Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) is not one of the common dementias we hear about but it is a significant form of dementia that deserves more attention. Frontotemporal dementia, also known as frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), is a group of disorders under the Dementia umbrella, which cause degeneration within the neuron in the brain. These disorders primarily affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. Unlike Alzheimer's disease, which primarily affects memory, FTD primarily impacts behaviour, language, and executive function. It often strikes individuals at a younger age, typically between 40 and 65 years old, although it can occur later in life as well. Types and Symptoms: There are several subtypes of FTD, each characterized by individual symptoms: Behavioural variant FTD (bvFTD): This is characterized by changes in behaviour, personality, and social conduct. Individuals may exhibit socially inappropriate behaviours, impulsivity, apathy, or a lack of empathy. Primary progressive aphasia (PPA): PPA primarily affects language abilities, leading to difficulties in speech, comprehension, and word finding. There are different variants of PPA, including non-fluent/agrammatic variant, semantic variant, and logopenic variant. These mouthfuls are explained below! Semantic variant primary progressive aphasia (svPPA): Individuals with svPPA experience difficulty understanding words and concepts, leading to impaired language comprehension and word retrieval. Non-fluent variant primary progressive aphasia (nfvPPA): This subtype is characterized by effortful speech, grammatical errors, and difficulties with motor speech. Logopenic variant primary progressive aphasia (lvPPA): lvPPA primarily affects word-finding abilities and sentence repetition, with relatively preserved grammar and motor speech. Caring for someone with frontotemporal dementia can be incredibly challenging due to the diverse and often unpredictable symptoms. The inability of an individual to find the words they are looking for can be extraordinarily frustrating for the person living with FTD and their carers. Early diagnosis allows for appropriate management and planning of symptoms. You need to see a neurologist or dementia specialist as soon as you can. Individuals with FTD often benefit from structured routines and clear expectations. Establishing consistent daily routines can help reduce anxiety and agitation. Where communication is hard work you should adapt communication methods to accommodate changes in language and comprehension. Use simple, concrete language, and provide visual cues when necessary. Patience and empathy are key. If language barriers are not in itself enough, addressing challenging behaviours with empathy and understanding is crucial. Identify triggers and implement strategies to minimize stress. Behavioural interventions, such as redirection and positive reinforcement, can be helpful. Most importantly remember that the behaviour you are seeing is not the person you love, it is the dementia gremlin sitting on their shoulders. Never be embarrassed because of something that happens if you are in public. Your loved one cannot help their actions, they know no better. It is Society that needs to change to accept those living with dementia and the challenges it brings. Simply let people know the situation, that the person you are with lives with dementia and never apologise. There is nothing for you to apologise for. As we all know the person living with dementia will always be looked after. Invariably it is the carer that is forgotten or left isolated and feeling alone. Help is there for carers and time and space should be made each week for them to have a regular break. Going to the hairdressers or a coffee with friends is a must. Extra care can be arranged to cover these breaks which are absolutely vital. Carers are usually very reluctant to ask for help as they see caring for their loved one as a responsibility they must bear. So, if you know someone caring for a family member living with dementia perhaps offer to sit with their loved one for a while so they can pop to the shops or go an lay in the bath for an hour. The carer will be truly grateful! At Argo we understand what life is like for those living with dementia. It is not just the individual living with the disease who is affected. It is their family and friends. Our advice and support is tailored for the whole family to make a difference and ease the stresses and burdens of a dementia diagnosis. If you need help, just ask!

