Bawtry office

5pm-6pm every Wednesday

Retford office

5pm-6pm every Tuesday

Ollerton Office

5pm – 6pm every Thursday

No appointment necessary

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Jones & Co is pleased to announce the appointment of Philip Armstrong (formerly of Atteys Solicitors) as the new Head of Wills, Probate and Trusts.

We have expanded rapidly over the last few years creating a need for someone of standing, knowledge and experience in this field. Philip has over 37 years of experience and has built a reputation for excellent client care and service.

Philip will take responsibility for all aspects of the departments work and supervision of its members over all three of Jones & Co’s branches.

Philip specialises in Estate Administration, Court of Protection work, Wills and Inheritance Tax Planning, and Powers of Attorney. He is a Registered Trust and Estate Practitioner, being a full member of the Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners (STEP), a Member of Solicitors for the Elderly, and has recently been added to Mencap’s list of Wills and Trusts Professional Advisers.

Having started his career at Attey, Bower and Jones Solicitors in Doncaster, he has more recently worked at Atteys Retford branch. Philip hopes to retain his local business contacts and to build new relations in order to continue the growth of the firm.

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Following closure, the documents previously held by Atteys were split between a number of firms of solicitors.Various documents, including wills, previously held at Atteys’ Retford office were transferred to Messrs Wake Smith Solicitors of  Sheffield. We have been made aware by a number of clients who have already transferred to Jones & Co, that the logistics of dealing with a solicitor from Sheffield  has, in the majority, proved to be unpopular and we have therefore, very recently , negotiated the retrieval of Wills and Powers of Attorney formerly held at  Atteys, from Messrs Wake Smith.

Please contact our Retford office on willcheck@jonessolicitors.co.uk or 01777 703827 to check if we hold your documents.

If you wish to collect your Will or Power of Attorney from our office, you can of course do so on production of the relevant identification. Alternatively we can store your documents free of charge.

We are offering a free initial consultation to discuss the content of your Will and other documents and any amendments that we consider may be necessary following that consultation.

Please note that we have not taken over Atteys’ practice, have not assumed any liabilities in relation to it and are not the successor practice to Atteys for any purposes

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Jones & Co’s sponsorphip of the Las Vegas Charity Ball organised by Retford Rotary Club in aid of Bassetlaw Hospice, has helped to raise over £13,000 for the local charity. The night went fabulously. Our Andrew Bevan won the overall prize on the charity Casino having turned £40 into £240 in 3 hours! The vegas wedding chapel was a great hit and after a few celebratory drinks a few of our staff took the opportunity to ‘get wed’…….luckily we know some good matrimonial lawyers!

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After 49 years of service in the legal profession, 37 of which have been spent here at Jones & Company, it is with a heavy heart that we announce the retirement of our Senior Partner, Tony Hadfield. We wish him a long and happy retirement.

We are however pleased to confirm that Tony’s connection with us will not be lost as he will continue with us as a Consultant.

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Jones & Co converted to limited liability partnership (LLP) status under English law on 1 January 2014.

We will still trade under our existing name. Managing partner Matthew Sharpe explains the reasons for the change:

“The nature and size of the business, having seen consistent and managed growth over the last few years, has made adopting a corporate structure the next logical step. The progression will provide the firm with increased investment and expansion opportunities. It will ensure that we can continue to provide a quality service and since we have retained our existing staff, this means that we can still offer the same level of personal and bespoke service to our clients.”

Jones & Co will still have partners of the firm who will also be ‘members’ of the new LLP.

Following Tony Hadfield’s retirement as senior partner, Matthew Sharpe will now head the new LLP together with existing partners Andrew Bevan, Rhona Jenkins and Emma Thompson across our three offices in Retford, Bawtry and Ollerton.

“The conversion to LLP is a very positive step and shows the progress the firm has made over the last few years. We are a forward-thinking firm; the move demonstrates our modern approach and the success of the firm, providing an indication of security for both employees and clients”.

Tony Hadfield, who continues with us as a consultant, said:

“I remember when I first joined Jones & Co and there were only a handful of people working at the firm. I am proud to see the firm achieve this new status having grown to a three-office practice employing over 60 people. I am pleased to be handing the firm over to such a capable group of partners and have every confidence that Jones & Co will continue to succeed in the coming years.”

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Jones & Co are proud to announce their sponsorship of Bawtry Sports Day on 7th June 2014.

The event will be held at the Memorial Sports Ground in Bawtry starting at 2pm. Last year’s event was a huge success and this year promises more of the same. A fun packed family day out with entertainment for all the family.

Our Charles Daysh will be there to defend his title of champion Welly Thrower 2013. We’d love you to join us in cheering him on!

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Jones & co’s trainee Solicitor, Charles Daysh, has retained his title of ‘Champion Welly Thrower’ at this year’s Bawtry Sports Day!

