A Dorchester based solicitor has become the only lawyer in the area to receive a prestigious elderly care qualification.
Cordelia English, a Wills and Estate Planning lawyer for Blanchards Bailey, is now recognised as a Full Accredited Member of Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE), having passed the second stage of exams – the Older Client Law in Practice Award.
The SFE, a national association of independent lawyers which specialises in older client law, ensures its members take account of any mental and physical difficulties of senior citizens and vulnerable clients, as well as being aware of health and social problems. Lawyers are also required to be affordable, speak in plain English and offer high quality independent advice.
By working with a reputable SFE lawyer, clients will have legal documents in place so their wishes are carried out exactly as they wanted, while also ensuring any pitfalls are avoided. For example, an SFE member can draft a Will making it tax and administratively efficient and reduce the risk of a claim being made against an estate after death.
Cordelia’s qualification means she is now the only lawyer in Dorchester and Weymouth to be a full member of the SFE, which reflects her vast experience in dealing with a wide range of issues affecting older clients. She has built up a reputation as someone who provides expert independent advice, while always respecting an individual’s dignity and taking a holistic approach to problem solving – essential requirements to being accepted into the SFE.
Blanchards Bailey’s Principal, Jerome Dodge, said: “We are very proud of Cordelia’s achievement in being recognised by the Solicitors for the Elderly, as not just any lawyer can be a member.
“Members must have spent a substantial amount of time working for older and vulnerable clients and have to fulfil special criteria for membership. They must also follow a code of practice. This wealth of experience puts clients at ease when speaking to Cordelia about legal issues.”
The SFE, a not for profit organisation founded in 1996 to make a difference to older people, has grown to be an independent national organisation of over 1500 lawyers.
The association focuses on four key areas including specialist client care skills for dealing with older and vulnerable people; paying for care; capacity; Wills, Estate Planning, Trusts and Probate.
Cordelia said: “I am honoured to become a member of the SFE. The organisation is highly regarded and ensures the best possible standards are carried out when dealing with the elderly and vulnerable, which is something we always put into practice at Blanchards Bailey.”
For more information visit www.blanchardsbailey.co.uk
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