Director

E: jodi.hamlin@merriman-partnership.co.uk

DD: 023 8027 8729

Jodi is a Director of Merriman Solicitors and specialises in the drafting of Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Deputyship applications and the Administration of Estates, both large and small. Jodi prides herself on providing accurate and simple to understand advice to all clients. In addition, Jodi is a Partner at Eric Robinson Solicitors and leads the Wills, Trusts & Succession Department at their Chandlers Ford office.

Qualifications and Professional Memberships

• University of Brighton BA Hons in Law with Business 2007
• Legal Practice Course, College of Law Guildford 2008
• Admitted as a Solicitor in September 2011
• Associate member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP)
• Advanced certificates in the administration of estates, the administration of trusts and trust and estate accountancy
• Director of Merriman Solicitors, March 2024
• Partner of Eric Robinson Solicitors, 2022

Experience and Expertise

• Over 12 years’ experience, initially in residential conveyancing but from 2011 in all aspects of Wills, trusts and estate administration work
• Advising clients on Wills, both simple and complex, estate and tax planning, trusts, probate, intestate estates
• Advising and assisting in relation to all aspects of estate administration, from the registration of death, to the obtaining of a grant of representation (with or without a Will present), and the distribution of assets between beneficiaries
• Specialist knowledge in Inheritance Tax, Capital Gains Tax and Business Property Relief
• Post death tax planning with Deeds of Variations
• Assisting clients with all aspects of non-contentious Court of Protection applications
• Advising in relation to all aspects of preparing Lasting Powers of Attorney
• Registering Enduring Powers of Attorney
• Preparation of general Powers of Attorney
• Experience of acting for a wide range of clients in different circumstances, from business owners, including farmers, to the elderly, the retired, new parents, and parties to a divorce

SOLICITOR, WILLS AND PROBATE DEPARTMENT

E: ayesha.nenshi@merriman-partnership.co.uk

DD: 01672518547

Ayesha qualified as a Solicitor in 2019 and joined the Wills and Probate Department in Marlborough during February 2024.

Ayesha holds a degree in Psychology, which, with her Solicitor Qualification, this helps position Ayesha as a warm, modern, empathetic Lawyer who takes time to listen, and understand her client’s needs.  Her priority is to provide a clear and comprehensive service that best provides for those clients.

Qualifications and Professional Memberships

• BSc Psychology, 2:1, City University London (2012)
• GDL Law Conversion Course, The University of Law Bristol (2015)
• Legal Practice Course, The University of Law Bristol (2017)
• Practical Skills Course, University of the West of England (2019)
• Student Member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners Diploma (STEP)

Experience and Expertise

• Legal experience since 2015, with particular expertise in Wills and Probate work.
• Advising as to, and preparing, Lasting Powers of Attorney
• Advising in relation to General Powers of Attorney
• Registration of Enduring Powers of Attorney following the donor’s loss of capacity
• Advising clients in relation to their Wills, whether simple or complex, and regardless of net worth
• Advising as to asset protection and life interest trusts within Wills
• Advising and assisting in relation to all aspects of estate administration, from the registration of death, to the obtaining of a grant of representation (with or without a Will present), and the distribution of assets between beneficiaries
• Advising as to rights and obligations where there is an Intestacy (no will following death)
• Calculating Inheritance Tax (and arranging with third parties’ settlement of the same)
• Post death tax planning by way of Deeds of Variation

DIRECTOR, HEAD OF RESIDENTIAL CONVEYANCING DEPARTMENT

E: louisa.hughes@merriman-partnership.co.uk

DD: 01672518557

Louisa has been part of the Merriman Solicitors team since 2009 when she joined the firm as a Solicitor in the Conveyancing team.  She is now a Director, and heads up the Residential Conveyancing department in Marlborough.