Charles threw the longest distance of the day on only his second attempt. By the end of the day, he was announced to be the clear winner. Many attempts were made to beat him by our other staff members, but no one came close.

Well done Charles!

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We can retrieve your Wills, Deeds and files from any solicitor.

Simply fill in this form and return it to us with proof of your identity.

RETRIEVAL FORM

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Stephen Carey, former head of the Probate department at Tracey Barlow Furniss & Co Solicitors (Retford) has now joined the wills and probate team at expanding local firm Jones & Company.

Stephen Carey is a well known figure in Retford, having over forty years experience in the legal profession and having worked at TBF for the past fifteen years.

We are also delighted to announce that Dawn Rollinson, formerly head of Tracey Barlow Furniss & Co Solicitors Family Law Department, has joined our expanding Family Law Team.

Dawn has practiced exclusively in family law for 15 years and has particular expertise in dealing with cases involving children.

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Former Territorial Army battalion commander and Bassetlaw parliamentary candidate David Harris OBE TD DL has joined Jones & Co Solicitors as a consultant, based at the Bawtry office.

An agricultural and commercial property law specialist, David has worked locally in the legal profession for over 45 years, including many years as senior partner at another well-known regional law firm.

David, who has experience and expertise across a number of areas of law, was born and still lives in the Isle of Axholme on the North Nottinghamshire, North Lincolnshire and South Yorkshire borders.

A Law graduate of King’s College, London, David sat as a Court Registrar (now known as a Deputy Judge) in the early 1980s before being promoted to command his Territorial Army battalion. He also fought two general elections as the parliamentary candidate for Bassetlaw  in 1974 and 1979. David is a Deputy Lieutenant for the County of Lincolnshire.

Matthew Sharpe, managing partner: “We are extremely pleased to have someone of David’s calibre and experience on board. David has expertise that is highly relevant to the needs of our regional agricultural and business communities and we are sure that this will contribute significantly to Jones & Co’s strengths and capabilities.”

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Landlords are advised to follow new safety and paperwork requirements from 1 October 2015, if they want to avoid hefty penalties and keep the right to serve a ‘no fault’ Section 21 eviction notice on their tenants.

Landlord and tenant law expert James Murray is advising anyone renting out property to be ready for several legal changes due on 1 October 2015.

From that date, landlords will have to give their tenants Energy Performance Certificates, Gas Safety Certificates and a new booklet called ‘How to Rent’, as well as install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. If a landlord does not comply with these requirements, then tenants will not have to conform to a 28 day period notice to quit.

James Murray: “Smoke alarms will need to be installed on every storey of a property used as living accommodation and carbon monoxide alarms installed where solid fuel, such as coal or wood, is used. Landlords are responsible for ensuring that the alarms are working at the start of the tenancy and tenants are responsible for looking after them during the tenancy.”

Landlords who fail to comply with the smoke alarm requirements may be issued with a remedial notice by their local authority, asking them to fit alarms within 28 days. If a landlord fails to fit the alarms the local authority can arrange for this to be done and serve a penalty notice on the landlord for a sum of up to £5,000.

James: “Landlords also need to be aware that they will not be able to serve section 21 notices if a tenant has complained about the condition of the property and a local authority has served an order on them about this in the last six months. Also they cannot serve a Section 21 notice until four months after a tenancy starts and this notice cannot be used six months after it has been served, when a new one would need to be served.

“Changes to landlord and tenant law are made on a regular basis, with serious penalties facing landlords who are unaware or fail to comply. I’d suggest that any landlords who want to be sure they have full, up to date information, seek professional advice to make sure they don’t find themselves on the wrong side of these requirements.”

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If you buy digital music, books, films or games, you now have the same legal right to repair or replacement as when you buy a hard copy version of these items.

The rights of consumers have been overhauled with the introduction of the Consumer Rights Act 2015, which sets out the legal responsibilities for businesses selling goods on or offline and in a digital or physical form. The Act explains the remedies that people can expect and request if there is a problem with a purchase.

James Murray, dispute resolution lawyer at Jones & Co Solicitors: “As of 1 October, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 has changed the rules on how goods, services and digital content are supplied. This has been an enormous change to consumer rights law, replacing the Sale of Goods Act, Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations and the Supply of Goods and Services Act.

“Among the rights that consumers now have are a 30 day refund period, giving them the opportunity to reject a faulty purchase in that timeframe. If a retailer provides a repair or replacement which also fails, people are now entitled to ask for a full refund, price reduction or ask for another repair or replacement.

“The new law makes it easier for consumers to question unfair terms, so if a price or a fee doesn’t seem right or has not been made transparent and clear, it can be assessed for fairness. Goods should also be fit for purpose and be delivered as described, otherwise the buyer has the right to challenge the seller.

