Caswell Jones Solicitors
FAMILY MATTERS
PROPERTY MATTERS
WILLS & PROBATE
CAERPHILLY OFFICE
Phone: 02920 864888
Email: reception@caswelljones.com
YSTRAD MYNACH OFFICE
Phone: 01443 816622
Email: ystrad@caswelljones.com
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
King Charles III has confirmed that Monday 19th September, the date of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s State funeral will be a bank holiday.
As such, our offices will be closed from 5pm on Friday 16th September 2022 and will re-open 9am on Tuesday 20th September 2022.
Our thoughts are with The Royal Family at this sad time.
WE ARE RECRUITING PROPERTY LAWYERS AND
LEGAL SECRETARIES WITH EXPERIENCE OF
CONVEYANCING AND PROBATE WORK.
IF INTERESTED, PLEASE SEND YOUR CV TO
reception@caswelljones.com
CORONAVIRUS CRISIS
During the current Coronavirus crisis, Caswell Jones will endeavour to continue to provide legal services to all our clients. Please be assured that we continue to work on all of our cases. However, we request that if you need to contact us that you do so by telephone on 02920 864888 or email at reception@caswelljones.com or the email address that you have been provided for the lawyer dealing with your matter and avoid attending the offices if possible. We trust you will appreciate that these are necessary precautions. We will be monitoring the guidance provided by NHS and the Government. This is subject to change and legal services could be disrupted. Our staff are following the NHS guidelines in respect of social distancing. As and when we receive up-dates in relation to the services that we provide eg from the Government or from the Court, the information will be posted to the relevant page for your information.
CASWELL JONES
was established in 1989 and has offices in Caerphilly and Ystrad Mynach. The firm has an outstanding reputation in South Wales and beyond. Our staff are well-trained, friendly and dedicated to client care and work hard to keep our clients well-informed. We value our clients highly and aim to deal with all matters efficiently, without fuss – and with a friendly smile. We pride ourselves that once our clients experience our service, they will not wish to use any other.
WE CAN HELP
if you are buying or selling a house, if you want to make a Will or require advice with regard to probate or the administration of an estate, if you want advice with regard to Powers of Attorney or Court of Protection matters, or other matters relating to the elderly.
WHAT IF
your relationship breaks down – you may need advice on divorce, finances and child arrangements. It doesn’t have to be a battle!
We can advise you of the procedure and costs and we can offer fixed fees for some matters.
WHAT IF
Social Services are involved with your family or there are child protection issues or care proceedings. We have a Specialist Team who can help you in our Family Department.
Our Team
Of specialist, lawyers are here to help you.
We have accredited members of The Law Society Children Law Panel, The Law Society Family Law Panel and Resolution.
Our firm also has The Law Society accreditation for Conveyancing Quality. and is also a panel member for the Help to Buy: ISA Scheme.
DID YOU KNOW – LEGAL AID is still available for some areas of work.
This includes most cases where there is domestic abuse or Public Law cases relating to children where there is involvement of Social Services, care proceedings and child protection issues.
If you have been subjected to domestic abuse, you may be eligible for Legal Aid for divorce, financial and child arrangements.
Legal Aid is also available in Mediation, without the need to provide evidence of domestic abuse. See Information about Mediation in the family matter section.
This firm has achieved the Specialist Quality Mark and is authorised to conduct work for the Legal Aid Agency.
We offer free advice on costs and legal aid eligibility.
OUT OF HOURS/EMERGENCY
Out of hours
– You can contact the office using the “Contact Us” link provided
– or telephone on 02920 864888 and leave a message
– or email reception@caswelljones.com or ystrad@caswelljones.com confirming the Fee Earner dealing with your case and the problem that has arisen and you will be contacted as soon as possible.
In the event of an emergency – if its relating to a criminal matter or your safety is at risk, you can phone the Police or emergency services on 999.
About Us
Trusted by thousands of clients since 1989
WE CAN HELP YOU WITH THE FOLLOWING MATTERS:
- Issues relating to children – including private law and public law where there is involvement of Social Services, Care proceedings and child protection issues.
- Domestic abuse
- Injunctions
- Divorce – why not check out our Fixed Fee options
- Financial arrangements following breakdown of marriage or relationship
- Advice on Mediation
- Residential Conveyancing
- Commercial property Conveyancing/Business Leases
- Wills, Probate, Trusts and Estate planning
- Powers of Attorney
- Advice for the Elderly
- Discounted fees for Armed Forces Personnel
Our Team
Stephen Jones
Property and Conveyancing Partner
Steve has been practising in Caerphilly since 1986, specialising in Residential and Commercial Conveyancing, Wills, Probate and Elderly client work.
more..