Qualifications and Professional Memberships

• LLB (Hons) Southampton University,1993
• Legal Practice Course (Merit), University of the West of England, 1994
• Appointed as a Partner of the firm in 2013
• Appointed a Director, July 2014

Experience and Expertise

• • Over 15 years’ experience in all areas of residential conveyancing having previously qualified and worked as a commercial property solicitor for the previous 10 years.
  • Louisa extensive experience enables her to offer sound and practical help and advice on all aspects of the sale and purchase of freehold and leasehold land and property, including:-

• • • Contracts and Transfers
    • Mortgages and Re-mortgage
    • Transfers of Equity
    • Declarations of Trust
    • Non-statutory Lease extensions
    • Deeds of Easement
    • Voluntary registrations

• • Louisa has a clear understanding of the more technical complexities of dealing with the conveyancing of the sale and purchase of unregistered land, and is able to provide straight forward advice to clients in respect of such titles.
  • Preparation of auction packs for clients choosing to sell at auction, and advising buyers looking to purchase at auction.
  • Reconstructing lost titles
  • Louisa also has a broad range of experience of dealing with the sale, purchase and refinancing of high value properties in the local area as well as in London and elsewhere in England and Wales.
  • Clients appreciate the personal and bespoke service which Louisa seeks to provide to all of her clients, and who will often return to her time and time again for all of their conveyancing needs.

DIRECTOR, HEAD OF WILLS AND PROBATE DEPARTMENT

 E: hazel.cemm@merriman-partnership.co.uk

DD: 01672518554

Hazel has over 20 years’ experience specialising in the drafting of Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Deputyship applications and the Administration of Estates. Hazel has worked at Merriman Solicitors since 2012, as Head of the Wills and Probate Department and offers a professional yet personal service with compassion and approachability.  Hazel is happy to visit clients at home or hospital where meetings at the office may not be possible.

Qualifications and Professional Memberships

• Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives, March 2006
• Full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), November 2006
• Appointed as a Director, April 2015

Experience and Expertise

• Over 20 years’ experience in all aspects of Wills, trusts and estate administration work
• Advising as to, and drafting Wills of all types, including advice where appropriate as to inheritance tax planning, and trusts
• Advising and assisting in relation to all aspects of estate administration, from the registration of death, to the obtaining of a grant of representation (with or without a Will present), and the distribution of assets between beneficiaries
• Advising and assisting as to taxation arising from the administration of estates, including Income Tax, Inheritance Tax and Capital Gains Tax.
• Post death tax planning with Deeds of Variations
• Advising in relation to all aspects of preparing Lasting Powers of Attorney
• Registering Enduring Powers of Attorney
• Preparation of general Powers of Attorney
• Advising and assisting in relation to making, and operating, Deputyship applications

SOLICITOR, RESIDENTIAL CONVEYANCING DEPARTMENT

E: natalie.plank@merriman-partnership.co.uk

DD: 01672518548

Natalie has worked as a residential conveyancing solicitor since admission in 2018 and joined Merriman Solicitors in 2020. Natalie has an extensive knowledge of residential conveyancing, and the local area. She is familiar with many of the particular quirks affecting titles in Marlborough and the surrounding area, and takes pride from using this knowledge to the advantage of her clients. Her enthusiasm and energy are focussed to provide a first-class service to her clients.

Qualifications and Professional Memberships

• LLB (Hons) Law degree, First Class, University of the West of England, 2014
• Legal Practice Course (Distinction), University of the West of England, 2018
• Admitted as a solicitor, 2018

Experience and Expertise

• Experience in all aspects of residential conveyancing involving both registered and unregistered titles throughout England and Wales
• Advising and assisting clients with regard to all aspects of the conveyancing process, whether freehold or leasehold, including the drafting and issuing of sale contracts and legal documentation, legal title investigation, the raising and attending to pre-contract property enquiries, exchanging contracts, attending to legal completion and attending to post-completion stamping and land registration requirements.
• Advising and assisting in relation to mortgages, re-mortgages and equity release
• Advising clients in relation to ‘buy to let’ purchases and mortgages/re-mortgages
• Advising and assisting as to assents of property from the estate of a deceased owner
• Preparation of matrimonial transfers and legal charges on divorce or separation, whether by agreement of the parties or pursuant to court order
• Advising and assisting in relation to transfers of equity
• Advising as to the options regarding joint ownership of property, and where appropriate, as to Declarations of Trust
• Advising and assisting in relation to voluntary lease extensions
• Registration of Notices and Restrictions on registered titles
• Drafting and negotiating Deeds of Variation and/or Deeds of Rectification in relation to ‘defective’ leases
• Preparation of auction packs for clients choosing to sell at auction, and advising buyers looking to purchase at auction
• Reconstructing lost titles