This has to be one of the most frustrating things for a lawyer who is dealing with the administration of an estate for a client but there is little that we, as practitioners, can do to make anything any better. Approximately 27,000 probate applications are received each month by the Probate Registry but only 22,500 are issued each month, approximately. The Chartered Institute of Legal Executives has advised that severe delays with the Probate application process could see families waiting for up to nine months, if not longer to obtain a Grant of Probate, and the fear is that time frame will not improve without adequate resources. The queue for applications are worse now than they have ever been and since April 2022 have increased significantly, although the Probate Registry have advised they have issued more applications than they have received over the last few months. The application process may involve HM Revenue & Customs if the estate is subject to Inheritance Tax or other reporting criteria. This part of the application process alone could take between three and six months to complete. Inheritance Tax has to be paid before HMRC will release papers to the Probate Registry to issue the Grant of Probate. Banks can pay Inheritance Tax directly to HMRC as can investment managers, if funds are held in certain ways. Inheritance Tax on property can be paid by ten annual instalments helping to ease the burden on executors. At the time of writing the Probate Registry are only answering telephones for half a working day so they can try and catch up with their backlog but that is not helping families or professionals. Practitioners are unable to request an application be expedited for an emergency as there is no system currently to do this. Applications come and go from the portal, disappearing from time to time, calls are not answered and frustrations mount. Making sure your will is correctly signed and professionally prepared can help alleviate problems with questions which may be asked about a home made will. Regular checking in with the Probate Registry can help but they are reluctant to provide any information until after sixteen weeks have passed since your application date. If a will is damaged or there are issues with how it is signed a witness statement can be prepared and submitted, so there are things that can be done to speed up the process and prevent questions but it does not change where we are. Professionals are suffering a backlash from clients who are frustrated and angry about the implications of probate delays on their family situation, but we are doing our best in a situation which is out of our hands. The Law Society have suggested that a minimum service standard should be introduced to provide clear processing timelines so that expectations ban be managed and to aim to reduce stress and frustrations. The Council for Licensed Conveyancers have asked for a thorough review of the will writing, storage and probate process. It is anticipated that approximately £800million in charitable donations are currently locked up in wills waiting for Probate applications to be processed. The ongoing delays have resulted in the Justice Select Committee looking into the problems we are facing. They have published written submissions for its inquiry into probate delays and started hearing witness evidence in March. Things are being done to try and improve the process but they are all going to fall short of returning to our local Probate Registries staffed by experts in Probate applications, who would answer the phone and know local practitioners on first named basis.

Most of us know that a stay in hospital is not good for your health. Whilst we go in to be fixed we often come home unprepared, unsupported and unwell. However being discharged from hospital as soon as we are deemed medically fit or optimised for discharge is actually best for us rather than a long stay in hospital. Research has shown that 35% of 70 year old patients experience functional decline whilst in hospital. People will be less alert, physically able and less likely to manage in the way they did before admission. Rather soberingly 48% of people over the age of 85 die within twelve months of a hospital stay. Now this can be for many reasons but the functional decline experienced will have a significant impact on an individual. It is really important therefore that everyone does as much as possible along the way to make sure a hospital stay and discharge is as quick and pain free as it can be, particularly for older patients. If you are a patient in hospital your medical team should be planning for your discharge from the beginning of your stay. This does not mean they want you out the door the next day but need to put the steps in place to get you better and get you home. The medical team should be liaising with the social care discharge coordinator to make sure plans align and a discharge is not a surprise. You should be involved in discussions with your medical team as should your family. You need to tell people what matters to you so you get what you want. If there are issues with your ability to make decisions, these need to be considered. You should be fully informed of any risks of your going home as it is important you understand any changes in your condition which may mean you need more assistance. You need to be aware of the timeline for getting your home and what is involved at each step. You need to be aware of the goals you need to achieve to go home. Medical team reviews should take place and the systems and processes available to assist someone with a return home should be considered and implemented. There are specialist frailty care pathways which hospitals have in place to make sure those who are vulnerable have the help and support they need to successfully return home. Your medical team should be working with the discharge team to ensure that you have coordinated access to support when you are discharged from hospital, to ensure a smooth transition from hospital to home, or wherever you choose to go. Now, it is common to see a "discharge to assess" model being adopted in hospitals so that assessments as to need take place in a person's own home. This means you will be sent home or to a care home where further assessments will be undertaken to see what support you need, if, at all. Assessment at home is a much better way of identifying the help you need as long as it is done properly and in the right way. The discharge process can be stressful. It may involve many medical assessments, meetings, and discussions even before you get home. It is important these are carried out correctly to ensure that you do not end up going back to hospital because something has failed, which is out of your control. Argo have an excellent team who assist with discharge from hospital and the coordination of ongoing support and assistance which can take all the worry out of this process. If you find yourself in a pickle with discharge and really do not know where to turn, or feel that you are not being listened to, give us a call for a free fifteen minute chat to see what we can do to help.

