Free legal drop-in clinics extended across South Devon

Free drop-in clinics to discuss the importance of wills and trusts have proved such a success that they are being rolled out across South Devon by a Plympton-based law firm.

David Richardson of Richardsons Legal Services started offering the free clinics when he saw what he believed to be a worrying number of people neglecting their personal affairs.

He said: “There’s a misconception that wills and Home Protection Trusts are only for the wealthy and people are often embarrassed by the thought of “going to all that trouble” for what they deem to be relatively small assets. Others have had a will made many years ago and believe that this is sufficient. Not making the necessary provision can lead to both emotional and financial costs for those concerned.”

Wills, he explained, can quickly become outdated with a change in circumstances, are often incorrectly witnessed and a surprisingly large number of families every year find that it simply cannot be found when needed.

Equally, lasting powers of attorney, which would give a loved one the ability to manage your affairs should you be unable to do so, are often considered unnecessary or too awkward a subject to broach with older relatives. What many people do not realise however is that English Law does not recognise next of kin in these circumstances.

Richardson says that by offering the free drop in clinics, which he started in Ivybridge, he is able to give people the right guidance and advice. He said: “Several years of a depressed economic climate has left people extremely concerned with protecting themselves and their assets. The response to today’s clinic has been extraordinary, and we are really pleased to have been able to help so many people.”

With an alarming 20,000 people losing their homes each year to pay for long term care, Richardson is also able to advice on the value of trusts. “Home Protection Trusts can help protect against this and other unexpected eventualities if done correctly and in a timely fashion,” he said.

Further clinics will be held in Plymouth, Kingsbridge and Torquay and they are set to take place monthly.