Elthorne Solicitors

10/05/2026

🚨 This is the legal document most people only think about when it's too late.

It's called a Lasting Power of Attorney — and without one in place, your family could face real difficulties if something unexpected happens to you.

Here's the reality: life can change suddenly for example , through a serious illness, an accident, or conditions such as early onset dementia. A Lasting Power of Attorney ensures that, in those situations, the people you trust are legally able to make decisions on your behalf.

It’s also one of those things many people fully intend to sort out ‘soon’, but for one reason or another it gets pushed aside. (same applies to Wills)

Without a Lasting Power of Attorney in place:

❌ Your partner cannot access your bank account — even a joint one in some cases

❌ Your family cannot make medical decisions on your behalf

❌ Your business cannot be managed

❌ Someone would have to apply to the Court of Protection to get legal authority over your affairs — a process that can take 12 months and cost thousands of pounds

And here's the part most people don't know - You can only set up a Lasting Power of Attorney while you have mental capacity.

Once you've lost it — through illness, injury or dementia — it's too late. The window closes. And your family is left dealing with the consequences.

What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?

It's a legal document that gives someone you trust — your partner, a family member, a close friend — the authority to make decisions on your behalf if you can't.

There are two types:

🏦 Property & Financial Affairs — covers your bank accounts, property, investments and bills

🏥 Health & Welfare — covers your medical treatment, care arrangements and day-to-day wellbeing

You can have one or both. Most people set up both at the same time.

Who needs one?

✅ Anyone over 40

✅ Anyone with a serious health condition

✅ Anyone who owns property

✅ Anyone who runs a business

✅ Anyone with children or dependants

✅ Anyone who wants to protect their family from an avoidable crisis

How much does it cost?

At Elthorne Solicitors we keep it simple and affordable. One straightforward appointment, plain English advice, and we handle all the paperwork and registration for you.

📞 Call us for a free initial consultation: 020 8579 3838 📧 [email protected] 📍 14 South Ealing Road, South Ealing, W5 4QA 🕒 Monday to Friday, 9:30am – 6:00pm

08/05/2026

Only 3 in 10 adults in the UK have a will. 😮
If you're in the other 7 — here's what happens to your estate when you die without one:
❌ The government decides who gets what — not you
❌ Your partner may not automatically inherit if you're not married
❌ Your children may not be provided for the way you intended
❌ Family disputes become far more likely
❌ The process takes significantly longer and costs more

Writing a will is one of the most straightforward legal steps you can take — and one of the most important.

At Elthorne Solicitors in South Ealing, we make it simple. One appointment, plain English, completely tailored to your wishes.

Call us on 020 8579 3838 to book your appointment
📍 14 South Ealing Road, W5 4QA — just 2 minutes from South Ealing tube

07/05/2026

06/05/2026

If someone close to you passes away in the UK, you may not be able to access their estate — even if you're named in the will.
It's called probate. And most families only find out about it when they're already in the middle of it.
Here's the short version of what you need to know 👇
✅ Probate is the legal process that gives you permission to deal with someone's estate after they die
✅ Most estates — especially those including property — require it
✅ Currently taking 16–18 weeks just to get the Grant of Probate approved
✅ Executors (the people named in the will to manage the estate) have legal responsibilities — and can be held personally liable if mistakes are made
✅ Inheritance tax – paying the correct amount, knowing and utilising exemptions that may be available to reduce this liability where possible
✅ A solicitor can handle the whole thing, often for a fixed fee, so you're not navigating it alone

If you live in Ealing and you're currently dealing with a bereavement — or just want to understand the process before you need it — we're here to help and can offer a free consultation.
Call 0208 579 3838

18/02/2025

Facing a family law issue?
We offer a free 30 minute consultations with our expert lawyers to help you:

Understand your options
Explore the legal process
Understand potential fees

We specialise in:

Divorce & Separation
Child Matters
Finance & Property
Domestic Violence
Probate & Estate
Lasting Powers of Attorney
Immigration
Wills

Please contact us to schedule your free consultation.

Send a message to learn more

26/01/2025

Our new ad campaign is live at Vue and Picturehouse Cinemas.

03/04/2024

Happy to share another positive review from one of our customers who we helped with their Power of Attorney requirements.

21/02/2024

DWP announces new powers for the CMS to crack down on parents who refuse to pay


The government is reforming the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) to crack down on parents who refuse to pay and ensure children get the support they deserve more quickly.

In October, the government consulted on measures to give the CMS more powers to recover money faster to crack down on parents who repeatedly fail to take financial responsibility for their children.

On Monday 12 February, the government has published the response to this consultation, confirming these reforms will be accelerated to make the system fairer for children and parents.

The government is also removing the £20 application fee for child maintenance service and making all applications free from 26 February 2024, to ensure no child misses out on vital support.”

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Mel Stride MP said:

“We know the vast majority of parents strive each and every day to give their children the best possible start in life.

But those who shirk the financial responsibilities they have for their children must be quickly held to account. That’s why we are fast-tracking enforcement from six months to six weeks – making the system fairer for parents and above all for children.

The consultation also sought views on proposed regulations which mean the CMS can use an administrative liability order to recover unpaid child maintenance instead of having to apply to the courts.

This change will help reduce the time it takes to obtain a liability order, from around 22 weeks to as little as six to eight weeks – and ensure that further action such as forced sale of property or disqualification from driving can be considered much sooner.

Around 10,000 parents a year who wilfully refuse to pay maintenance will be affected by the law change, creating more financial security for thousands of children and parents.”

If you require further information or assistance, please contact us at: [email protected]

08/02/2024

We're Hiring !
Join our thriving legal team as a Paralegal and support clients across various practice areas.
You'll assist solicitors with research, drafting documents, preparing for court, and managing cases efficiently.
Ideal candidates are organised, detail-oriented, and possess strong communication & IT skills.
Legal experience preferred, but training provided.
The role is based in our South Ealing office.
Please send your details to [email protected]