News & insights York’s Rachel Roche shortlisted for prestigious legal awards 2 minutes of reading - Written by Roche Legal Rachel Roche, of York based Roche Legal, has been shortlisted for the Law Society’s prestigious Excellence Awards, the highest accolade for lawyers in England and Wales. Rachel, who recently launched a cutting edge online Will writing programme she developed, has been shortlisted in the Sole Practitioner of the Year category Besides addressing need to get more people writing their Wills, Rachel and her team at Roche Legal have also published a series of pocket sized booklets with the first two dealing with a relative’s death and looking after the elderly and six more are planned in the series. Rachel said: “ We are absolutely delighted to have been shortlisted for such a prestigious award and we are committed at Roche Legal to embracing new technology to help demystify the legal profession for clients.” Law Society president Christina Blacklaws said: “There are more than 9,000 firms and 140,000 solicitors in England and Wales, so to be shortlisted for an Excellence Award is to be recognised as being among the best of the best. “All the firms and solicitors who are shortlisted should be congratulated for the work they do day-in day-out to support their clients, many of whom are navigating complex and challenging legal problems. “At a time of immense pressure on the justice system, the incredible work being done by solicitors across the country should be applauded.” Winners are announced at the Law Society’s Excellence Awards ceremony in London on 17 October. Note to editors: Rachel is available for interview and can be contacted on 01904 866139 or through Chris Jones Media on 07774 772820/ 07738 005133. How Roche Legal can help: Wills Probate and Estate Administration Powers of Attorney Court of Protection matters Missing Persons Guardianship Applications Disputes Further Reading Court of Protection Revokes Lasting Power of Attorney In the recent case of Re AMH [2015] EWCOP 70, the Court of Protection revoked a daughter’s Lasting Power of Attorney for her mother due to concerns over her suitability. However, the same Court appointed her as a Deputy for her mother, allowing closer supervision of her actions. Don’t leave life-changing decisions to strangers A new report by SFE reveals that 86% of people in Yorkshire and the Humber have no control over crucial later-life decisions due to a lack of lasting power of attorney (LPA). While 39% have a will in place, only 7% have an LPA, leaving their wishes vulnerable in the event of illness or accident. Owning property jointly – what it means In England and Wales, property can be owned jointly as Joint Tenants or Tenants in Common. Joint Tenants have an indivisible share with a right of survivorship, while Tenants in Common have distinct shares and can leave their share to someone in their Will. View all insights Ready for clear, reliable legal advice? Contact us for straightforward advice that makes things easier, saves you money, and gives you peace of mind. Contact us