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Calls for action on predatory marriage
Predatory marriage may not be a term you have heard before, but it reflects a sad situation when a vulnerable adult is coerced into a union that is financially beneficial to their new spouse.
The phrase is used regularly in Canada where some provinces have added safeguards to marriage laws aimed at protecting people who...
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Lasting Power of Attorney system to be modernised
The UK Government has launched a consultation, open to everyone, on proposals to modernise and streamline the Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) system. It is open until October 13, 2021.
LPAs are powerful legal documents that allow someone to appoint people they trust to manage their affairs and make decisions on their behalf if they...
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Expertise in Wills and Trusts is recognised
Solicitor Adam Penn has been awarded a specialist diploma for his knowledge and expertise in helping families plan for their future through wills, trusts and estate planning.
Adam, who joined Four Oaks Legal Services in October 2020, has now received a Diploma in Trusts and Estates from STEP (the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners)....
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Where there's a will, there may be a dispute
We’re seeing a steep increase in the numbers of people challenging Wills across the UK.
This is backed up by a survey claiming that one in four people said they would challenge a Will if they were unhappy with the provisions it made.
Many Will disputes involve adult children who have been cut out of Wills...
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Who Cares?
Care homes are increasingly asking potential residents of their homes to ensure that the resident has Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) in place. We have had a number of cases recently where clients have asked us to assist with this due to requests from the care home management team. But why?
LPAs are legal documents...
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Boomerang Kids?
We all know things have changed when it comes to children flying the nest. The price of property is a serious hurdle and many ‘children’ are remaining in, or returning to, the family home into their late 20s and 30s. But what would happen if you died? Would they be able to stay in...
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Should I Get A Solicitor to Write My Will?
The ongoing pandemic has understandably caused many people to make Wills for the very first time. “Do It Yourself” Will-making kits have become an increasingly common means of creating a Will in recent years. They are a cheap alternative to a professionally prepared Will.
But beware, homemade Wills may still come at a significant cost.
The...
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Christmas Opening Hours
Our offices will be closing for the Christmas break on Thursday 24th December at 1pm. We will re-open on Monday 4th January 2021.
Should you need to contact us in an emergency during the Christmas period, please call Stuart on 07969 929 452.
We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happier 2021!
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Lasting Powers of Attorney - Refund Fees Deadline
We reported previously that the Office of the Public Guardian are making partial refunds to people who had paid to register their Lasting Powers of Attorney between the 1st April 2013 and the 31st March 2017. This was due to the Office of the Public Guardian making savings on their operating costs which weren’t passed onto...
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Contesting a Will – When something is just not right…
It is a sad fact of life that most of us do not make Wills when we are young and in the best of health. Many people wait for later life and sometimes the onset of a life-threatening illness before finally making plans for what happens with their property when they are no longer...
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At Four Oaks Legal Services (FOLS) we specialise in providing comprehensive legal services to individuals, as well as new and established businesses, their directors and owner/managers. We are an independent niche law firm that trades alongside Four Oaks Financial Services Limited. The benefit to our clients is that when financial advice is needed, alongside legal advice, these services are available under one roof. 