SOLICITOR, RESIDENTIAL CONVEYANCING DEPARTMENT

E: andrew.foskett@merriman-partnership.co.uk

DD: 01672518553

Andrew joined Merriman Solicitors in September 2022 as a senior solicitor and works in the Residential Property Department at Marlborough. Andrew prides himself on his local knowledge of the property market, and the resultant service he is able to provide to his clients.

Qualifications and Professional Memberships

• LLB (Hons) Degree in law (2:1), Brunel University, 1985
• Law Society Finals Course, The College of Law, Chester, 1986
• Admitted as a Solicitor in October 1989

Experience and Expertise

• Over 35 years’ experience in all aspects of residential conveyancing involving both registered and unregistered titles throughout England and Wales
• Advising and assisting clients with regard to all aspects of the conveyancing process whether freehold or leasehold, including the drafting and issuing of sale contracts and legal documentation, legal title investigation, the raising and attending to pre-contract property enquiries, exchanging contracts, attending to legal completion and attending to post-completion stamping and land registration requirements.
• Advising and assisting in relation to mortgages, re-mortgages and equity release
• Advising clients in relation to ‘buy to let’ purchases and mortgages/re-mortgages
• Advising and assisting as to assents of property from the estate of a deceased owner
• Preparation of matrimonial transfers and legal charges on divorce or separation, whether by agreement of the parties or pursuant to court order
• Advising and assisting in relation to transfers of equity
• Advising as to the options regarding joint ownership of property, and where appropriate, as to Declarations of Trust
• Registration of Notices and Restrictions on registered titles
• Drafting and negotiating Deeds of Variation and/or Deeds of Rectification in relation to ‘defective’ leases
• Preparation of auction packs for clients choosing to sell at auction, and advising buyers looking to purchase at auction
• Reconstructing lost titles

CHARTERED LEGAL EXECUTIVE, WILLS & PROBATE DEPARTMENT

E: Debbie.ludkin@merriman-partnership.co.uk

DD: 01672518558

Deborah joined the firm in 2018 and is part of the Wills, & Probate Department based in Marlborough. Her current work includes preparing Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney and the administration of both simple and complex estates.  Deborah has a professional and friendly approach to her clients, putting them at their ease and listening carefully to their individual circumstances and specific needs.

Qualifications and Professional memberships

• 2002: LLB(Hons) Law Degree, 2:2, Open University (Deborah studied whilst working full time)
• Legal Practice Course (Merit), University of the West of England, 2005
• Admitted as a Fellow of The Chartered Institute of Legal Executives, 2023

Experience and Expertise

• Over 9 years of legal experience, previously in various areas of law including Family, Residential Property, Commercial Property and property litigation, before specialising in Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Estate Administration work since 2018
• Advising clients as to the preparation of Wills of all types for persons with estates of both high and low value and complexity
• Advising and assisting in relation to all aspects of estate administration, from the registration of death, to the obtaining of a grant of representation (whether probate with a Will, or Letters of Administration where no Will has been left), and the distribution of assets as between beneficiaries
• Advising and assisting as to taxation arising from the administration of estates, including Income Tax, Inheritance Tax and Capital Gains Tax.
• Preparing Licence Agreements where required as part of estate administration
• Advising as to and drafting Post death Deeds of Variation
• Preparing and advising as to all aspects of Lasting Powers of Attorney
• Advising on and arranging partial revocation of Lasting Powers of Attorney
• Registering Enduring Powers of Attorney when a donor has lost mental capacity
• Preparation of General Powers of Attorney

FINANCE & OPERATIONS MANAGER

E: adam.macmeekin@merriman-partnership.co.uk

DD:01672518544

Adam has worked for Merriman Solicitors since 2005, and manages the accounting function for the firm, as well as overseeing on a day to day basis, its management and operations on behalf of the Directors.

