Support for Pudsey Legal Clients – Expert Legal Assistance from Emsleys Solicitors
Emsleys Solicitors are saddened to hear the news of the upcoming closure of local firm, Pudsey Legal Services LTD. As a firm servicing the same area of Leeds and surrounding areas, Emsleys are ready to assist any current and previous clients who may have used Pudsey Legal. We offer a range of services including Will Writing, Conveyancing (including residential and new build), as well as Dispute Resolution and Family Law. Emsleys would work with you to offer a smooth transition with free initial consultations, with no obligation, to discuss matters and explain their options.
Whenever a law firm ceases to trade it can cause anxiety to clients despite the best of communications from the closing firm.
Clients of the closing firm may have 3 immediate options regarding their Wills.
- Transfer to another firm – Other firms can assist with the Wills and potential future Probate cases. Clients can nominate a firm to transfer their Wills to, this can take time, so the process should be started as soon as possible.
- Return to client – If a nominated firm is not chosen, the Will may be returned to the named individual. However, this may present challenges if contact details are outdated.
- Transfer to Regulatory Bodies – In some cases, Wills may be transferred to regulatory bodies such as the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) or The Law Society to ensure secure retention.
To help former clients, Emsleys Solicitors are offering free Will reviews and Will storage for Pudsey Legal clients. Ensuring continuous client-care focused legal advice is essential with important personal matters such as Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney.
FAQ for Wills and Probate Clients
- Can I store my Wills at home?
- There isn’t any legal reason why you can’t keep your Will at home. However, for a number of reasons, it is often best for it to be stored elsewhere. The obvious risks of fire, flood damage and burglary risk the loss of the Will. If a Will is damaged it could be contesting, and any loss of a Will can delay probate and at worse lead to an estate being declared intestate. Emsleys are able to store your Will free of charge.
- How long does a Solicitor or Law Firm keep a Will for?
- At Emsleys a Will cannot be destroyed or removed. Every Will is held until either you or your executor request it.
- How can I access a Will of a deceased relative if the firm has now closed?
- Only an executor can access the Will of someone who has died. If the firm who were holding the Will have closed, Emsleys can assist you in accessing the deceased person’s Will.
- Is there any cost of transferring a Will?
- Emsleys will not charge you to transfer your Will to us.
- How often should you have a Will reviewed?
- It is recommended that you review your Will on a regular basis, at least every five years. You should also review your Will if your personal circumstances change, such as marriage, divorce, or co-habiting. A Will should also be reviewed if your financial circumstances change, for example if you receive an inheritance or your estate becomes much smaller, such as if you pay for care. You should also review your Will if there are changes in taxation such as after a budget.
Support with Family Law and Ongoing Cases
The closure of a law firm may provide concern for individuals with ongoing cases, whether these are divorce proceedings, financial settlements or cases involving children such as child arrangement applications. Cases involving children and financials may take years to resolve in particularly complicated situations, ensuring the continuity of legal representation may be critical.
Emsleys legal teams are on hand to assist local clients with a smooth transition and continuation of advice. Family Law matters can be complicated enough without the closure of a law firm arising and understands the sensitive nature of any dealings. Emsleys team can be contacted today for a no obligation consultation and review of any ongoing case. The team are on hand to provide guidance on how to maintain progress and manage costs effectively.
Clients of closing law firms may expect the below.
- Transfer of outstanding money – Some areas of law, such as Family, may require money to be paid on account or in advance. Any unallocated funds should be returned to the client.
- Compensation Claims – If refunds are not issued by the closing firm, the SRA Compensation Fund may be able to assist with any losses and recovery.
- Continued legal advice – Continued legal advice is often essential in family law matters. Emsleys has been identified for excellence in client care by The Legal 500.
FAQ for Family Law Clients
- What happens If I change solicitor during a divorce?
- Emsleys will request your file of papers and aim to carry out a review of your file as quickly as possible so that there will be the least delay in transferring your file.
- Will I need to restart divorce proceedings again if I switch law firms?
- You will not be required to start your divorce again and we will notify the court and the other party’s solicitors of the change of solicitors.
- What are the costs of transferring a family law case to a new solicitor?
- Emsleys will be required to review your file once it is transferred to us and we can provide details of our costs at the initial meeting with you.
- Do I need to inform my ex-partner of the change of law firm?
- Yes – Emsleys will notify your ex-partner of your new solicitor and where there are court proceedings will formally confirm this change of solicitors to the court.
- What if the law firm acting for my ex-partner closes?
- Your ex–partner may choose to find an alternative solicitor and Emsleys will request your ex-partner to provide those details. If your ex-partner does not instruct a new solicitor, then Emsleys would write directly to your ex-partner.
- What happens if I’ve already started legal proceedings?
- Emsleys will notify the court that they are now representing you so that there would be the least disruption in the court providing information on your case.
Dispute Resolution and Ongoing Cases
Emsleys Dispute Resolution team are on hand to help with any existing cases regarding property law and disputes, employment issues such as Settlement Agreements. The team can assist with contract and consumer disputes such as poor workmanship in construction, as well as disputed Wills and probate cases.
Dispute Resolution clients may also be adversely affected by an unexpected closure of a law firm. They may find the below considerations useful.
- Transfer to a firm of your choosing – There is no requirement to follow recommendations of a transfer of firm. At Emsleys we recommend researching Leeds based firms and considering public reviews, as well as accreditation and awards such as The Legal 500 and Lexcel. Choosing a recommended firm such as Emsleys Solicitors ensures high-quality legal advice is continued and cases can be progressed and managed effectively.
- Research if your case can be continued – The cost of legal representation is often significant to ensure the correct level of advice is provided. Correct research can ensure that the case can be continued where possible, rather than restarted which may incur additional costs.
Can Emsleys Solicitors handle my case?
Emsleys are here to offer free consultation to all clients affected by the closure Pudsey Legal, we are likely to be able to help and assist with all ongoing cases and can provide advise on how to move forwards with existing cases. Our team can handle litigation cases as well as arbitration and mediation, to ensure reasonable costs for clients.
Contact Emsleys Solicitors Today
Equipped to help and provide a smooth transition for conveyancing, family law, wills and probate, or dispute resolution, our expertise will ensure your best result. With extensive experience serving Leeds and the surrounds areas, Emsleys Solicitors are committed to providing expert legal and advice and high-class client-care during this period of transition.
