National accredited award for Wills and Probate Solicitor Samantha Hosken

Solicitor Associate Samantha Hoskins has been recognised with a national accredited award for expertise in supporting older and vulnerable people.

Wills and Probate specialist Samantha has received the Older Client Care in Practice (OCCP) Award, which distinguishes lawyers who provide specialist legal care and support to older and vulnerable clients, their families and carers.

It also grants full accredited membership to SFE (Solicitors for the Elderly), an independent, national organisation of professionals, such as solicitors, barristers, and chartered legal executives, committed to providing the highest quality legal advice on specialist areas, such as wills, powers of attorney and elder abuse.

To achieve the award, all applicants are required to undertake a rigorous assessment, to demonstrate good understanding of the specific needs and considerations required when safeguarding and protecting older clients' interests.

The Wills and Probate team at Wards, which is one of the largest in the South West region, is well-known and well-respected for its specialism in older client law. Sixteen of its lawyers are fully accredited members of the highly respected SFE. Wards' Managing Partner Jenny Pierce is a long-standing senior SFE board member, and has worked with the organisation for many years.

Lakshmi Turner, Chief Executive of SFE, said: "We recommend people always use specialist legal advice when planning for later life, and SFE is the gold standard for solicitors and chartered legal executives advising on older client law.

"The OCCP Award ensures lawyers provide the best advice to older people and their families, guiding them through the different legal processes sensitively."

For help and advice about making or reviewing your Will, please contact Wards Solicitors' Wills, Probate and Mental Capacity team.

For further information on SFE, please visit http://www.sfe.legal