Savings the pennies does not always result in the saving of pounds. Often homemade wills have holes and gaps that professionals avoid with their experience and knowledge. Mistakes in wills are only usually found when it's too late; a beneficiary has died leaving a share of an estate without a home; a badly worded gift which means the recipient cannot be identified. Where do these homeless assets go? Well it's probably not where you think! A partial intestacy is where homeless assets end up, a headache and extra work for families at an emotionally charged time. Intestacies are governed by the Intestacy Rules. rules designed to leave the distribution of assets in the hands of the law and not families. These Rules can lead to unintended consequences and strained family relationships. Disputes may arise over the distribution of homeless assets, causing tension and conflict among family members. So what do the rules say. Any undistributed assets will pass according to the rules written down in legislation. Now, let's break it down further. If you have a spouse or civil partner, they will typically be the primary beneficiary of your estate under intestacy. However, the specific share they receive can vary depending on factors like whether you have children, whether your children are from your current relationship or a previous one, and the laws of your jurisdiction. If you don't have a spouse or civil partner, or if they pass away before you, intestacy rules look to your children as the next beneficiaries. Distribution can become more complicated if you have children from different relationships. Step children will not benefit under the Intestacy Rules, nor will foster children. What happens if you don't have a spouse or children? In that case, the rules dictate that your estate will be inherited by your closest living relatives, such as parents, siblings, or more distant relatives if there are no immediate family members. What if your parents have died but you haven't spoken to your siblings for ever? Do you want them to inherit your estate? Assets then move through the family tree. More and more distant family members could inherit; aunts and uncles you have never met, first cousins and second cousins you didn't even know existed. Until the list is exhausted. If no relatives are left alive this is when your estate goes to the Crown. The Intestacy Rules do not take into account your specific wishes or unique circumstances. The distribution of assets will follow a predefined legal formula, which may not be what you wanted. Funds are shared between family branches, people living with vulnerabilities or disabilities are not protected, state benefits can be lost. To avoid the uncertainties and potential disputes that can arise from intestacy, it is crucial to have a valid and up-to-date will. With a professionally drafted will, you have the power to express your wishes clearly, choose beneficiaries, and distribute your assets according to your desires. You can ensure that your loved ones are provided for in the way you wish and minimize potential conflicts among family members. Remember, creating a valid will is a vital step in protecting your loved ones and ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your intentions. Don't leave the fate of your estate to chance—let's work together to secure a brighter future for you and your family. Kelly's expertise goes beyond explaining intestacy rules; she guides her clients in avoiding the pitfalls altogether. She supports them to create a valid and up-to-date will, ensuring that their wishes are legally documented and their loved ones are protected. Give Kelly a call on 01622 843729 to have a chat about what you want for your family.

Let's dive into a topic that's as important as it is tricky: homemade wills. Now, I get it – when it comes to sorting out your estate, DIY might seem like the way to go. After all, who doesn't want to save the pennies and get things done on their own terms? But hold onto your hats, because there's a whole heap of trouble that can come with those homemade documents. So, kick back, grab a cuppa, and let's chat about why bringing in the experts is the smart move. Legal maze ahead: Picture this: you spend hours crafting what you think is a rock-solid will, only to find out it's about as legally airtight as a sieve. Navigating the legal landscape without a guide can lead you straight into a tangled mess of confusion and disputes. Trust me, you don't want your loved ones squabbling over your assets because of some legal loophole you missed. Oops, where'd that go?: Ever thought you've divvied up your assets only to realize you forgot about that vintage record collection hiding in the attic? Homemade wills often overlook assets or fail to account for changes in your life, like new additions to the family or a change in marital status. Yikes! That could mean big headaches for your nearest and dearest down the line. Mind matters: Picture this scenario: someone questions your mental abilities when you made that will over a decade ago. Without proper documentation, your wishes could be tossed aside like yesterday's newspaper. It's crucial to dot those i's and cross those t's. Ensuring your testamentary capacity is crystal clear is vital to keeping your will rock-solid. Forgot to plan for the curveballs: Life's full of surprises, right? Well, homemade wills often forget to plan for the unexpected twists and turns that life throws our way. From guardianship arrangements for the little ones to setting up special needs trusts, it's the nitty-gritty details that can make or break