Rhiannon Street
Family Partner
Rhiannon has worked as a Family lawyer since she graduated with a law degree from the University of Wales in 1997.
more..
Conner Street
Chartered Legal Executive Lawyer FCILEx- Conveyancing and Probate Partner
Conner graduated with a 1st Class Business and Accountancy Degree in 2013. Conner joined Caswell Jones in 2015.
more..
Frances Edwards
Family Partner
Frances joined Caswell Jones in 1995 and has been a member of the Family team ever since. She has extensive experience in Matrimonial law. She specialises in divorce and financial matters and is a member of The Law Society’s Family Panel and Resolution.
more..
Alyson Wyburn
Family Partner
Alyson has been practicing in the South Wales area since 2009 and has considerable experience in Family and Childcare matters.
more..
Karen Iles
Solicitor - Partner - Property matters / Wills and Probate / Family Matters
Karen joined Caswell Jones in 2007 as a Conveyancing Executive dealing with residential properties.
more..
Client Care
Client Care Charter
Terms of Business
Complaints Procedure
EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS PLAN
Website - Terms of use
Privacy Policy
Feedback Questionnaire
Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020
The provisions of the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 (DDSA 2020) come into effect on 6 April 2022 heralding significant changes to the procedure for applications for matrimonial and civil partnership orders, removing the need to prove fault or...
Domestic Abuse Act 2021
This Act takes effect from 1/10/21. It expands the definition of "domestic abuse" and introduces further protective powers for victims and children. Also r S80 of the act prohibits charges being made for medical evidence of domestic abuse.
Increase to court fees
It has been announced that as from 30th September 2021 court fees will be increased. The increased fees are set out in The Court Fees (Miscellaneous Amendments) Order 2021 (legislation.gov.uk).
Testimonials
CAERPHILLY OFFICE
Portcullis House
18 Cardiff Road
Caerphilly
CF83 1JN
Phone: 02920 864888
Email: reception@caswelljones.com
SRA No 71008
Caerphilly Office
YSTRAD MYNACH OFFICE
29 Bedwlwyn Road
Ystrad Mynach
Hengoed
CF82 7AA
Phone: 01443 816622
Email: ystrad@caswelljones.com
SRA No 197634
Ystrad Office
BUSINESS HOURS
MON. 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
TUE. 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
WED. 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
THU. 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
FRI. 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m
Appointments outside these times - by arrangement.
Make an Appointment or send us a Message
CAERPHILLY OFFICE
Portcullis House
18 Cardiff Road
Caerphilly
CF83 1JN
Phone: 02920 864888
Email: reception@caswelljones.com
YSTRAD MYNACH OFFICE
29 Bedwlwyn Road
Ystrad Mynach
Hengoed
CF82 7AA
Phone: 01443 816622
Email: ystrad@caswelljones.com
Stephen Jones
Property and Conveyancing Partner
Steve has been practicing in Caerphilly since 1986, specialising in Residential and Commercial Conveyancing, Wills, Probate and Elderly client work. He has established a reputation for dealing with matters efficiently and communicating with clients in a clear and jargon-free manner.
Rhiannon Street
Family Partner
Rhiannon has worked as a Family lawyer since she graduated with a law degree from the University of Wales in 1997. She has worked in Family Departments in several South Wales firms before joining Caswell Jones in 2007. She initially qualified as a Legal Executive in 2002 and subsequently qualified as a Solicitor in 2006. She has a particular interest in children law including care proceedings and has been a member of the Specialist Children’s Panel since 2011. She has represented parents, children and other family members in numerous cases. Rhiannon operates from both the Ystrad Mynach and Caerphilly offices and she has established an excellent reputation for her work in the Family and Childcare fields.
Frances Edwards
Family Partner
Frances joined Caswell Jones in 1995 and has been a member of the Family team ever since. She has extensive experience in Matrimonial law. She specialises in divorce and financial matters and is a member of The Law Society's Family Panel and Resolution. Frances is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx). She was CILEx Council Member for Wales from 2008 to 2018 and was National President in 2014/2015. Frances remains involved with CILEx as Wales Advisor. Frances takes a great interest in access to justice in Wales and is a Member of the Legal Wales Board and is a Trustee of the Access to Justice Foundation and Reaching Justice Wales. In recognition of her contributions to the legal profession in South Wales, Frances was awarded the Simon Mumford Memorial Award on 22/4/16. To read more click on www.cilex.org.uk/media/media_releases/simon_mumford_memorial_award.aspx?utm_campaign
Frances has also received the CILEx Lifetime Achievement Award on 5/9/19 for her outstanding contribution to CILEx and the Family Law Awards 2020 Chartered Legal Executive of the Year.
