Warwick Barker LLP Solicitors

29/05/2026

At first glance, making a DIY will or using an online service might seem like a cheap option - but in reality, they often cause costly complications and a legal nightmare for your loved ones.

Here’s why they can go wrong:
- Even small errors in wording, signing, or witnessing can make a DIY will or a will created online legally unenforceable.

- Templates often use overly simplistic or unclear terms that create confusion or disputes later.

-Online forms cannot reflect your unique circumstances, wishes, or potential risks.

-Blended families, stepchildren, previous relationships, and shared assets require careful drafting that generic templates simply don’t cover.

Please contact us on 01903 775051 if you would like to discuss this further.

08/05/2026

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that lets you appoint someone you trust to make decisions for you if you lose mental capacity. There are two types: one dealing with financial decisions and the other with health and care decisions.

Many people think a Lasting Power of Attorney is something to consider later in life, but the reality is, loss of capacity can happen at any time.

Here’s why you should make LPAs now:
- LPAs must be set up while you have capacity, so delaying it can mean losing the opportunity altogether – act early, stay protected and in control
- Loss of capacity can happen at any time – whether through illness, unexpected injury, or a longer-term diagnosis
- Registration can take weeks or months, which can be critical in urgent situations – make sure you avoid delays
- Reduce stress for loved ones – avoids costly and time-consuming court applications

Please call us on 01903 775051 if you would like to discuss this.

03/03/2026

This Update Your Will Week (2nd – 8th March 2026), we are proud to support The Association of Lifetime Lawyers in raising awareness about the importance of both making a will, as well as keeping your will up to date if personal circumstances change.

A will is far more than just a legal document. It captures your wishes, protects your loved ones, and safeguards the legacy you want to leave behind.

Modern families are changing rapidly,and people often wrongly assume that their loved ones will be automatically taken care of. However, without clear and legally valid instructions, families and partners can face uncertainty, distress, and even costly disputes – often discovering too late that assumptions do not provide protection under the law and can have serious consequences.

Please contact us now on 01903 775051 if you would like an appointment to discuss this.

02/12/2025

Christmas jumper day at the Warwick Barker office!

26/11/2025

As the festive season approaches, it’s vital to be aware of potential scams hidden amongst the surge of online shopping, deliveries and donations this time of year brings.

Take a moment to protect yourself and vulnerable people around you by knowing what to look out for this Christmas.

Here are some trusted places to find advice, tools and training to help you stay scam-smart this season:
Stop, hang up, call 159: An initiative from Stop Scams UK; if you think someone is trying to trick you into handing over money or details, hang up and call 159 to speak directly to your bank.
Age UK Scams Prevention and Support: tailored advice for older people, with information guides and awareness sessions. https://www.ageuk.org.uk/our-impact/programmes/how-we-deliver-advice/scams-prevention-and-support-programme/
The Little Book of Big Scams: Produced by the Metropolitan Police, this resource is designed to help make you aware of the latest and most prolific scams. Download here: https://nbcc.police.uk/crime-prevention/cyber-and-fraud/little-book-of-big-scams-fifth-edition
Action Fraud: The UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime, with up-to-date resources and alerts: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/resources

26/09/2025

23/09/2025

Asset Preservation Campaign
Lifetime Lawyers has launched a new campaign lifting the lid on the hidden dangers of so-called ‘asset protection trusts’ which are exposing families across the UK to lasting financial and legal harm.
At the core of the campaign is a new report based on findings, which have revealed the scale and impact of the mis-selling of asset protection trusts across the UK, and how older people in particular people are being misled into paying thousands of pounds for misleading asset protection schemes that don’t deliver, and offer false promises of shielding them from care home fees and tax liabilities. And, to sit alongside this, they’ve also produced a simple red and green flag guide to help people quickly assess whether an asset protection trust is likely to be safe or potentially risky, and to make informed choices.

