Advising older and retired clients requires a solicitor to have a special understanding of the needs of the elderly. Elderly people (or even those simply considering retirement) need advice on inheritance tax and estate planning, investments, pensions, gifts of property, enduring powers of attorney, welfare benefits, community care and the NHS, registered homes, mental health legislation, etc. For the elderly person living in or near South Buckinghamshire our office location in Gerrards Cross is very convenient.

Fear of the unknown is often a factor we have to address when advising the older client. In particular, long-term care needs weigh heavily on people's minds. It comes as a shock to some that the NHS no longer provides free, long-term care and that they are now expected to contribute to the cost of residential or nursing home care, often at the expense of the families' inheritance. To make things worse, there are regional variations on means testing. The possibility of transferring a home or other property to relatives can be considered but care needs to be taken because there are risks involved. Lasting Powers of Attorney can be useful legal documents when it comes to setting people's minds at rest about their future.

Fairchild Dobbs’ partner Nigel Spoor is a qualified member of STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) and a member of the Law Society Probate Section. All the staff of this practice are dedicated to taking the worry off your hands leaving you free to concentrate on the more creative side of your retirement. Our offices are located near the centre of Gerrards Cross with limited parking for visitors at the rear. Otherwise parking is available in Oak End Way and Station Road (where there is a large public car park). Please contact us by telephone, fax, e-mail or letter and we will be delighted to act on your behalf. We can arrange to meet you in person at our offices or visit you at your home if this is necessary or more convenient.