Lisa Franklin
Associate
Practice areas
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What I do
Key areas of work:
- Wills
- Powers of Attorney
- Court of Protection applications
- Management of property and financial affairs for professional attorneys and deputies
- Estate planning advice
- Probate administration
- Trusts
Wills and Lifetime Planning Tools
In short, I advise and assist people with their lifetime planning and in the preparation of Wills ranging from simple wills to complex Wills incorporating Trusts as well as other useful lifetime planning tools such as Powers of Attorney, including general Powers of Attorney, specific powers of Attorney, Trustee Powers of Attorney, Enduring Powers of Attorney and Lasting Powers of Attorney. I also draft Declarations of Trust. I offer all-round advice having formed a bigger picture of my client’s personal circumstances to help them make well-informed decisions.
Court of Protection Deputyships
I also advise and assist with applications to the Court of Protection for the appointment of a Deputy and I am particularly passionate about helping vulnerable clients. The Court of Protection work I am involved with includes making applications to the Court for the appointment of a person to manage property and finances when a person becomes unable to do so for themselves and also in assisting Professional Attorneys and Deputies manage property and financial affairs. I also have experience of Statutory Will applications, Trustee applications, gifting applications and also Health and Welfare applications to the Court of Protection.
Probate and Letters of Administration
I assist Executors in applications for Grants of Representation both where the deceased left a Will and in cases of Intestacy (where there is no valid Will). I also assist in the general administration of an estate including collecting in assets of the estate, settling liabilities, the preparation of estate accounts and distributing to beneficiaries. This involves the calculation and settling of inheritance tax, as well as deeds of variation where a beneficiary wishes to redirect their inheritance and payments to the beneficiaries. I find it rewarding to be able to help people in their hour of need especially after the loss of a loved one.
Accreditation's
STEP Member (TEP Qualified)
What I bring to the team
A little ray of sunshine and bringing out the happy side in people.
I am very determined, conscientious and will fight for what I believe is right for the team and our clients.
Key interests
I love to help people. I am a Dementia Friends Champion and a member of “Inspiring the Future”.
I am colourful and I love shoes!
The best moments of my life are spent with my little family. Unfortunately for them, I have not yet mastered the art of keeping a pet fish alive for more than a few months. R.I.P Sprinkles and Cupcake.
I am a bit of a royalist and my biggest role model is Her Majesty the Queen.
In my spare time I enjoy a mix of belly dancing, tap dancing, genealogy, cocktails with friends and stone painting with the children.
I won the Northamptonshire Law Society Junior Lawyer of the Year award in 2014 and have since been commended internally with awards for commitment to business development and for “going over and above” in client care and service.
Testimonials
Felt very comfortable with Lisa and she took time to explain my options.
Client, Wills and Probate
Dear Lisa, Just wanted to thank you for your courtesy and patience in explaining things this afternoon. These matters are never enjoyable but you made it comprehensible and I appreciated that.
Client, Wills and Probate
Lisa, I just wanted to thank you for all your work on this estate and for all your help with our legacy, it’s much appreciated.
Client, Wills and Probate
You probably won’t remember this, back in 2017, I went with my wife to sign our will. You helped us with the process on that day. You were so brilliant at realising that we both had a visual impairment and offering sighted guide. It was such a small thing, but it made all the difference, because even now, four years on, you wouldn’t believe how difficult it is as a disabled person to receive that level of service especially from professionals.
I often have to ask for assistance first, I’ve had people telling me to "walk over there" when asking for directions, Doctors calling my name and then walking away without offering help. I just wanted to say a huge thank you for your help that day and making the whole process so much easier.
Client, Wills and Probate
Just wanted to thank you for your help and advice over the telephone. I decided to bite the bullet and apply for probate myself and, as you said, it was very simple - it has been approved. Our chat over the telephone really helped - thanks again - it was very kind of you to take the time and give such clear advice.
Client, Smith Partnership
Lisa Franklin in your Leicester branch was brilliant in sorting probate for my late mother’s estate. We were so impressed by her professionalism and care during this difficult time that we also arranged for her to do our wills too. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Lisa or Smith Partnership for their brilliant and professional service.
Client, Wills and Probate - Trust Pilot
Excellent Service. Lisa Franklin in your Leicester office helped me with a Power of Attorney for our dad when we ran into some issue with the local council. The service was very efficient and she couldn't do enough to help.
Client, Wills and Probate - Trust Pilot
My husband and I needed to sort out our Wills, especially with a change in circumstances, bring them up to date and put in place a Trust to protect our children, not forgetting the expert advice around Power of Attorneys. Not the easiest of conversations to be had, but when you have Lisa Franklin in your corner... you know you're in expert hands. Thank you for your expertise Lisa, a credit to Smith Partnership.
Client, Wills and Probate
We were very impressed with Lisa Franklin in the way she advised us over our Wills and Powers of Attorney. Everything was explained clearly by her and nothing was too much trouble for her.
Lisa was always pleasant to deal with and we would definitely recommend her.
Client, Wills and Probate