Alyson Wyburn
Family Partner
Alyson has been practicing in the South Wales area since 2009 and has considerable experience in Family and Childcare matters. Alyson regularly represents parents, children and other family members in complex Childcare proceedings. Alyson is a member of the Law Society's Children Panel.
Conner Street
Chartered Legal Executive Lawyer
FCILEx- Conveyancing and Probate Partner
Conner graduated with a 1st Class Business and Accountancy Degree in 2013. Conner joined Caswell Jones in 2015 initially working as a legal assistant in the Residential Conveyancing and Probate departments, while also studying at CILEx Law School. Conner qualified as a Chartered Legal Executive Lawyer in 2020 and continues to deal with a high volume of residential conveyancing sale and purchase freehold and leasehold transactions as well as Wills and Probate. Conner has experience in dealing with substantial Estates subject to Inheritance Tax and Estates with multiple properties to sell. Conner operates from both our Ystrad Mynach and Caerphilly branches.
Karen Iles
Karen joined Caswell Jones in 2007 as a Conveyancing Executive dealing with residential properties. Karen qualified as a Solicitor in May 2013 and continues to deal with Residential Conveyancing as well as Wills and Probate, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Family law.
Resolution Code Of Conduct
We believe that family law disputes should be dealt with in a constructive way designed to preserve people's dignity and to encourage agreements.
Resolution membership is about the approach to work.
Members will :
- Reduce or manage any conflict and confrontation; for example by not using inflammatory language
- Support and encourage families to put the best interests of any children first
- Act with honesty, integrity and objectivity
- Help clients understand and manage the potential long-term financial and emotional consequences of decisions
- Listen to and treat everyone with respect and without judgment
- Use their experience and knowledge to guide clients though the options available to them
- Continually develop knowledge and skills
- Use the Resolution Guides to Good Practice in day-to-day work
- And work with other Resolution members to uphold this Code and ensure it is at the heart of everything they do.
This code should be read in conjunction with the Law Society's Family Law Protocol
For further information please contact www.resolution.org.uk
Client Care Charter
As a firm, we pride ourselves on the standard of service and legal advice we give to all our clients. The firm's policy on the service we aim to give to our clients can be summed up as -
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU
We will :
- Agree with you in advance the level of service you require
- Represent your interests
- Keep your business confidential
- Discuss with you what you hope to achieve and advise you of a realistic and achievable outcome
- Give you clear legal advice that you can understand
- Ensure you understand the likely degree of financial risk involved in pursuing your instructions
- Advise you if it appears you are eligible for Legal Aid and how this will affect you
- Advise you of our estimate of costs in writing. If a fixed fee is more appropriate we will agree with you, in writing, the basis of our charges and the likely total cost. If this is not possible, we will explain the basis of our charges and give you a general forecast with a possible range of costs OR explain why a forecast is not possible but indicate a costs estimate with and any increases
- As matters progress we will regularly confirm, in writing, the cost that has been incurred (including money paid to others on your behalf and VAT)
- Keep you informed of progress and, where no action is required by us for a period of time, explain to you when you are likely to next hear from us
- Endeavour to deal with your questions within a reasonable timescale
- Endeavour to reply to your letters within seven working days (involved or detailed responses may be preceded by an acknowledgment saying when a full reply will follow
- Value your comments about our service. If you feel at any time that you are not receiving the service you hoped for, please tell us immediately. We want your suggestions that may help us to improve the service we give to all our clients.
HOW YOU, AS OUR CLIENT, CAN HELP US
To enable us to do our very best for you, teamwork is necessary. This involves us working together at all times, but most importantly, we have to rely on you telling us things we need to know or providing us with documents when we ask for them.
Therefore please :
- Bring all relevant papers with you to your first appointment or, if in doubt, bring what you think may help us
- Please ensure you provide evidence of identity. We need a minimum of 1 document with photographic evidence and 1 document with evidence of your address (eg passport /utility bill)
- Tell us if you have any special needs or requirements relating to the service you wish to receive
- Tell us how you want to communicate with you, eg post/email/telephone
- Let us know at the start of our relationship what you expect of us so that we can agree with you what is possible to achieve
- If your expectations change at any time, please tell us immediately
- Tell us if you have personal time limits or targets which would not be obvious to us
- Satisfy yourself that you always understand what we have discussed. If you are unsure, please tell us.