Qualifications and Memberships

• Certificate in Business Accounting, Chartered Institute of Management Accountants

Experience and Expertise

• Over 25 years’ of working in Accounts for the legal sector, including specialist knowledge of the Solicitors Accounts Rules
• Provision of financial expertise and business support to the Directors
• Provision of on-site management of personnel and operations
• Preparation, maintenance and monitoring of financial records (including KPIs)

Director

E: david.lawrence@merriman-partnership.co.uk

DD: 01590 647681

David is a director of Merriman Solicitors, and plays a significant and extensive role in the management of the firm. In addition, he is the Senior Partner of Eric Robinson Solicitors, heading the firm’s Lymington Office. David  has skills relating to the  preparation of Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, and the administration of estates.

Qualifications and Professional Memberships

• Admitted as a Fellow of The Institute of Legal Executives, July 1985
• Admitted as a Solicitor, December 1991
• Director and Compliance Officer for Legal Practice, June 2023
• Senior Partner of Eric Robinson Solicitors, January 2017
• Compliance Officer for Legal Practice at Eric Robinson Solicitors, April 2013

Experience and Expertise

• Over 42 years of working in law, initially as a Legal Executive, then as a Solicitor
• Drafting Wills of all types, from simple low value estates to more complex higher value estates, with inheritance tax considerations and involving the creation of trusts
• Preparing Lasting Powers of Attorney, including those for business owners
• Registration of Enduring powers of Attorney
• Preparing Declarations of Trusts as between property owners
• Advising and assisting in relation to the post death administration of estates, from the registration of death to obtaining a grant of representation (with or without a will) and distribution as between beneficiaries
• Advising on the taxation aspects of estate administration (Capital gains Tax, Inheritance Tax and Income Tax), including the preparation of Deeds of Variation
• Advising as to anti-money laundering and bribery practices
• Wide experience of different areas of High Street legal practice including, Dispute Resolution, Family law, Crime, residential conveyancing and commercial property work.

E: craig.petrie@merriman-partnership.co.uk

DD: 02380 226891

Craig has spent many years working as a civil litigator advising both private and commercial clients. He is now the Managing Director of Merriman Solicitors and is chiefly responsible for overseeing the firm’s strategic direction and day to day operations. Craig is also the Managing Partner of Eric Robinson Solicitors, which is the firm’s sister operation with offices in Southampton, Hedge End, Chandlers Ford, Winchester, Lymington and Richmond Upon Thames.

Qualifications and Professional Memberships

• BA (Hons) Politics degree – University of East Anglia
• Graduate Diploma in Law & Legal Practice Course (LLB (Hons) – College of Law (York)
• Admitted as a Solicitor in September 2010
• Appointed as Managing Director in June 2023
• Compliance Officer for Finance and Administration (COFA) since June 2023
• Managing Partner of Eric Robinson Solicitors since July 2018

Experience and Expertise

• Over 16 years working in dispute resolution dealing with commercial and contract disputes, residential and commercial landlord and tenant matters, professional negligence and tort, as well as advising in relation to disputes concerning Wills, trusts and Estates
• Extensive experience pleading and defending commercial contract disputes across various sectors of industry and dealing with the recovery of commercial debts
• Advising in relation to professional negligence claims
• Matters concerning commercial property including contested lease renewals and the serving of statutory notices, issues of disrepair and breach of lease covenants, and the termination of commercial leases including forfeiture and relief from forfeiture
• Residential property litigation including all aspects of possession claims and disputes concerning adverse possession, easements, covenants, rights of way, boundaries, and Party Wall Act matters
• Co-ownership disputes including Trust of Land and the Appointment of Trustees Act claims
• Disputes concerning Wills including making and resisting claims for financial provision pursuant to the Inheritance (Provision for Family & Dependents) Act 1975
• Claims in relation to disputes between Executors/Trustees and beneficiaries and disputes between Executors/Trustees
• Experience in representing clients in proceedings in various courts and tribunals including the County Court, High Court, the Court of Protection and the First Tier Property Tribunal
• Advocacy
• Negotiating settlements and alternative forms of dispute resolution including mediation and arbitration
• Department supervisor