Katy meets... Thorneycroft Solicitors

By Katy O’Regan

On what seemed like the inaugural sunny day of 2024, I ventured to Thorneycroft Solicitors in the heart of Holmes Chapel, drawn by curiosity to explore their Wills and Probate department. Established in 1990 by Rob Thorneycroft, the firm has flourished over time, now boasting branches in Macclesfield and Whaley Bridge. Despite Rob’s retirement in 2019, the Holmes Chapel office remains the bustling hub of activity, the base of Julie Foundation, a seasoned Chartered Legal Executive since 1994. Julie is also an Affiliate Member of STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) having gained Advanced Certificate of qualification in both Administration of Estates and Administration of Trusts.

With a career stretching back to the 1980s, Julie brings a wealth of experience to her role. In her early career she practised family law, conveyancing, and some commercial work but for the past 20 plus years has honed her expertise to specialise in Wills, Probate, Powers of Attorney, Estate Planning, Trusts and related legal matters.

Julie’s depth of knowledge is a critical asset in a field where each individual’s circumstances and needs vary significantly. She passionately underscores the importance of having a Will, stressing the necessity of ensuring that one’s assets are distributed according to personal wishes rather than default legal protocols. Dying intestate, without a valid Will, invokes the Intestacy Rules, which dictate which blood family inherit and in what shares, a process often fraught with emotional strain for families, and noting co-habitees and step-children do not inherit under the Intestacy Rules.

Moreover, Julie emphasises the importance of regularly updating one’s Will to reflect any changes in personal or financial circumstances of yourself or your executors and beneficiaries. She recommends periodic reviews every few years as good practice to ensure alignment with evolving wishes, needs, or law changes and states that if your Will was made before 6th April 2017 it is likely out of date because of the new Residence Nil Rate Band inheritance tax allowance so you should review your Will to ensure your estate is entitled to this extra inheritance tax allowance.

Julie’s accessibility simplifies the process of Will drafting; appointments can be arranged at the office, at home or via Zoom, with a list of necessary documents or information provided in advance. During consultations, Julie navigates clients through the various styles of Wills, tailoring explanations to ensure clarity and understanding of options.

Beyond Wills, Julie also deals with Probate and administering estates and can help you navigate inheritance tax complexities.

Julie’s proficiency also extends to Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) documents, an essential tool in today’s aging population. She underscores the value of having a LPA in place, as obtaining legal power to assist family members can be a lengthy and expensive process through the Court of Protection in the absence of a LPA.

As my conversation with Julie draws to a close, she surprises me with her plans for the evening, returning home to indulge in her favourite hobby, playing the piano. It becomes evident that Julie is not merely a font of information in the realm of Wills, Probate and Estate Planning; she possesses a hidden talent and a well-rounded persona.

All information accurate as of April 2024.