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We are extremely proud to be partnering with Will Aid this November! Will Aid is a special partnership between the legal profession and nine of the UK’s best-loved charities. Every November, participating solicitors waive their fee for writing a basic Will. Instead, they invite clients to make a voluntary donation to Will Aid. With this scheme, everyone benefits. You get a professionally drawn-up Will and peace of mind, while the charities receive much-needed donations for their vital work.
Despite your Will being one of the most important documents you will ever write it is estimated that nearly 50% of the UK population don’t have a will in place – one of our biggest challenges is to highlight the importance of future planning. We tend to consider ourselves invincible and that Wills and Powers of Attorney are documents for “old” people, when in fact everyone over the age of 18 years should consider them as crucial future planning.
Our specialist Wills and Probate team are here to support you with every area of future planning – let’s introduce our experts:
Claire Richardson, Partner
The Wills and Probate Department is headed by Claire Richardson who after commencing her part time law degree at Northumbria University in September 2000 went on to complete the Legal Practice Course in 2005. Claire qualified as a solicitor in November 2007 having undergone her training contract at a firm in County Durham. Claire deals with Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Court of Protection matters and Administration of Estates. In her spare time, she likes to do gardening, cooking, walking and spending time with her family.
Shannon Whyatt, Solicitor
Shannon has been at the firm since graduating with a first class law degree in 2017 – starting as a Paralegal and becoming a fully qualified solicitor in 2021 having achieved the LPC with masters in law, business and management. Shannon deals with Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and administration of estates. Outside of work Shannon enjoys the great outdoors – hiking, horse riding and visiting new cities.
Lucy Evans – Legal Assistant
Lucy started working for a firm of solicitors in Bishop Auckland in 1990 and has always worked in the Probate and Will department. Her role is assisting Claire within the department. Lucy has now been with the firm for nearly six years. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and having days out with her family.
Fiona Rudland – Legal Secretary
Fiona joined the firm in 2007 having previously worked in law firms as a legal secretary since leaving college and has extensive experience across conveyancing, and wills and probate but her main role now is assisting Claire, Lucy and Merlinar in the Wills and Probate department booking appointments, managing the daily calendar, answering enquiries and assisting generally with the secretarial aspects and day to day running of the department. In her spare time Fiona enjoys gardening, and travels in her motorhome.
Merlinar Cherubin-John – Legal Assistant
Merlinar joined the firm in 2021 and is from the Caribbean island of St Lucia. Merlinar has worked in the legal field for over 10 years as a legal secretary and compliance officer. Her role is to assist Claire with the drafting of Wills and the administration of estates.
Our team of experts are happy to discuss any questions you may have regarding your specific circumstances and we are the only WIQS accredited firm in the local area (find out why this is so important here) – we are always happy to help!
Find out more about our services and fees here
