REFORMS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR WILL SAYS LEGAL EXPERT
Rossendale/Bury solicitor Jane Molyneaux has welcomed the findings of a new Law Commission report that could lead to the reform of the process affecting estates when people die without having made a will.
But she warns it could be years before the proposals outlined in a new consultation document become law.
Jane a specialist in tax and trust matters with Woodcocks says: “The current law dates back to 1925 and doesn’t really reflect the changes in society that have taken place since. Nowadays many couples live together but many don’t realise that in the event of one of them dying the survivor has no automatic right to inherit any part of his or her partner’s estate.
“We often hear the term Common Law wife or husband bandied about but in this context it is absolutely meaningless. It doesn’t matter how long the couple live together or even if they have children together. Many couples are simply unaware that they have no or few rights on death unless they make a will. It’s a real problem because about 1 in three people who die each year have not made a will.”
The reforms — should they become law — could mean that couples who have a child together or who have lived as a couple for more than five years will have the same rights as a married couple. Also where a couple without children have lived together for between 2 and 5 years, on the first death the survivor could be set to inherit half their partner’s estate. It’s a similar picture for married couples without a will too and the Law Commission report looks at ways of simplifying the system for them too.
“Overall I would say that the reforms are sensible and welcome but there may be a question for some couples over how you go about proving you have been living together for the required time and I feel this may lead to fierce debate. There is also the argument that couples who live together and may not have gotten married for a reason, for example wanting to pass their wealth to their children from a previous marriage, may fall into the new provisions without realising it if they have not made a will.
“You have to remember this process is still in the consultation stage and it could be a long time before it becomes law.
“The simplest way to avoid the problem is to get a will so you can make it clear what happens to your estate in the event of your death.”
Woodcocks is one of the oldest established family firms of solicitors in the country, with offices in Bury, Haslingden, Rawtenstall, Ramsbottom and Bacup.
For more information relating to tax or trust matters contact Jane Molyneaux or to make a Will contact Stephen Parr on 01706 213356.
FIRM GIVES FOSTER YOUNGSTERS SOME CHRISTMAS CHEER
Children and teenagers in foster care in Bury have been given some Christmas cheer.
Woodcocks, a family firm of solicitors based in Manchester Road has donated new toys and gifts for children in the care of Bury Council.
Margaret Mahon, a partner in the family law department, presented the gifts to the council’s family placement team with the help of solicitors, Emma Pike and Mark Taylor.
Afterwards, a Christmas party was held for the foster carers and the children.
Kath Price, a family placement team manager said “This is a great start to Christmas for these children and we are grateful for the support from Woodcocks.”
Margaret Mahon who works at the Bury office of Woodcocks said: “Through my job I represent both parents and children in care proceedings. It is because of this work I became aware of the difficulties for many children when they have been removed from their families.
Christmas should be a magical time for children and young people, which is why we felt it was so important to help the less fortunate ones in our area to have a wonderful festive period”.
There are more than 200 children in Bury who are being looked after by foster carers and more big-hearted families and people are needed to take on the role. For an information pack on fostering contact Bury Family Placement Team on 0161 253 5457 or find the fostering page on the Bury Council website bury.gov.uk.
KATE CELEBRATES AFTER QUALIFYING AT WOODCOCKS
Legal eagle Kate Allsop is celebrating after qualifying as a solicitor following a two-year traineeship with Valley firm Woodcocks.
The 24-year-old, of Helmshore, will be based at the Rawtenstall office and will specialise in the Family Law department dealing with separation, divorce and children issues.
Kate studied law at Lancaster University before embarking on the one-year Legal Practice Course at Chester College of Law.
Now a fully-fledged solicitor, Kate is looking forward to an exciting future ahead of her at Woodcocks.
She said: “I chose to work in Family Law because I enjoy the variation it brings. A lot of my work brings my into contact with people at difficult times in their lives, and I’m happy to feel I can help.
“I grew up in the Valley, and it’s great to be working here. I feel my career has been given the best possible start. I have really enjoyed completing my training course at Woodcocks as it has such a friendly and professional atmosphere.”