a will. Don't leave your loved ones hanging when the going gets tough! Execution matters: You might have poured your heart and soul into drafting that will, but if it's not executed properly, it's about as useful as a chocolate teapot. Missing out on witness signatures or not signing at all, can turn your carefully crafted document into a legal headache. Trust me, it's all about getting those formalities right the first time around. Probate Pains: And last but not least, let's talk about probate. Homemade wills often end up costing more in the long run, with drawn-out legal battles and delays in asset distribution. Save your loved ones the stress and hassle by ensuring your will is watertight from the get-go. So, there you have it, the scoop on why you should bring in the experts and not make homemade wills. While the DIY appro ach might seem appealing, it's worth bringing in the experts to make sure your wishes are ironclad and legally sound. After all, estate planning isn't just about paperwork – it's about peace of mind for you and your loved ones. So, why take the risk? Give yourself, and your family, the gift of professional guidance when it comes to sorting out your estate. You are protecting their future after all so why not get it right first time! That's what we do here are Argo. We get it right first time. We know that you want to make sure that your family are protected when you are no longer around. The cost of professional advice is not an expense to be avoided but an investment in your family's future. Why not give us a call and take advantage of our 15 minute free consultation to talk through your ideas? A free phone call - too good to be missed. Call us on 01622 843729

Vascular dementia is the second most common form of dementia, following Alzheimer's disease. We will explore the nature of vascular dementia, its causes, symptoms, and available management strategies, providing valuable insights for individuals and families affected by this condition. What is Vascular Dementia? Vascular dementia is a type of dementia caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, resulting in damage to brain cells. It typically occurs as a result of stroke, heart attack, small vessel disease, or other conditions that affect blood vessels in the brain. Vascular dementia can manifest in various ways, depending on the affected brain areas, and its progression can vary from person to person. Causes and Risk Factors: Vascular dementia is commonly caused by conditions that impair blood flow to the brain, including: Stroke: A significant risk factor for vascular dementia, especially when it occurs in multiple or critical brain regions. Small Vessel Disease: Damage to small blood vessels in the brain due to conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or high cholesterol. Atherosclerosis: The buildup of plaque in the arteries, leading to reduced blood flow to the brain. Brain Hemorrhage: Bleeding in the brain, often associated with hypertension or other vascular conditions. Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs): Brief episodes of reduced blood flow to the brain, often referred to as "mini-strokes." Symptoms and Challenges: The symptoms of vascular dementia can vary depending on the location and extent of brain damage. Common signs and challenges include: Memory Loss: Individuals with vascular dementia may experience difficulties with memory, especially in recalling recent events. Cognitive Impairment: Problems with attention, concentration, decision-making, and problem-solving may be present. Executive Functioning Issues: Difficulties in planning, organizing, and completing tasks may arise. Mood and Behavioral Changes: Depression, irritability, and apathy are common, along with changes in personality and social interactions. Motor Problems: Some individuals may experience difficulties with balance, coordination, or walking. Diagnosis and Management: Diagnosing vascular dementia involves a comprehensive evaluation of medical history, cognitive assessments, brain imaging, and ruling out other potential causes. It is essential to distinguish vascular dementia from other types of dementia to develop an appropriate management plan. Managing vascular dementia typically involves addressing the underlying vascular conditions and risk factors. Treatment may include medications to manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood thinners to prevent blood clots. Lifestyle modifications such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and smoking cessation are crucial for maintaining brain health. Cognitive rehabilitation, therapy, and caregiver support are also vital components of managing vascular dementia. The Impact: Receiving a diagnosis of vascular dementia can be overwhelming for both individuals and their families. Seeking support from healthcare professionals, support groups, and educational resources can provide valuable guidance and a sense of community. Understanding the condition, its challenges, and available resources can empower individuals to navigate their journey with greater confidence. This is why the Argo team do what we do. We want to make this journey for dementia families easier and seamless. We don't want our clients falling into cracks, not getting the information they need and not understanding the journey. We are here to support our clients living with vascular dementia to lead fulfilled and happy lives, safe in the knowledge that their family has been protected and considered. If you want further help or support in relation to dementia please give us a call on 01622 843729.

