice may seem, it sometimes needs more explanation. This is something we understand at LCF Law. We pride ourselves on giving top quality technical advice but we know that this on its own is not enough. What is really important is that you understand the advice and, in particular, how it affects you in practice.

For example, if I sent you your will to sign and told you that you needed to comply with the provisions of section 9 Wiils Act 1837 that might not mean a lot to you. What you need to know is that that means you need two witnesses.

This is why:

- We always use plain English and explain things in layman's language;
- We ensure that you not only get the advice that you need but that you understand it;
- We always explain how our advice will relate to your specific circumstances;
- We make sure that you have the direct dial number and email address of the person dealing with your case and details of who to contact if they are away from the office just in case there is anything you don't understand;
- If you do have any queries we ensure that we are approachable and accessible;

Except when I am at Ikea helping my friend to choose some new Christmas decorations, of course.

This article was written by Mark Jones. Mark is a Partner in our Personal Law Department and is based in Harrogate.

Mark specialises in the creation and administration of trusts, tax planning and wills as well as probate work, particularly those where the family has fallen out and contentious issues have arisen.

Further advice please contact Mark Jones on 01423 502211 or ku.oc1714936541.fcl@1714936541senoj1714936541.kram1714936541