There’s nothing quite like discovering a piece of our own history.

While looking through the archives, we came across a newspaper advertisement announcing the opening of our Tynewydd Road office on 10 August 1987. It’s a wonderful reminder of just one chapter in the long history of Passmores Solicitors.

Passmores Solicitors was established in the 1950s, when Cyril Passmore acquired the practice of David Llewellyn Jones, a firm whose own history dates back to the 1920s. Before moving to Tynewydd Road, our offices were based on Holton Road in Barry.

Today, we’re proud to remain one of the longest-established law firms in Barry. For generations, we’ve had the privilege of supporting local individuals, families and businesses through life’s important moments.

While much has changed over the decades, one thing has remained constant: our commitment to providing trusted legal advice and serving the Barry community.

Recent updates show that probate applications are, on average, being processed more quickly than before—particularly for straightforward digital applications. However, many families are still experiencing delays, especially where estates are more complex or require additional information.

While this may seem like a technical issue, delays in probate can have real consequences for families.

Why delays matter:
– Inheritance Tax (IHT) interest: Interest may start to accrue if IHT is not paid within six months of the date of death. Delays in obtaining probate can make it harder to meet this deadline.
– Property costs: Properties left empty during probate may incur higher council tax charges or additional premiums.
– Access to funds: Bank accounts and investments are typically frozen until probate is granted, which can limit access to funds needed for ongoing costs.
– Complex estates take longer: Applications that require clarification or are submitted on paper can take significantly longer to process.

Typical timeframes (recent averages):
– Digital applications with no queries: around 2 weeks
– Paper applications: around 13 weeks
– Applications with queries: around 15 weeks or more

Although progress has been made, delays can still occur depending on the circumstances of the estate.

How we can help:
Every estate is different, and getting things right from the outset can make a significant difference to timescales and overall stress. We can advise you on the probate process, help ensure applications are completed accurately, and support you in managing the practical steps involved in administering an estate.

If you would like to discuss probate or have questions about your situation, please feel free to get in touch.

Elin Jones

We have recently seen a significant rise in requests for appointments to discuss making a Will and/or establishing a Power of Attorney, following Martin Lewis’ comments earlier this month on the importance of having these documents in place.

Martin Lewis has emphasised that while many people understand the importance of having a Will, a significant number still do not. Without a valid Will, the distribution of your Estate is determined by law, which may not reflect your wishes. He has also highlighted that Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) – covering both financial matters and health & welfare decisions – are arguably even more important. LPAs allow someone you trust to manage your affairs before you die if you lose mental capacity, whereas a Will only operates after death.

Many DIY LPAs are rejected due to errors, so it is vital to complete them correctly or seek professional advice. Martin Lewis has also pointed out that free or low-cost options are available, particularly by using Free Will Schemes making it easier and more affordable to put these plans in place.

The key message this March is clear: do not delay. Wills and LPAs should be set up while you are healthy and fully able to make decisions. Waiting until a health crisis or loss of capacity can result in uncertainty and additional stress for your loved ones.

At Passmores, we provide expert guidance to help you create legally sound Wills and Powers of Attorney tailored to your individual circumstances. Whether your estate is straightforward or more complex, we can ensure that your wishes are fully protected and legally enforceable.

If you would like to arrange an appointment or discuss your options, please contact us to schedule a consultation.

We are delighted to congratulate Emily Gammon on her recent admission as a solicitor at a ceremony held earlier this week at the historic The Law Society of England and Wales in London.

Emily officially qualified as a solicitor in August 2025, marking a significant milestone in her legal career. Her practice primarily focuses on matters involving children, where she is committed to achieving positive, child-centred outcomes for families. She regularly advises and represents clients in a range of private and public law proceedings, bringing professionalism, compassion, and diligence to every case.

We are incredibly proud of Emily’s achievement and look forward to seeing her continued success as she develops her practice.

We are pleased to announce that we have partnered with the Alzheimer’s Society as part of its Will to Remember scheme.

As a firm, we have supported many clients and their families who have been affected by dementia. Through this experience, we have seen first-hand how the guidance, care, and resources provided by the Alzheimer’s Society can make a meaningful difference to individuals and families during what is often one of the most challenging periods of their lives.

The Will to Remember scheme is available throughout the year and is open to anyone aged 18 or over. Supporters of the Alzheimer’s Society are invited to sign up to the scheme, after which they can access a free, simple Will.

Once enrolled, we will take the supporter’s instructions and prepare their Will. Our fees will be invoiced directly to the Alzheimer’s Society, who will cover the cost on the supporter’s behalf.

Gifts in Wills play a vital role in funding the Alzheimer’s Society’s work, contributing over 25% of its income and helping to ensure that people living with dementia are supported and never forgotten.