Woodcocks Senior Partner Roger Medlock said: “We are delighted with Kate’s progress, she has made a valuable contribution to the firm.
“With her talent and enthusiasm she is a true asset to Woodcocks and I am convinced she has a bright future with us.”
Woodcocks is one of the oldest established family firms of solicitors in the country, with offices in Ramsbottom, Rawtenstall, Bacup. Bury and Haslingden
HELMSHORE PUPILS GET VISIBLE THANKS TO WOODCOCKS
The dark nights are closing in but schoolchildren in Helmshore will shine bright thanks to a kind-hearted local legal firm.
Pupils at Helmshore Primary School are being encouraged to walk to and from school safely after Rossendale solicitors Woodcocks provided them with high visibility vests.
It is the third year running Woodcocks has provided Helmshore Primary School with the safety vests.
Woodcocks solicitor Katie Allsop, who is based at the company’s Rawtenstall office and herself a former Helmshore County Primary pupil, said the company had been impressed with the children’s enthusiasm for walking to school.
She said: “We are a family firm and we are keen to get out into the community and support our local schools, which is what donating the vests is all about.
“As the dark nights are drawing in it is the perfect time to do this and we are sure that as more and more families recognise the benefits of waking the vests will see a lot of use.”
Christine Myers, headteacher at Helmshore Primary School, which is in Gregory Fold, said she was delighted that Woodcocks were continuing to support the school’s ongoing work to improve road safety.
She said: “We like to encourage our children to walk to school because not only is it good exercise, but it also helps to ease congestion at the school gates at busy times.
“The health and safety of our children is of paramount importance so we are very grateful for Woodcocks’ support in helping pupils to stay safe while walking to and from school.”
Woodcocks is one the oldest-established family firms of solicitors in the country and has offices in Rawtenstall, Haslingden, Bacup, Bury and Ramsbottom.
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Picture shows: Front left to right Oliver French, Macey Glynn, Abigail Buckley and Ewan Burnside
Back Katie Allsop and Roger Medlock of Woodcocks and Christine Myers
WOODCOCKS TRANSFER FOR WENDY
Wendy Scott of leading Rossendale solicitors Woodcocks has transferred from the Haslingden branch to Bacup, following the recent retirement of solicitor Philip Hodgson.
For the past 20 years Wendy has been based at Haslingden, dealing with residential conveyancing, developer plot sales and home information packs.
Wendy, who lives in Bacup, said: “I am looking forward to working with new faces, it’s also nice to be working in my home-town – particularly as I won’t have far to travel every morning!”
Although she has moved offices, Wendy’s role will remain the same, namely dealing with residential sales and purchases.
Senior Partner at Woodcocks, Roger Medlock, said: “Wendy has been a valuable member of the firm for many years, and whilst she’ll be missed at Haslingden she will be an important addition to the Bacup branch.”
Woodcock is one of the oldest established family firms of solicitors in the country, with offices in Bury, Haslingden, Rawtenstall, Ramsbottom and Bacup.
For more information about home information packs contact Wendy Scott on 01706 874487.
CHARITY RUN – BREAKTHROUGH BREAST CANCER
For two years Woodcocks have been the proud Patrons of Rossendale Hospice. However, the firm’s commitment to the Hospice has not prevented it from supporting other worthwhile causes and, in particular, the vital work and research done by Breakthrough Breast Cancer.
Woodcocks have been proud to sponsor two events for the Hospice, namely a Golf Day and Whiskey Tasting. However, at each of those two events additional fundraising has been carried out whereby two cheques for £1,000.00 have been sent to Breakthrough Breast Cancer.
Breast cancer touches many individuals and younger women are particularly vulnerable. The Senior Partner, Roger Medlock, has been committed to raising money for Breakthrough during 2009 and on Saturday 26th September entered a Fun Race in Simonstone/Read where he resides.
Roger raised a further £1,000.00 sponsorship from colleagues, friends, clients and neighbours. Whilst the race was not particularly long, Roger had assured his sponsors that he would endeavour to do a quick time and finished approximately 20th out of the field of over 1,000.
