Private Client Department
Domestic conveyancing
We have long experience in helping clients through the maze of conveyancing. We have dealt with thousands of properties, both locally and nationally, and have extensive experience of dealing with London property (both leasehold and freehold).
We can deal with re-mortgages, lease extensions, equity release schemes and all other aspects of conveyancing work.
Wills and Inheritance Tax Planning
Everyone should make a will to ensure that their money and property goes to the right people on their death. Clients with young children can appoint guardians for them.
With increasing house prices, more and more people are feeling the impact of Inheritance Tax. We can advise on structuring wills so as to minimise liability, and can help you through other steps that can be taken to ease the burden.
Solicitors for the Elderly
Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE) is a national association of lawyers who are concerned with improving the availability and delivery of specialist legal advice to older and vulnerable people and their families.
As a member of SFE we will take into account any difficulties, both mental and physical, which may accompany the ageing process. We are then able to determine more easily between mental and physical disabilities and are more aware of social and health problems that arise as people age. This wealth of experience will hopefully put you at ease when resolving your legal issues.
Living Wills are also something that is becoming more popular. A "Living Will" is not a legal term, but includes Advance Decisions and Advance Statements. Advance Decisions are decisions whereby you refuse certain types of medical treatment. An Advance Statement is a statement detailing how you would like to be treated if you were to lose your capacity. Only Advance Decisions are legally binding. We have experience in dealing with these sensitive matters on your behalf.
Not just any lawyer can be a member of SFE. Members must have spent a substantial amount of their time working for elderly and vulnerable clients and have to fulfill the association's high criteria and must also agree to follow the SFE's code of conduct. For more information please contact the SFE's website on www.solicitorsfortheelderly.com or call 0870 0670282.
Hancocks are also mentioned on the Age UK website. 
If you would like to find out more about getting advice for the elderly from Hancocks, please email Toni Peppard.
Powers of Attorney
Everyone should consider who will look after their affairs in the event of incapacity. We can advise you of the best ways of dealing with these problems, which can often be resolved flexibly and inexpensively. We can also help in situations where no Power of Attorney has been set up.
Deceased Persons’ Estates
Dealing with such matters can often present a daunting task, especially if Inheritance Tax and Trusts are involved. We have lengthy experience of working in this field, and can either provide the guidance you need or we can take on the task of dealing with an estate from start to finish, whatever its complexity, to fit in with your requirements