“It’s important for people to be aware of these new rights and know when they should question a purchase that is not up to scratch, but also what is reasonable and fair in the circumstances. The new Act gives both consumer and business greater transparency on how to deal with issues in the 21st century and particularly in our digital age.”

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Jones and Co Solicitors will be sponsoring the fireworks display at Harworth and Bircotes Sports and Social Club, Scrooby Road, Doncaster on 30 October.

There will be funfair rides from 6pm and a hog roast, as well as other refreshments on sale, including hot dogs to raise funds towards the upkeep of the local church. The firework show designed by Fuse Fireworks is due to start between 7.45 and 8pm.

Emma Thompson, partner: “We’re delighted to play our part in supporting this traditional annual event. The Pavilion is very much at the heart of the Harworth and Bircotes community and their firework night is organised without any local authority funding, so we are pleased to help ensure that this great event can continue.

“We hope to see many people there on 30 October to join what will be a fantastic occasion.”

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Jones & Co Solicitors has announced the appointment of Philip Armstrong, Anna Littlewood and Louise Richardson as partners with effect from 1 January 2016. 

The move marks further expansion at the firm, which has continually invested in new locations and staff over the last few years and now has offices in Retford, Bawtry and Ollerton.

Philip has 41 years experience in the legal profession. He was the head of the wills, trust and probate department at Attey, Bower & Jones where he managed a team of over 20 people. Since joining Jones & Co Solicitors his department has expanded from five to 16 staff.

Anna has worked with Jones & Co since she was 15 years old and has seen its considerable growth throughout that time. Louise joined in 2013 from a large regional firm, bringing with her vast experience in the field of commercial property.

Matthew Sharpe, Managing Partner: “As a firm, we continue to foster a culture of exceptional service and teamwork and look forward to continued growth and progression. Speaking on behalf of all the current partners, I am looking forward to working with such a strong management team from 2016 and beyond.”

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In June 2015, HSBC sold their Wills and Probate business to a company called Simplify Channel Ltd, with the transfer expected to occur on the 30th October 2015.

Many people who made Wills with HSBC also appointed HSBC as the Executors of their Will. HSBC wrote to many of their customers on the 10th July, giving them the option to sign a Codicil to appoint “Simplify” or another Executor of their choice instead of HSBC, or to inform HSBC that their Will is no longer valid. A deadline to respond of 31st July 2015 has been reported.

We have investigated this on behalf of a minority of worried HSBC customers who wanted to make sense of the letter and obtain proper legal advice before making a decision. This is unfortunately a minority of their customers and we would like to point out some concerns we have for those who have not sought proper legal advice:

•           This letter could easily have been mistaken for advertising.

•           The letter says that you are not obliged to appoint Simplify as an executor of your Will and that you do have “options” available. However, from the worried customers we have spoken to they feel that they are being advised or encouraged to appoint Simplify. It does not say that it is often more appropriate and much more cost-effective to appoint a family member rather than a professional.

•           The letter and enclosed information leaflets can be confusing. They include a glossary of terms but there is no indication that it might be a good idea to contact a solicitor to discuss the letter, other than a reference to using a solicitor if you wish to change your Will – and this is on page 6, under Q&A. The end result is that the pre-populated codicil is a minefield and many will get this wrong which will lead to problems further down the line.

•           Although there is a Codicil provided for you to appoint another Executor, this is worded in such a way that the appointment will take effect only on completion of the sale of HSBC’s UK probate services business to Simplify (unless you don’t sign the Codicil until after that date).   There is no option to make the appointment with immediate effect.

•           It is very unusual to send out Codicils with pre-populated information. These Codicils make specific reference to a purchase agreement between HSBC and Simplify, made on 1st May 2015, and you are expected to sign them, having not seen the document they refer to.

•           HSBC provides no information of the financial arrangement between them and Simplify. Often firms who act for banks charge customers much higher fees to take into account referral fees they pay to banks.

•           Simplify are not regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. On their website, Simplify claim to have acted on behalf of banks for over 25 years, but Companies House shows the company as having been set up in 2012. Simplify are a subsidiary of Chorus Law       Group Ltd, itself a reincarnation of a company called Independent Trust Corporation Ltd. We would strongly advise you to research these companies carefully. On their website, Simplify do not provide details or profiles of any members of staff.

If HSBC have sold your Will without your permission and you would feel more comfortable with a more personal service please let us know and we can assist.

We strongly recommend that if you made a Will with HSBC and have received the letter from them, or if you haven’t been contacted yet and are not sure where you stand, you need to get urgent advice. The transfer is now imminent and this needs your urgent attention.

Wills are vital documents that too many people do not pay enough attention to – leaving their family in perilous situations after they have gone.