Roger, pictured below, said “I am delighted to have made this further contribution to the work done by Breakthrough Breast Cancer. Younger women are particularly vulnerable and the research by this excellent organisation continues to improve the prospects of women affected by this dreadful disease. Two of my young colleagues have been receiving treatment for Breast Cancer and this has motivated both me and all of my sponsors to make this further contribution to Breakthrough’s vital work.”
MCCANN JOINS COLLEGE GOVERNORS
A partner at Rossendale solicitors Woodcocks has been appointed to the board of governors at Bury College.
David McCann, who heads Woodcocks Commercial Litigation department, aims to use his experience in analysing issues in his new role at the college.
“Woodcocks is an employer in the area and we recognise that the quality of education in the area is very important,” he said.
“Personally, as a former adult learner on a professional course at the college, I believe it has a great role to play across the whole cross section of learners in the community.”
Woodcocks is one the oldest-established family firms of solicitors in the country and has offices in Bury, Rawtenstall, Haslingden, Bacup and Ramsbottom.
WARM WOODCOCKS WELCOME FOR JANE
Leading Rossendale practice Woodcocks has appointed solicitor Jane Molyneaux to handle tax and trust matters.
Jane joins Woodcocks after four years at a Bolton based solicitors.
Jane, who will be based at the Haslingden branch, said: “I’m thrilled to be joining the firm, it has a great reputation so it will be the ideal platform to help me develop as a solicitor.
“I’ll be very busy in my new role, as I’ll be dealing with important issues such as tax returns and trust management but I relish the challenge.”
As well as obtaining a tax qualification, Jane attended Sheffield University before moving to London to take her Masters. From there Jane went on to study at Manchester Metropolitan University.
Senior partner Roger Medlock says: "Jane has a great deal of experience and talent, which makes her a very important addition to the firm.
“We are looking forward to Jane’s contribution to the professional service that we continue to offer the public.”
Woodcock is one of the oldest established family firms of solicitors in the country, with offices in Bury, Haslingden, Rawtenstall, Ramsbottom and Bacup.
For more information relating to tax or trust matters contact Jane Molyneaux on 01706 213356.
VALLEY SOLICITOR PHILIP FILES FINAL CASE
Long-standing Valley solicitor Philip Hodgson is getting ready to file his last case as he retires after more than 20 years at Woodcocks.
Philip, of Whitewell Bottom, worked as a partner at the Bacup office, handling conveyancing and wills cases.
He previously worked for Rawtenstall solicitors Whiteside and Lord until it merged with Woodcocks in 1988. Philip was one of several lawyers to move to Woodcocks, and until his retirement he was the last remaining lawyer to come from the practice.
Philip said: “I have really enjoyed my time at Woodcocks and have made some valuable friends so I will be sad to go. However, I am looking forward to having more freedom. I am a keen angler so it’ll be nice to have a little bit more time to do that.”
Woodcocks senior partner Roger Medlock said: “Philip has always been willing to go the extra mile to help anyone. He always the first person to offer to assistance to colleagues and it was areal pleasure working with him. He will be truly missed by everyone here. Of course he is also an exceptionally skillful lawyer with a great interest in the law. Even after attending Law School he always continued to commit to any training with great enthusiasm.”
Woodcocks is one of the oldest established family firms of solicitors in the country. It has offices in Bury, Haslingden, Rawtenstall, Ramsbottom and Bacup.
WOODCOCKS SPONSOR NORTH POLE ATTEMPT
Woodcocks, Solicitors are very pleased to support Vernon Powell of Helmshore who bravely attempted a trek to the North Pole in aid of the MacMillan Cancer Charity.
Vernon and his wife Nycola are well known in Helmshore having previously run the Holden Vale Hotel and are tireless workers for cancer charities. In particular Nycola assisted Woodcocks Senior Partner, Roger Medlock with the auction of diamond earrings at the fund raising event recently held at the Fisherman's Retreat when over £5,000 was raised for the Hospice and a further £1,000 raised for Breakthrough Breast Cancer.
Woodcocks are more than happy to reciprocate that support and be one of Vernon's sponsors.
