A solicitor specialising in private client work such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney and probate has opened a new office in Altrincham town centre.
Karen Yates, who has almost 20 years’ legal experience, has launched Yates Legal on Regent Road.
Yates, who lives in Bowdon, previously headed up the private client department at a Manchester firm.
A full member of the Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners (STEP), she said she offers a people-focused approach to her work.
“I don’t operate in the traditional way - I offer evening appointments by video and can meet on Saturday mornings by appointment if you’re struggling during the week.
“You’ll be dealing with me directly and I’m friendly and approachable - I treat my clients how I would want to be treated myself.”
Yates set up her own business in August 2021 and now works with clients locally and nationally.
This is the first time she has had a physical office, however, with her new base recently renovated with an attractive blue exterior and located next door to second-hand book shop Abacus Books.
Yates said that her main purpose was to “make a difference to families”.
“I love the people-focused side of the job and the variety of people I see,” she said.
“For example, if someone writes a will and leaves everything to their spouse, that could leave them open to inheritance tax or care fees. I can structure the wills so that we safeguard those assets and ensure they pass to their children.”
Another service she provides is power of attorney, something she encouraged people to take seriously “before it’s too late”.
“Some clients come to see me when it’s too late. One of my clients didn’t have power of attorney for her mum, who had dementia, and had moved her mum into a nursing home. The daughter became unhappy with the nursing home, though, and wanted to move her mum out, but social services said she wasn’t allowed to because she didn’t have authority.
“If she’d had legal power of attorney she would have been able to override that and move her mum into a home of her choice. It leaves you vulnerable if you don’t have one.
“It’s a bit like an insurance policy - you put it in place when you’re fit and well, put it in the drawer and forget about it, but if you need it it is one of those ‘thank goodness we’ve got that’ documents.”
Yates said she was “very excited” to now be based in the heart of Altrincham town centre.
“If you’re passing, pop in - the first appointment is always free with no obligation to proceed.”
Yates Legal, 26 Regent Rd, Altrincham WA14 1RP. For more information, visit https://yateslegal.co.uk/
