A WILLS and Probate specialist with Tilly Bailey & Irvine Solicitors, has had his experience and expertise in working with older people recognised.

Andrew Steelhas been awarded full membership of ‘Solicitors for the Elderly’ (SFE), the national organisation for legal professionals recognised as proficient in providing specialist advice to older and vulnerable people, their families and carers.  Andrew is the third member of Tilly Bailey & Irvine’s Wills and Probate team to achieve this, joining Annaliese Barber and Andrea Bradford.

Mr Steel said: “This is an area of law that is constantly evolving, and we’re keen to work with clients to ensure they have the appropriate protection.  As an example, the recent tightening of conditions by certain banks has affected joint bank account holders, making it more important than ever to prepare a Power of Attorney as well as a will.

“With the frequent changes in this area of law, clients are best advised to contact a lawyer who specialises in this area.  Not only can they be confident of the experience and expertise of an SFE member, but they have the assurance that their advisor is regulated and insured, and therefore the client is protected.  We still see many instances of unregulated will writers leaving people with invalid or incorrect wills, which in turn can lead to upset and potentially considerable unnecessary expense.”

Carolyn Tilly, partner with Tilly Bailey & Irvine Solicitors and head of the company’s Wills and Probate department, added: “Andrew has worked consistently towards this SFE qualification for many years.  It is an assurance for clients that the service they will receive from him is of the highest quality, and that he will continue to keep abreast of changes in this area of law, ensuring clients always receive the most appropriate advice.”