Caroline Bates
Caroline is a self-employed consultant and has been with Moore & Tibbits’ Wills and Probate team since April 2022 having previously consulted for Davidson Mahon Solicitors.
Qualifying as a solicitor in 1997, Caroline provides bespoke advice on all aspects of estate planning, asset preservation and succession. Her clients are individuals, families, businesses, farmers and vulnerable adults. Estate planning can include advice on:
- Wills
- Lasting Powers of Attorney
- Inheritance tax planning
- Trusts (including co-ownership of property)
- Administration of deceased’s estates
- Asset protection
- Administration of vulnerable adult’s affairs
With over 25 years’ experience Caroline understands how diverse clients’ circumstances are. Every client’s family, business or farm has its own dynamics and Caroline takes the time to understand her clients’ needs and tailors her advice accordingly, providing solutions in a straightforward manner. Where necessary, Caroline works with her clients’ other professional advisors, such as their accountants and financial advisors, to ensure the advice is cohesive and covers all aspects of clients’ estate planning needs.
Caroline tends to visit her clients in their own homes or at their business premises. Out of hours appointments are also available. Day to day, Caroline works out of her home office in Meriden with her PA Andrea Quartermaine. As such, appointments can also be held at her home office in Meriden or our offices in Warwick.
It can often be overwhelming for clients to evaluate and compare the myriad of providers, particularly for will writing (which is still an unregulated area of law). Recognised, external accreditations can provide peace of mind to clients of the quality and integrity of the advice they receive. Caroline has therefore taken the time to become a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) which is the top qualification for a Wills, Trust and Probate solicitor. Being STEP qualified provides reassurance to clients that we provide the highest level of knowledge and expertise. Caroline was one of the first solicitors in the Midlands region to obtain the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioner’s Advanced Certificate in Will Writing qualification in 2011. She is also an accredited member of the Association of Lifetime Lawyers and the Private Client Section of the Law Society.
Many of Caroline’s clients live and have lived with Dementia so she was naturally interested in understanding more about the condition. This interest was heightened greatly when this disease affected both her parents at an early age. She therefore has personal as well as professional experience in assisting those living with dementia.
Caroline lives with her husband and daughter in Meriden where she grew up. She likes nothing more than wrapping up warm and trudging through the muddy fields on a cold day with her springer spaniel Jess, perhaps with a stop at the local pub on the way. An avid baker, if you do visit Caroline at her home office, you may get a piece of freshly baked cake with your cuppa! Caroline is also an occasional golfer but is hoping to have more opportunity to play and significantly reduce her handicap!