In our focus about dementia I thought I would give you an insight today into Lewy Body Dementia. This is the third most common type of dementia. Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) is a complex dementia and is often misunderstood. Lewy Body Dementia makes up about 10-25% of dementia cases. It is named after the abnormal protein deposits called Lewy bodies that form in the brain. LBD affects cognition, behaviour, and movement. It shares similarities with both Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease and often symptoms are a combination of cognitive decline and movement-related issues. So what are the symptoms? Symptoms of LBD are wide ranging and change, which makes diagnosis and management complex. You might see: Cognitive Fluctuations: Individuals with LBD may experience significant changes in attention, alertness, and concentration that can fluctuate throughout the day. Visual Hallucinations: Vivid and often unsettling visual hallucinations are a hallmark of LBD. These hallucinations can be challenging for both individuals and their caregivers to navigate. Parkinsonism: Motor symptoms resembling Parkinson's disease, such as stiffness, tremors, slow movement, and impaired balance, may manifest in individuals with LBD. REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder (RBD): LBD is often accompanied by RBD, a condition in which individuals act out their dreams during the REM sleep phase, potentially causing injury to themselves or others. Psychiatric Symptoms: Depression, anxiety, apathy, and personality changes are common in LBD, adding to the complexity of the disease. Diagnosis and Management of Lewy Body Dementia: Diagnosing LBD can be challenging. Where its symptoms overlap with other illnesses diagnosis can take time and sometimes individuals can be misdiagnosed. Diagnosis requires a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional, including a detailed medical history, neurological examination, and specific diagnostic assessment. A team of specialists will be involved in any assessment. Treatment may involve medications to manage cognitive and movement symptoms, lifestyle modifications, and therapy aimed at addressing specific challenges. Caregiver support and education are vital for navigating the LBD and ensuring the well-being of both the individual and their caregivers. Don't forget the carers: Living with Lewy Body Dementia can be daunting, but individuals and families should remember that they are not alone. If you are for someone it is crucial to prioritize self care and seek support. A carer needs to have a support network as much as the individual living with Lewy Body Dementia. Developing a structured routine, implementing safety measures and engaging in social activities will benefit both the carer and cared for. Lewy Body Dementia presents unique challenges that require a comprehensive understanding and support network. By increasing awareness, advocating for improved resources, and nurturing a compassionate community, we can improve the lives of individuals and families affected by Lewy Body Dementia. Our team at Argo understand this and have tailored our services to support families who live with Lewy Body Dementia. Living with Dementia is a team activity and like any team activity we have to make sure that all team members are healthy and well. This is how we provide our advice and support. We will not leave you after we have had an initial conversation. We will be there with you, on your journey, holding your hand throughout whether we are helping you prepare your will, supporting you with a care assessment or just being on the end of the phone if you are having a tough day. Argo is part of your team! Please give us a call on 01622 843729 if you want to see how we can help you further.

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects millions of individuals worldwide. As advocates for dementia care, Argo believes that knowledge is the key to empowering families facing this challenging condition. Let's delve into the world of Alzheimer's and unravel some of the mysteries of this debilitating disease together. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for approximately 60-80% of cases. It is a neurodegenerative disorder, a misfire in how the mind and brain functions. You will see a gradual decline of cognitive function in those living with Alzheimer's memory loss and may see behavioural changes, and difficulties with daily activities. The disease typically progresses over time, making early detection and intervention crucial. So if you are worried that someone you love is showing symptoms get them checked out. It may not be Alzheimer's but something simple like a UTI. The exact cause of Alzheimer's remains unknown. If you speak to researchers like Alzheimer's Research UK www.alzheimersresearchuk.org they will tell you that a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors may contribute to its development. Age is the greatest risk factor, with most cases occurring in individuals over 65 years old. Other factors such as family history, certain gene variations, cardiovascular conditions, and head injuries may also increase the risk. So what are the symptoms? Recognizing the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's is essential for early diagnosis and effective management. You might see Memory loss: Difficulty remembering recently learned information, names, or events. Disorientation: Getting lost in familiar places, difficulty with spatial awareness. Challenges in problem-solving: Difficulty with planning, organizing, and completing tasks. Language problems: Struggling with finding the right words, following conversations. Changes in mood and behaviour: Depression, anxiety, irritability, and personality changes. Withdrawal from social activities: Losing interest in hobbies or avoiding social interactions. Poor judgment and decision-making: Making uncharacteristic financial or personal choices. Diagnosis and Treatment: Diagnosing Alzheimer's involves a comprehensive investigation into medical history, with physical and neurological examinations, cognitive tests, and brain imaging. Although there is no cure for Alzheimer's, various treatment options can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These may include medication to temporarily alleviate cognitive decline, changing things in your daily life to help you to remember, stimulation and exercise and making sure your support network is in place. Don't forget the carers: Caring for someone with Alzheimer's can be emotionally and physically challenging. If you care for someone It's crucial to prioritize self-care and seek support from healthcare professionals, support groups, and family members. You need to have a support network as a carer as much as the individual living with Alzheimer's. Developing a structured routine, ensuring safety measures, and engaging in stimulating activities can help maintain cognitive function and enhance the overall well-being of individuals with Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's is a complex disease that poses significant challenges for individuals and their families. By understanding its causes, recognizing early warning signs, and accessing appropriate care and support, we can improve the lives of those affected. Our team at Argo understand this and have tailored our services to support families who live with Alzheimer's. Living with Alzheimer's is a team activity and like any team activity we have to make sure that all team members are healthy and well. This is how we provide our advice and support. We will not leave you after we have had an initial conversation. We will be there with you, on your journey, holding your hand throughout whether we are helping you prepare your will, supporting you with a care assessment or just being on the end of the phone if you are having a tough day. Argo is part of your team! Please give us a call on 01622 843729 if you want to see how we can help you further.

