Going above and beyond for elderly clients

He was called Ginney, a very friendly ginger cat who liked nothing more than eating, sleeping and being stroked and when his elderly owner had to go into a home which didn't allow pets, Wards Solicitors' Sarah Woodward wanted to help.

For Sarah, being part of the Wills, Probate and Mental Capacity team in Clevedon, doesn't end with providing legal advice. Going the extra mile for her elderly clients - including securing the future of much loved pets - is literally all part of a day's work.

Now she has been made a full accredited member of Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE) an independent, national organisation of lawyers including solicitors, barristers and chartered legal executives who provide specialist legal advice for older and vulnerable people, their families and carers.

Sarah reports that "Ginney is now happily ensconced and lauding it over a cat mad Wards Solicitors member of staff."

SFE members are all experienced in their field, follow a strict code of practice with respect and dignity as its core values and have undertaken specialist training to qualify for the Older Client Care in Practice Award, which is independently accredited.

They aim always to communicate in clear, straightforward language, are committed to providing affordable, high quality legal advice and offer the best possible care and support, often going above and beyond what is expected.

The majority of Wards Solicitors' probate team lawyers are either student or full members of SFE. Full members, like Sarah Woodward, hold the Certificate in Older Client Care in Practice Award. Jenny Pierce is SFE's regional coordinator for Bristol and Bath and Ruth Coles is Somerset's regional coordinator.