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home > code of practice Code of PracticeSolicitors for the Elderly (SFE) is a national organisation of lawyers such as solicitors, barristers, and legal executives who are committed to improving the availability and delivery of legal services to older people. Not just any lawyer can be a member of SFE. Our members must have spent a substantial amount of their time working for older clients and have to fulfil our own criteria for membership.
SFE have established this Code of Practice for our members to follow, when advising older clients so that you know what to expect of the service provided.
- Members will provide details of the firm’s basis of charging, including giving estimates for costs of work to be undertaken, and where appropriate work on a fixed fee basis. This information will be confirmed in writing at the time instructions are taken or as soon as possible thereafter.
- The member’s firm will operate their own complaints procedure and this will be given to the client at the time as details as to costs.
- Members will endeavour to follow a plain English policy and communicate in easy, understandable language, avoiding legal terminology unless necessary.
- Members are aware of potential hearing and visual difficulties and take this into account when communicating, for example correspondence and documents can be produced in large print or Braille.
- Members will try to ensure ease of access and parking for less mobile clients.
- Where appropriate, members will offer home visits as an alternative to a visit to the office. Any arrangement will be at a mutually agreed time and cost.
- In the interest of the client’s personal security, members will operate appropriate measures, such as identification passes or passwords.
- All clients will be treated with dignity and respect, in a manner which is sensitive to the situation.
Solicitors for the Elderly Ltd is a company limited by guarantee,
Registration number 04829307
Registered Address: Latimer Hinks, 5-8 Priestgate, Darlington DL1 1NL
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