We provide a wide range of legal services to individuals and businesses through our specialist teams of solicitors across our offices.
Partner
"Matthew Edwards has provided exceptional support during difficult times over the years. His is very personable and trustworthy. We value his service and our business relationship very highly and would highly recommend him and his firm."
Matthew is an experienced Court of Protection lawyer able to deal with a wide range of Court applications including complex statutory wills, estate planning and gifting, and trust related matters.
In 2015, Matthew became one of only 71 solicitors in the country to be appointed to the Court of Protection Deputyship Panel. In this capacity, Matthew regularly accepts Court appointments to act for highly vulnerable clients who do not have capacity to make decisions concerning their own property or finances – often these clients have unknowingly been victims of serious financial abuse or have complex financial needs.
Evidencing serious financial abuse involving the loss of £500,000 to a client, and successfully recovering this sum through the deputy security bond.
An application involving the complex interaction of statutory will, retrospective approval of a lifetime gift and a declaration of trust.
An application to obtain authority to sell a property and the related removal of family members who were illegally occupying it.
Matthew is a highly experienced probate practitioner able to deal with a wide range of complex cases. Most of Matthew’s cases include Inheritance Tax considerations.
Advising on a multi-million-pound estate involving a wide range of assets including properties, land, business property relief investment products, enterprise investment schemes and pension funds.
Advising on a multi-million-pound estate that included unquoted shares in two limited companies, the related negotiations with the district valuer to maximise the availability of business property relief, and a deed of variation to eliminate the Inheritance Tax liability.
The preparation of Wills is an increasingly complex area of private client work. Matthew combines a high level of technical expertise with a practical common-sense approach that he has developed over many years of advising individuals and families.
Preparing Wills for the shareholders and directors of a limited company to regulate the transfer of shares on death through the use of a discretionary trust combined with a cross option agreement and in the process maximising the availability of business property relief.
Preparation of Wills for a re-married couple who both had children from previous marriages. Multiple asset protection Will trusts were put in place having careful regard to the need to balance the competing interests of the surviving spouse and children, and the risk of future care home fee payments and financially irresponsible adult children.
"Our Wills were made in support of Saint Francis Hospice's 'Make a Will Fortnight' - thank you for your amazing support!"
Pam Court, CEO of Saint Francis Hospice
"Matthew's expertise and advice ensured that my deputyship application was processed smoothly, and I cannot emphasise how much this helped me throuh a difficult time."
T Webster, Essex
"We found your service very professional and easy to understand but also with a friendliness and ease that made the process a lot less difficult than it might have been. Many thanks from us both - the service you provided was first class."
Mr & Mrs Gordon, Brentwood
"I wanted to add a codicil to my Will and also complete Lasting Power of Attorney for both finance and health. My Solicitor, Matthew Edwards was very helpful and attentive to every detail. He acted efficiently and with attention to detail. I was very pleased and impressed by the service given and would not hesitate in using Pinney Talfourd Solicitors."
Denise Douglas
"Your service was outstanding."
Mr I Dalton, West Horndon
"Excellent service. Thank you Matthew."
Denise Douglas, Great Wakering
"We were very pleased with the services and advice given when completing our Wills and Declaration of Trust. All our queries were answered clearly and information provided was easy to understand. Preparing the Wills was made straightforward and we thought Matthew Edwards was very helpful and efficient. We have and will recommend your services to others."
Mr & Mrs John, Essex
"I was fortunate to meet Matthew Edwards in 2008 when my father was seriously ill. My father required a solicitor to act for him regarding matters relating to his Will and Estate. Matthew was kind enough to arrange a home visit. Not only did Matthew provide an excellent legal service, where his meticulous attention to detail was very much appreciated, but he showed an extraordinary level of care and understanding to his elderly client. The reassurance and support that he gave my father was well and truly above the call of duty. After my father's death, Matthew was yet again instrumental in helping me in my new role as Executor of my father's will. He guided me through the legal processes and showed great patience and understanding in explaining legal processes that I was not familiar with. I would thoroughly recommend his work and his charming personality."
Mrs L Peddie, Thorpe Bay
"Thank you for your help in dealing with Power of Attorney for myself and sorting out my will. You explained everything in such a clear and precise way. It is the first time I have ever understood what a solicitor was talking about. Thank you again for a very efficient job."
Mr K Fowler, Brentwood
For help and advice, talk to a member of our team. They can advise on the best options in your matter.