We hope this advice not only helps those affected by HSBC’s commercial decision, but also brings home to everyone that, if you need a will, now is as good a time as any to get the wheels in motion – and local regulated law firms are easily the safest option to protect a lifetime’s assets.

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There are probably more than a few folk who would like to have swapped places with Jones & Co’s Philip Armstrong this year.

Wills, trusts and probate expert at the Bawtry office, Philip has recently completed 3,300 miles across Europe in his 58 year old Rolls Royce without a single breakdown.

Philip was taking part in the Dutch organised Tuscany Tour Montalpruno 2015 which saw more than 25 classic cars from all over Europe travel over the French Alps, into Switzerland via the Slevio Pass, on to Italy via Lake Como to drive through Tuscany and back again.

Philip: ‘I have kept classic cars for more than 20 years. As well as the Rolls Royce, I am having a 1960 Triumph TR3, which has been off-road since the 1960s and a 1971 Jensen Interceptor restored. I’m looking forward to driving both of these.  The Tuscany Tour was a tremendous, once in a lifetime, opportunity to visit some beautiful parts of Europe and put one of the world’s best loved vehicles to the test.  The fact that we travelled through challenging terrains, in a range of weathers without encountering a single problem is testament to the quality and reliability of the car.

‘My next ambition is to get the TR3 back on the road and drive from Lands End to John O’Groats.’

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When the starting gun is fired at this year’s Edwinstowe 10k Trail Race, a team from Jones & Co Solicitors, the main sponsors of the event, will be there ready to run.

Kim Filsell, Gill Hempstock and Louise Richardson are in training to make sure they do themselves proud alongside the 600 other hardy runners set to brave the elements around Sherwood Forest on Sunday 6 December.

The annual event, which is now in its 9th year, starts at Edwinstowe Forest Corner at 10.30am and will follow 6.2 miles of tracks and trails around the forest.

Solicitor Louise Richardson: “We believe we should put our money where our mouths are and as well as support the event financially with sponsorship, get our trainers on and run like the wind! This is a hugely popular local event with running places filled months beforehand, so we are determined to give it our best shot.

“I’ve been running with a local club for a few years now so there should be a few friendly faces along the way and it will be great to take part in this with a few colleagues. We hope that the day itself manages to raise as much money as possible for the main charity, Bluebell Wood Hospice.”

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Home owners thinking of buying a second home or buy to let property may find themselves spending thousands of pounds more if they wait until April next year to complete their purchase.

Jones & Co Solicitors is advising property investors that new rates of stamp duty have been announced as part of the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement. These new rates will be applied from 1 April 2016, making second homes or buy to let properties worth more than £150,000 cost an additional £1,500 to £13,500 in stamp duty from that date onwards.

The stamp duty rate charged will depend on the value of the property, with second homes and buy to let properties worth over £450,000 likely to cost buyers a total of £26,000 in stamp duty after 1 April 2016, an increase of £13,500.

Property experts at the legal firm are suggesting that anyone who is looking to buy a second home or a buy to let property should consider completing this well before 1 April 2016.

Conveyancing expert Emma Thompson: “If people know that they are likely to buy a second property in 2016 then our advice is to get the wheels in motion as soon as possible in the New Year if they want to avoid the new stamp duty rates.

“Ideally buyers should have an offer accepted and a solicitor instructed early in January 2016. Based on the average time it takes to complete on a property, this should give many buyers the chance to pay the current stamp duty rates and have the keys in their hands before 1 April 2016.

“Clearly these changes to stamp duty are going to have a considerable impact on the investment property market and cause many investors and second home buyers to think carefully. This is a major shift in stamp duty rates and may present questions to many people about whether to  go ahead with a second home purchase and if they do, the value of property to select.”

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Landlords need to check whether their tenants have the ‘right to rent’ property, or face potential fines of up to £3,000.

Landlord and tenant law expert James Murray at Jones & Co Solicitors says that all landlords in England signing new tenancy agreements since 1 February 2016 must run a ‘right to rent’ check on all tenants over the age of 18, within 28 days before the start of a new tenancy.

These checks mean landlords should inspect and make a photocopy of a UK or other passport that shows a tenant’s right to live in the UK permanently, or a combination of other Government approved documents, such as a birth certificate and official government letter.

James: “Landlords need to check everyone they rent property to from now on, or face hefty fines. The important thing they need to be able to prove is that they have complied with the legislation. This means checking the correct, original documents while the tenant is present, ensuring that photographs are of the person there and the date of birth given is believable and matches the birth date on any other documents provided.

“It’s important that landlords run the right to rent check on everyone or they may face accusations of discrimination. Even if they personally know the person and their background, they still need to go through the process.

“If the tenant is arranging their tenancy from overseas, landlords must see their original documents before tenants start living at the property. They need to make and keep photocopies of all the relevant information for the whole of the tenancy and for a year after the tenancy ends.”

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