Terms & Conditions

1. Introduction

These Terms & Conditions govern the provision of legal and related services by Beverley Williams, a freelance solicitor regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) under SRA number 8012140. By instructing me, you agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions, together with any accompanying Client Care Letter or Engagement Letter.

2. Regulatory Status

I practise as a freelance solicitor under the SRA Standards and Regulations to provide non-reserved legal services as defined by the Legal Services Act 2007.

3. Scope of Services

I provide non-contentious legal services including:

  • Drafting wills, mirror wills, and associated estate planning documents

  • Non-contentious probate applications and estate administration support

  • Family law assistance (non-court representation), including drafting statements, letters, and agreements

  • Preparation and certification of documents, including ID1 forms

  • Assistance with property matters (non-reserved), including liaison with conveyancers

  • McKenzie Friend support in proceedings (non-reserved, non-advocacy)

  • Drafting and registering Lasting Powers of Attorney

  • General legal letter writing and document preparation

Any services outside the agreed scope will require separate confirmation in writing.

4. Client Responsibilities

You agree to:

  • Provide accurate, complete, and timely information

  • Respond promptly to requests for instructions or documents

  • Inform me of any changes in your circumstances that may affect your matter

  • Ensure that any documents you provide for certification are genuine and unaltered

Failure to provide necessary information may delay or prevent the completion of your matter.

5. Fees and Payment

Fees will be set out in your Client Care Letter and may be:

  • Fixed fees for defined pieces of work

  • Hourly rates for ongoing or open-ended matters

  • Disbursements (e.g., probate fees, Land Registry fees) payable in addition

Invoices are payable within 14 days unless otherwise agreed. I reserve the right to charge interest on overdue invoices at 8% above the Bank of England base rate.

6. Professional Indemnity Insurance

I do not maintain professional indemnity insurance and so you are not protected to the SRA's minimum insurance requirements.

If things go wrong, the maximum you can recover from me is, in relation to that matter only, any fee already paid by you, plus 25% of the agreed fee for that matter, plus any disbursement which you have paid to me.

7. Confidentiality and Data Protection

I will keep your information confidential except where disclosure is required by law or permitted by you.

I act as a data controller under the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018. My Privacy Notice explains how your data is collected, used, stored, and retained.

8. AntiMoney Laundering (AML)

I am required to carry out identity and verification checks. You agree to provide documents (identity and proof of address) promptly when requested. I may decline or cease acting if AML requirements are not met.

9. Document Certification and ID1 Forms

Where I certify documents or complete ID1 forms:

  • You must attend in person with original documents

  • I may refuse certification if I am not satisfied as to authenticity or identity

  • Certification does not constitute legal advice on the underlying transaction

10. McKenzie Friend Services

When acting as a McKenzie Friend:

  • I do not have rights of audience or rights to conduct litigation

  • I may assist with preparation, organisation, and quiet advice in court

  • The judge retains discretion over the role permitted in any hearing

11. Communication

I will communicate with you by email, telephone, post, or secure digital means. You are responsible for ensuring that your contact details remain up to date and that you maintain appropriate security over your email account.

12. Timescales

Any timescales provided are estimates only and may be affected by third party delays, court or registry processing times, or your own availability to provide instructions.

13. Limitation of Liability

I am not liable for:

  • Losses caused by inaccurate or incomplete information provided by you

  • Losses arising from third party delays or failures

  • Indirect or consequential losses

Nothing in these Terms limits liability for fraud or death/personal injury caused by negligence.

14. Professional rules I must observe 

SRA Code of Conduct for Solicitors (click here to view)

15. Termination

You may terminate your instructions at any time in writing.
I may cease acting where permitted by the SRA Code of Conduct, including where:

  • You fail to pay invoices

  • You fail to provide instructions

  • A conflict of interest arises

  • Continuing to act would breach legal or regulatory obligations

You remain liable for fees incurred up to the date of termination.

16. File Retention

Files are retained for 6 years (or longer where required) and then securely destroyed. Original documents will be returned to you.

17. Complaints

If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of my service, you may raise a complaint in writing. I will provide a copy of my Complaints Policy or you can view the SRA Code of Conduct for Solicitors.

If you remain dissatisfied after my final response, you may refer the matter to the Legal Ombudsman within the applicable time limits.

18. Governing Law

These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any dispute shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.