Harding Evans: Introducing Hannah Thomas
May
Local solicitors Harding Evans have recently appointed Whitchurch’s Hannah Thomas as a new Associate Solicitor. Here’s more about Hannah
We are pleased to announce the appointment of our new Associate Solicitor, Hannah Thomas. During her first week at Harding Evans, we spoke to Hannah about her career, her favourite elements of her role, and why she chose to join Harding Evans.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
My career in law began in 2013 when I started my training contract at Thomas Simon Solicitors, qualifying two years later. On qualifying in 2015, I remained at the firm, which is now called Ince, working my way through the ranks until I left to join Harding Evans.
I have joined the firm as an Associate Solicitor within the Wills & Probate department, helping clients to put their affairs in order.
Is there a particular area of Wills & Probate law that you specialise in?
I can assist clients and deal with all issues relating to Wills, LPAs, Probate (taxable and non-taxable), and Court of Protection applications.
What is your favourite element of your role?
The most enjoyable element of the role is being able to get to know my clients and to make a difference to their lives. I aim to hopefully make a sensitive and emotional process slightly less distressing.
Can you tell us why you were attracted to the role at Harding Evans?
Harding Evans has a very good reputation in Newport, an area where I previously lived. At my previous firm, I was based in a small office in Rhiwbina and I enjoyed working in such an environment, a similar location and environment to that of Harding Evans’s Cardiff office.
I contacted Harding Evans when I was looking for a new role and was particularly interested in working in the Whitchurch office as I was used to working in the area.
Furthermore, I was impressed by the firm’s development plans that were comprehensively explained during the interview process.
Are you living locally?
I do live locally to the Whitchurch office. I know the area well as I have worked in the area prior to my role at Harding Evans.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not in work?
When I’m not at work, most of my time is taken up being a Mum to my two wonderful children. My daughter is called Lila and is five years old, and my son Jude is three.
What advice would you give to people who have not got a Will / Lasting Power of Attorney in place?
It is really important to have a properly drafted and up to date Will, ensuring your estate is dealt with in accordance with your latest wishes. It will provide peace of mind knowing that the ownership of your personal and business assets are protected. Your Will can include important decisions such as who should look after your children and their inheritance in the event of your death.
Without a Will, your estate will be distributed according to the intestacy rules which do not provide for cohabitees or step-relationships.
In terms of a Lasting Power of Attorney, again this is something of paramount importance. Having an LPA (Lasting Power of Attorney) allows you to appoint the people you trust the most to make important decisions on your behalf. Having an LPA can help to limit suffering for loved ones if you become mentally incapacitated and can avoid them having to make an application to the Court of protection to get access to your assets and finances which can be a very lengthy and expensive process.
It is worth pointing out that without an LPA, decisions regarding your care will be left in the hands of strangers.
13 Merthyr Rd, Cardiff CF14 1DA
02922 676818
This is a sponsored post