Coverage
Warning over Trusts – Broadcast on BBC Radio 4 Money Box, 20th September
Top lawyers have told Money Box that people across the UK are being misled into paying thousands of pounds for products which they are told will protect the value of their home from inheritance tax or being taken to pay for care home fees. In reality, they say, these schemes do not work and may trigger legal complications and huge financial costs in the future. Usually the products involve setting up some sort of 'trust' but they are often sold by people who are not lawyers and are not regulated. The Association of Lifetime Lawyers, asked over a hundred its own members and found 95% of those lawyers surveyed said they had seen such products being missold and more than 4 in 5 said they had clients who had been misled.
Live interview with Jade Gani.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002js65 00:22 – 08:43
Warning over Trusts - Broadcast on Radio 4, Today Programme, 20th September
A group of senior lawyers has told Radio 4’s Money Box programme that people are being scammed into paying thousands of pounds for misleading financial products. The schemes claim to help people protect their homes from inheritance tax or care home fees. But The Association of Lifetime Lawyers says they don’t work and can cause serious financial and legal complications…
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002js5t 1:08:59 - 1:09:47

Including Sports Desk, Weather and Thought for the Day.

07/05/2025

WE ARE HIRING

Warwick Barker is a respected and well-established independent firm of solicitors, known for our commitment to providing exceptional legal services. We pride ourselves on our professional yet friendly approach, offering expert advice and support to our diverse client base. We are currently seeking a dedicated and experienced Legal Assistant to join our Conveyancing Team.

Key Responsibilities:

• File Management: Open and manage files for residential conveyancing transactions, ensuring all necessary documentation is complete and up-to-date.
• Document Preparation: Draft letters, contracts, and other legal documents as required. Transcribe attendance notes accurately and efficiently.
• Compliance: Ensure all compliance procedures are adhered to, maintaining up-todate records in line with regulatory requirements.
• Post-Completion Applications: Handle post-completion applications to the Land Registry, ensuring all steps are completed promptly and accurately.
• Client Liaison: Serve as a point of contact for clients, addressing inquiries and providing updates where necessary.
• Communication: Answer incoming telephone calls, taking detailed messages and directing calls to the appropriate team members.
• Quotes: Assisting the department with providing quotes to potential clients and aiding with the onboarding process.
• Support: Provide general administrative support to the conveyancing team, assisting with both residential and a small amount of commercial property transactions where necessary.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Proven experience as a Legal Assistant within a conveyancing department.
• Familiarity with residential conveyancing processes and procedures; experience with commercial conveyancing is an advantage.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in using legal case management systems and standard office software.
• Ability to manage a high volume of work efficiently and effectively.
• A proactive and client-focused approach.

What We Offer:

• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Competitive salary, benefits package and company pension.
• Company events.
• Employee discount.
• Sick pay.
• Christmas week closure.

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday (ideally) – 9am until 5pm with an hour for lunch.
• No weekends

The work location will be at our office – 78 Woodlands Avenue, Rustington, West Sussex, BN16 3EZ

To apply, please send your CV to Oliver Kenning – [email protected]

04/02/2025

WE ARE HIRING – PRIVATE CLIENT SECRETARY

Ø Part-Time – Tuesday to Friday 10:00 – 15:00 (Timings Flexible) 18 hours per week.
Ø Start Date: 1st April 2025.
Ø Starting salary is £12.21 per hour.
Ø Applicant should work well in a team, be good with technology and have an eye for detail. The job will involve audio typing, opening files, preparing letters and notes, speaking to Clients. The job also involves dealing with bereavement so good people skills and sensitivity is needed.

To apply, please send your CV to Emily Jordan – [email protected]

04/10/2024

🥁Free talk for pre-op hip and knee patients
📔 Monday 7th October10.30-11.30 Ferring Village Hall.
ℹ️ Top tips on how to recover safely and confidetly after hip or knee surgery.
👏“ She is very experienced and meticulous” Mr Shah, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

Come and ask questions and share your concerns. I’m here to help.