Products & services

Using legal services can seem like a big step. This is why Age Concern Legal Services first of all offers advice and support, with no obligation to proceed with any action.

To reassure you, we have answered some frequently asked questions about our services:

Q. I can’t afford a solicitor, they are so expensive aren’t they?
A. We are working with Irwin Mitchell so you can access legal services at a competitive rate. Irwin Mitchell will provide you with a clear estimate of prices up front before you make a decision.

Q. What do I do if I am unhappy with the advice I receive?
A. First of all, tell us. Call the number on the brochure or any letter you have from Irwin Mitchell or Age Concern Legal Services. Explain why you are unhappy. If your complaint is valid, it will be put right.

Q. What happens if I am eligible for Legal Aid?
A. Irwin Mitchell is able to provide some of its services under the Legal Aid scheme. When you call us, we will discuss your situation and assess if your legal costs could be covered by Legal Aid. If they can, and Irwin Mitchell holds a Legal Aid franchise for the services you require, we will be happy to help under the Legal Aid scheme. If the services you need are not covered by Irwin Mitchell's Legal Aid franchise, we will refer you to the Law Society who can direct you to an appropriate legal firm to assist you.

Q. I find the idea of talking to a solicitor/going to Court intimidating.
A. We understand that, and we have chosen to work with Irwin Mitchell because of their reputation for clear and friendly advice. Talking to a solicitor does not mean that you will have to go to court. There are lots of other options like mediations to resolve legal problems.

Q. Do Age Concern Legal Services offer other types of legal advice?
A. Yes. Irwin Mitchell’s professionals have a wide range of specialist expertise in different areas of the law. If you would like advice on a topic not covered in this website or our brochure, then please call us.

Q. Does Irwin Mitchell offer executorship services?
A. Yes, please call us for more details.

Q. What is probate?
A. Probate is a formal procedure that allows your estate to be distributed to beneficiaries after your death. Probate varies depending on whether there is a Will. If there is a Will our Personal Representative will need an official document from the Probate Registry of the High Court in order to handle your assets which is called a Grant of Probate. This is not needed if your estate is very small.

Q. What is a Lasting power of Attorney?
A. It is a legal document that allows you to choose one or more people you trust to make decisions about things such as your finances and property in the future, should you no longer be capable of making those decisions. Each person makes his or her own LPA – you cannot do it jointly.

Q. What exactly is the procedure for making a Will?
A. Call Age Concern Legal Services who will send you a will writing pack. All you have to do is complete the very simple questionnaire and return this including payment, using the prepaid envelope. You will be contacted by Irwin Mitchell to make sure we understand your wishes and a will will be posted to you. If you are happy, let us know and we will send out a final will for you to sign in front of two witnesses. If you don’t like what we have written or forgotten to include someone, let us know and we will send you a revised copy.

Q. I already have a Will, so I don’t need another one do I?
A. We are pleased to hear this – it will make things easier for your family after you have gone. However, if you made your Will some time ago, or your family life has changed – maybe you have a new partner or more grandchildren – we would recommend reviewing it.
 
Q. How do I know I can trust Irwin Mitchell?
A. Age Concern Legal Services have chosen to work with Irwin Mitchell because they are a leading law firm with recommendations in both professional legal directories. They were named National Law Firm of the Year 2007. 
Irwin Mitchell is owned by the partners of Irwin Mitchell Solicitors. Other than in Scotland, Irwin Mitchell is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. All solicitors are required to adhere to a Code of Conduct. In England and Wales, this is provided and maintained by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, the legal professions regulatory body. In Scotland, this Code of Conduct is provided and maintained by the Law Society of Scotland. If you would like to know more about Irwin Mitchell’s obligations under these Codes of Conduct, please visit: http://www.sra.org.uk/ or http://www.lawscot.org.uk/

Q. What are the arrangements between Irwin Mitchell and Age Concern Enterprises?
A. Under the Code of Conduct for England and Wales, we are required to disclose the details of any arrangements between Irwin Mitchell and Age Concern Enterprises Ltd. This information is below:

Age Concern Enterprises Ltd has a financial arrangement with Irwin Mitchell Solicitors where we will introduce clients to them. Any profits we make from selling these products and services go directly to support Age Concern’s charitable activities. This financial arrangement only applies to England and Wales.

• Employment and Conveyancing services: They pay us £50 + VAT for each referred case that they accept
• Family Law Services: They pay us 10% of the fee + VAT for each referred case that they accept
• Personal Injury Services: They pay us £400 + VAT for each referred case that they accept
• Will Writing Services: They pay us as follows:
• Single Will:   £17.34 + VAT
• Mirror Wills:  £33.40 + VAT
• Single Codicil:  £11.81 + VAT
• Mirror Codidil:  £10.31 + VAT
• Single Will requiring discretionary trust: £100 + VAT
• Mirror Wills requiring discretionary trust: £205 + VAT