News and Knowledge

Staff Spotlight – Charlotte Bandawe

In our Staff Spotlight series, we highlight key members of our team and learn more about them and their contributions.   Today, we meet Charlotte Bandawe, a Solicitor and Head of the Wills and Probate Department. We are thrilled to announce that Charlotte has been appointed to the GOV.UK Court of Protection Panel of Deputies…

Charlotte Bandawe Appointed to GOV.UK Court of Protection Panel for the North of England

Oakwood Solicitors is delighted to announce that Charlotte Bandawe has been appointed to the prestigious GOV.UK Court of Protection Panel of Deputies for the North of England.   This appointment is a significant milestone, recognising Charlotte’s extensive expertise and her unwavering dedication to supporting vulnerable individuals in complex legal matters.   A Position of Trust…

SRA Closes Miah Law Firm Over Suspected Dishonesty

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has formally intervened and closed three law firms across the North East and Yorkshire, citing suspected dishonesty on the part of a manager.     Affected Closures: We regret to hear that the intervention, which took effect on 10 December 2025, has led to the immediate cessation of business for…

The Growing Cost of a Lasting Power of Attorney

The Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a crucial legal document that ensures trust in managing finances, property, and health decisions. However, the government is raising the registration fee for an LPA by 12%, from £82 to £92, starting 17 November.     What is a Lasting Power of Attorney? A Lasting Power of Attorney…

Applications Close in Record Time for Oakwood Solicitors FWM

Oakwood Solicitors has broken previous records by filling its allocated appointment slots for the Free Wills Month (FWM) campaign in 2 days.   The overwhelming demand saw the initial 20 available spaces booked in just two days, leading to a swift extension.     Free wills month Applications close Oakwood Solicitors has closed its Free…

Over-50s Lead the Way in Organ Donation Week 2025

The NHS is launching its annual Organ Donation Week from September 22 to 28, 2025, aiming to increase awareness about organ donation and encourage more people to join the NHS Organ Donor Register.   New figures from NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) show a significant and historic shift in organ donation. As people over the…

Shocking fact: Only 17% of over 40s have a Power of Attorney

A new study by Canada Life highlights a significant gap in estate planning among UK adults. Only one in six (17%) people over 40 has a power of attorney (POA) in place.     What is a Power of Attorney (POA)? A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a document whereby an individual (known as…

Inheritance Fraud: Fraudulent Wills Are Stealing Your Inheritance

Organised fraudsters in the UK are forging Wills to wrongfully obtain estates, highlighting the crucial need for effective Wills and estate planning.   What is Inheritance fraud? Probate fraud – also known as inheritance fraud- has emerged as a disturbing trend in recent years. Criminals are taking advantage of weaknesses in the system to create…

Unwritten Wills Fuel Family Feuds: Intestacy Hits Five-Year High

The Ministry of Justice reports a 17% increase in probate disputes, with over 51,140 estates in the last year, reaching a five-year high. Indicating a growing risk of potential feuds over inheritances.   In cases where a person dies without a will and owns valuable assets, the court typically issues a ‘grant of letters of…

Doctors allowed elderly dementia patient to refuse life-saving medication days before she died

According to Coroner Kate Bisset, one of the contributing factors to the death of an elderly woman with dementia, was the doctors’ choice to let her refuse medication despite her incapacity to make an ‘informed decision.’   On August 5, 2024, Rose Roberts, 75, a retired senior data entry worker from Rossendale was admitted to Royal…