Dementia is a widespread condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It not only has a significant impact on individuals who suffer from it but also on their families and loved ones. The good news is that there are steps you can take to protect your family and reduce the risk of dementia. Dementia is a progressive disorder that affects memory, thinking, behaviour, and the ability to perform daily activities. It can be emotionally and financially challenging for families, and its impact can be felt for years. By taking preventive measures, you can reduce the risk of negativity of dementia and ensure a better quality of life for your loved one. When your family is diagnosed with dementia you will receive information about dementia. You will learn about the type of dementia you have been diagnosed with, possible causes and common symptoms. Understanding your diagnosis is the first step in developing effective strategies for the future. You will be told about the risk factors of dementia and how you can reduce its impact on your family. You will probably review your lifestyle. Would more physical exercise, a balanced diet, superfoods and brain exercise slow deterioration? Don't forget to socialise. This is more important than anything. You may think about boosting your brain! Puzzles, games, learning new skills and keeping your brain young and active might help to slow progression. Supporting the carers is key to a successful dementia plan. Without your carers daily life may become very challenging. You cannot afford for your main carer, usually your husband or wife, to become unwell. And last, but not least, you must access professional advice and support. The expertise and insights you can receive from professionals, whether they be doctors, researchers or the Argo team will make sure you and your family have a much smoother dementia journey. The whole Argo team are passionate about empowering families to take control of their dementia road map. With years of experience in advising families on practical steps and support we can make a difference. Our clients frequently say they wished they had known about us sooner! It is not just what we do but how we do it. We hold your hand through your dementia journey from diagnosis to end of life and beyond. We make sure your legacy of family protection and memories are left behind when you are no longer here. We support the whole family as dementia affects us all. If you don't know where to start have a look at our Dementia Protection Plan for a place to start and then take advantage of our fifteen minute first aid call to see how we can support you and your family through dementia. https://www.argolifeandlegacy.co.uk/additional-services

WINTER PRECAUTIONS Now we are heading into winter, we want to remind you of some essential precautions that can be taken to protect properties from the results of freezing weather. We are keen to prevent damage costs property owners, executor, attorneys and trustees and would be grateful if you could please take the time to read the guidance as it may be beneficial to you. In particular over the Christmas and New Year holiday period, many of us will wish to go away and visit relatives and friends. We would ask you to observe some simple precautions if you intend to be away from the property for longer than 24 hours during the winter period. HEATING If you are going away during the winter months please ensure that the heating is set on low and on a timer in order to prevent any frozen pipes. It is recommended that you have the heating coming on daily between 11am and 1pm and 11 pm and 1am at a temperature of 16/17 degrees Celsius. If you are away for a considerable time, we would advise that you ask a friend or neighbour to pop in to ensure all is well. If you are an attorney, executor or trustee please make sure that your heating is switched on in line with this advice or alternatively switched off, if you have drained the system. PREVENTING BURST PIPES If a pipe bursts and water comes through the ceiling, there can be serious damage to your properties and contents. Burst pipes and leaks can be complicated to fix, repair work may involve considerable disruption. You can avoid this kind of damage by preventing burst pipes and leaks in the first place. As frozen pipes often burst, winter care is crucial. Please follow this care advice: · If you are away for a while, arrange for someone to check on the property to make sure pipes haven’t burst or frozen. · Make sure you know where the stop tap is and check regularly that it can be turned off easily in an emergency. · In cold weather the heating will need to be kept on low, or set to come on a couple of times a day, especially if you’re going away. It is recommended that you have the heating coming on between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. The most economical way to keep your home heated during these times is to keep the heating on low over 24 hours which stops the extra cost of re-heating a cold home. It is recommended that you maintain a minimum temperature of 16/17 degrees Celsius. · Ask for dripping taps to be repaired because if they freeze