SOLICITOR GOES BACK TO THE CLASSROOM TO OBTAIN MASTERS DEGREE
A solicitor from local law firm Woodcocks has donned his cap and gown to receive a Masters degree in Employment Law. Michael Shroot studied for the degree while heading up the firm’s Employment Law Department. Roger Medlock, Senior Partner said: “Employment Law is a fast growing area so it’s vital the firm has the right person to lead the department.” “The need to provide our clients with specialist advice relating to employment law is bigger than ever. We are committed to providing a quality service to our clients - and helping Michael to gain a Masters degree enables us to do this.” “One of the guiding principles at Woodcocks is to invest in training and we’re pleased with how hard Michael has worked to obtain the Masters degree. It’s a fantastic achievement, and extremely valuable for the practice.” Michael, an Associate based at the firm’s Bury office, believes his success underlines Woodcocks’ commitment to this area of law. He said: “The popularity of our recent seminars and large increase in employment law work generally, indicates that there is a great interest in the fast changing employment law scene.” “At the moment many firms struggle to justify the cost of an in-house HR department. We fill this gap by producing contracts, handbooks other standard documents at a reasonable cost, and providing practical legal advice, so our client base can meet the demands that the Employment Legislation creates.” Woodcocks is well-known for its commitment to training with several of its staff gaining a degree in higher education. Indeed Roger Medlock was awarded a Post Graduate Diploma in Employment Law in 2001. To find out more about Woodcocks’ employment law advice services please contact Michael Shroot on 0161 761 4611
WARM WELCOME AS LOUISE TAKES ON NEW ROLE AT WOODCOCKS
Louise Daniel has taken over the management of leading solicitors Woodcocks’ Rawtenstall office. Taking over from well-known crime specialist, Keith Pilkington after his semi-retirement, Louise will lead the firm’s family department. She said: “I’m thrilled to have been given such an excellent opportunity. It’s a great honour to follow in Keith’s footsteps – he has always been a great mentor to me and I relish the challenge of trying to fill his shoes”. Having studied a law degree at Queen Mary College, University of London and the College of Law in Chester, Louise joined the firm 12 years ago as a trainee lawyer. A committed family lawyer and member of the Law Society’s Family Law Panel, Louise has a wide experience in dealing with all types of family cases from divorce and financial matters, both private law and public law children issues, injunctions and separation matters. Louise has always been available on an emergency basis to deal with the difficult issues posed by domestic violence. Senior partner Roger Medlock added: “Since she joined the practice several years ago, Louise has established herself as a highly-respected lawyer. She has worked on a variety of high-profile cases and built up a great reputation with both her clients and colleagues. “With her professionalism and track record, I couldn’t think of a better person to take on the role.” For more information about Woodcocks contact Louise Daniel on 01706 225621 Woodcocks is one of the oldest established family firms of solicitors in the country. It has offices in Bury, Haslingden, Rawtenstall, Ramsbottom and Bacup.
A TALE OF TWO CHRISTINES
It’s a tale of two Christines at leading legal firm Woodcocks — as it says goodbye to one but hello to another.
The firm is bidding farewell to long-serving member of staff Christine Taylor, who worked at Woodcocks for more than 30 years, most recently in the Probate department. Christine is now looking forward to spending her retirement in Spain but will miss the friends she has made over the years. She said: “The quality of people I worked with made coming to work really enjoyable and I am going to miss everyone. However, I am really looking forward to the Spanish sunshine and saying goodbye to the typical British climate.”
Woodcocks senior partner Roger Medlock said: “Christine has been a pleasure to work with and we are all sad to see her go. Throughout her time here she always worked extremely hard — even obtaining a law degree in her own time. She built up great relationships, not just with the staff, but with her clients too. We all wish her a long and happy retirement.”
But as one Christine departs the Probate department is preparing to welcome another — Christine Dawson. She previously worked as Probate Manager for JV Pillings in Bacup, which is now part of the Woodcocks practice in Bacup. Adds Roger: “We are delighted to welcome the ‘new’ Christine to the firm and I am sure she will settle in very quickly. She has a great deal of knowledge and experience and I am sure she will be a real asset to the practice.”
Woodcocks is one of the country’s oldest-established firms of solicitors and has branches in Bury, Bacup, Rawtenstall, Haslingden and Ramsbottom.
