OUR  HISTORY                                                   back to top

The Practice came to Grange-over-Sands in 1903 when Carruthers & Gedye of Liverpool opened a branch office. John Gedye continued as the Senior Partner in the Practice until his death in May 1995 at the age of 86.

Since 1964 to January 2008 the practice occupied premises at Myrtle Bank at the top of Main Street, Grange-over-Sands.

The Practice has now moved to specially prepared modern and efficient new premises at Chancery House. We hope that level access, on-site parking and the numerous ground floor inteview rooms will be an advantage to both our clients and our staff.

Due to the firm's increasing involvement in mediated and contentious probate work which frequently involves the need for a London presence, it is possible to see Richard Roberts upon an appointments only basis at his home in Putney. Please see the contact us section for details.

OUR  PHILOSOPHY                                                   back to top

Despite an increasingly commercial world, we firmly believe in the traditional values of a personal, professional service. We have chosen not to compete for work by offering "cut-price packages" at the expense of quality of service, and do not wish to follow the trend of undertaking estate agency work. We see ourselves as lawyers dedicated to serving the needs of the community with impartial, high quality, efficient and prompt advice.

• The practice has adopted or adapted as many as are appropriate to the firm of the Law Society's Practice Management Standards since their creation and have also been members of the Management Section of The Law Society for several years. The practice has held LEXCEL quality accreditation for several years.

• We particularly recognise that many of our clients have special needs by reason of age or infirmity, and we do what we can to allay their fears and keep them informed. This includes making home visits where practicable and appropriate.

• We are continuously reviewing, upgrading and improving our information technology and computer systems to ensure that we stay abreast of all current developments.

OUR  FEE  EARNERS                                                   back to top

1. Richard A Roberts, Director, joined the firm in 1982 after gaining a B.A. in Law and Politics (specifically concentrating on administration and decision making processes) from Durham University and qualifying in that year. He became a partner in 1988 and handles a wide range of work with the emphasis on conveyancing, trusts and personal client matters. Richard has been a member of the Law Society's Wills and Equity Committee for several years.

2. Mark E Jones, Director, qualified in 1988 and formerly practised in Grange-over-Sands on his own account. He deals with commercial and domestic conveyancing, financial services and other private client work. Mark is the Managing Partner and he is also responsible for the I.T. development of the practice.

3. Stuart W Harling, Consultant, joined the firm in 1972 after gaining an LL.B from Bristol University and qualifying in 1971. Stuart now concentrates entirely on Wills, trust administration and personal client matters. He is an active member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.

4. Sarah Murphy qualified in 2006. Sarah concentrates upon the preparation of wills and Powers of Attorney and the administration of estates. She also deals with numerous management companies.

5. Moira Taylor qualified in 1980. Moira joined the practice in 2007 and has substantial experience in all aspects of conveyancing on both commercial and domestic property transactions.

6. Geraldine Craig, who qualified in 1999, joined us in September 2007. In her last position Geraldine developed and managed the practice's Probate department. It is intended that her role with Gedye & Sons will be similar.

7. Mark R Reynolds, Financial Manager, joined the practice in 1988 and was formerly employed for ten years by Halifax Building Society in a variety of managerial roles. He has extensive financial insurance and tax experience and acts as financial manager for the practice. He undertakes probate, tax and ancillary work.


OUR  OFFICE  MANAGER                                                   back to top

Peter Watson joined the practice as Office Manager in 2006 from the Meteorological Office. Originally a resident of the area, Peter has brought a wealth of local knowledge and practical experience with him.


OUR  SUPPORT  STAFF                                                   back to top

We currently have ten support and secretarial staff performing a wide range of tasks, some of whom have been with the practice for a considerable period of time. As a result the office operates as an effective and efficient team.


OUR  WORK  PROFILE                                                   back to top

The Practice specialises in the administration of estates, contentious probate, both domestic and commercial conveyancing, the administration of clients affairs under Powers of Attorney, the preparation of wills and the resulting taxation advice.