they’ll block the pipe. This can also save up to a litre of water a day and your money if it is a hot tap. · Open the loft trap door if the weather is exceptionally freezing to let heat in. If you are an attorney, executor or trustee please consider whether the better option would be to drain the water and heating system so there is no risk of leak. What to do if you get a burst pipe If you have a burst pipe, the first step to take is to turn your water supply off. This should be done by turning off the main stop tap which is normally situated under the kitchen sink or where the service pipe enters the property. The system will then need to be drained to prevent any further water damage to the property. You can do this by turning on all the cold water taps. Switch off the central heating, immersion heater and any other water heating systems. Once shut down, turn on the hot taps to help drain the system. If you think that water has leaked near to electrical wiring or appliances, switch off the mains immediately, do not touch any wet electrics. Frozen Pipe Emergency A frozen pipe should also be treated as a serious matter as it is likely to burst and cause a leak. The following information is advice on what to do should you discover a frozen pipe. · Turn the water off immediately, using the main stop tap (under the kitchen sink or where the service pipe enters the building). If there is a stop tap in your cold water tank, turn this off also (usually found in the attic). · Protect everything around the pipe that appears to be frozen, to avoid damage if it bursts. · Open the tap nearest to the part of the pipe you think is frozen so that the water can flow through when it has melted. Thaw the ice in the pipe with a hot water bottle or hairdryer (taking care to keep it well away from water), starting at the tap end and working back towards the cold water tank. Never use a heat gun or blow torch. If you do get in a pickle or need reliable tradesmen to help prevent problems please let us know!

I held a party the other week and grief came. She wasn’t invited but she came anyway - barged her way in through the door and settled down like she was here to stay. And then she introduced me to the friends she’d brought with her - Anger. Fear. Frustration. Guilt. Hopelessness. And they sang in the loudest voices, took up space in every corner of the room and spoke over anyone else that tried to talk. They made it messy and loud and uncomfortable. But finally, they left. And long afterwards, when I was all alone, I realised there was still someone here. Quietly clearing up after the rest. I asked who she was and she told me, “Love.” And I assumed that’s why she looked familiar - because I had met her before. “Or perhaps,” she said, “it’s because I’ve been here the whole time.” And I was confused then because I hadn’t seen her all evening. But when I looked more closely, when I looked into her eyes, I realised quietly that she had been here. All the time. She’d just been dressed as grief.

For many years there has been a call for will writing to become a regulated activity to ensure that consumer protection laws are followed. The Competition and Markets Authority have now decided to look into will writing, online divorce and pre-paid probate services to investigate whether all is as it seems. The areas of concern for wills and probate which they seem to be targeting are:- will writing - how costs are advertised and rapidly increase from the initial low cost advertised - unfair contact terms - pressure selling and coercion pre paid probate plans - pressure selling, lack of transparency and plans that are set to fail! You all know my position with these subjects. I advise my clients to never purchase a pre paid probate plan. You don't know now if you will need it in the future and you are not certain that your money will be safely looked after so it is there when needed. There are good and bad will writers but it is such a mixed bag you cannot be certain you will get a good one! I would love to advise everyone to only take advice from a regulated legal professional but there are those out there who will not. The best thing the industry can do therefore to protect everyone is to make sure that the same rules apply to those who are regulated or not. This can only benefit the client ultimately. As a Specialist Lawyer in wills and probate I have had to prove to a panel of independent assessors that I have the practical experience and knowledge over my career to advise my clients in my specialist area. You are able to grill your legal adviser in the same way if you are about to instruct them to do work for you. You research other purchases you make in your lifetime so do the the same when you are making your will or are looking at the administration of your estate in future. I really do not enjoy sending my clients bills which are higher than my charges to repair the damage of a badly drafted will and I certainly do not want to find myself in the position in future where I have to charge to administer an estate that someone has already paid for. Let's home the CMA do a good job and come up with some solutions to protect you!