- Contact us quickly if we ask you for instructions, documents or information
- Tell us if you change address or telephone number or if your circumstances are affected in a way that may impact on the way we deal with your matter
- Continue to provide us with up-to-date evidence of your income/financial circumstances
- If you wish us to speak to someone on your behalf, or discuss your case with another person, eg a family member,please tell us in advance as we will need your authority to do so.
If you wish to discuss any of these terms, please contact us.
Portcullis House
18 Cardiff Road
Caerphilly CF83 1JN
Tel: 02920 864888
Fax: 02920 863912
Email:reception@caswelljones.com
Website: www.caswelljones.com
29 Bedwlwyn Road
Ystrad Mynach
Hengoed CF82 7AA
Tel: 01443 816622
Fax: 01443 812097
Email:ystrad@caswelljones.com
Website: www.caswelljones.com
Portcullis House
18 Cardiff Road
Caerphilly CF83 1JN
Tel: 02920 864888
Fax: 02920 863912
Email:reception@caswelljones.com
29 Bedwlwyn Road
Ystrad Mynach
Hengoed CF82 7AA
Tel: 01443 816622
Fax: 01443 812097
Email:ystrad@caswelljones.com
COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE INFORMATION SHEET
We are committed to providing a high-quality legal service to our clients. When something goes wrong, we need you to tell us about it. This will help us to sort out any mistakes or misunderstandings, and to improve our standards.
Please be assured that your complaint will be dealt with promptly, fairly and free of charge.
Initial concerns
In most cases, an informal chat with the lawyer responsible for your matter will resolve your concerns.
If it does not, you can formalise your complaint or speak to someone other than the lawyer responsible for your matter. Our Complaints Manager Mr Stephen Jones can record everything you are unhappy about and recommend the best solution for you.
You can contact Mr Stephen Jones in writing at –
Caswell Jones
Portcullis House
18 Cardiff Road
Caerphilly
CF83 1JN
Or by email to sdj@caswelljones.com
Or by telephone 02920 864888
What we need to know
To deal with your complaint correctly, it would be helpful when contacting us if you could provide the following information:
- Your name, contact details and preferred
- contact method
- File reference number
- Details of your concerns
- How you would like us to put things right.
What will happen next?
1. If you telephone us, we will endeavour to resolve the issue in that call.
2. If you email or write to us, or if your complaint cannot be resolved in a phone call, we will acknowledge receipt of your complaint in writing within two days of receiving it.
3. We will then investigate your complaint. This will normally involve our Complaints Manager reviewing your file and speaking to the member of staff who acted for you.
4. Within 14 days of sending you the acknowledgement letter our Complaints Manager will invite you to a meeting to discuss and resolve your complaint. You may choose to have the meeting in-person, by telephone [or by video call].
5. Within three days of the meeting, our Complaints Manager will write to you to confirm what took place and any solutions we have agreed with you.
6. In any case he will send you a detailed written reply to your complaint, including his suggestions for resolving the matter, within 21 days of sending you the written acknowledgement of your complaint referred to in paragraph 1 above.
7. At this stage, if you are still not satisfied, you should contact us again and we will arrange for another partner to review his decision.
8. We will write to you within 14 days of receiving your request for a review, confirming our final position on your complaint and explaining our reasoning.
9. If we have to change any of these timescales, we will let you know, explain why and seek your agreement before proceeding.
What to do if we cannot resolve your complaint
10. If you have exhausted our internal escalation process yet remain dissatisfied, or a period of eight weeks has expired since we acknowledged your complaint without our final response being received, you are entitled to refer your complaint to the Legal Ombudsman. The Legal Ombudsman will look at the complaint independently and any investigation by them will not affect how we handle your case. Before accepting a complaint for investigation, the Legal Ombudsman will check that you have tried to resolve the complaint with us in the first instance. We will always be happy to discuss your issues further, prior to you going down this route, if you wish to do so.
11. For complaints about our service, including billing issues, you may contact the Legal Ombudsman via one of the methods below:
- Phone: 0300 5550333
- Email:enquiries@legalombudsman.org.uk
- Post: Legal Ombudsman, PO Box 6806, Wolverhampton, WV19 9WJ
12. Any complaint to the Legal Ombudsman must usually be made within six months of the date of our final written response to your complaint. Other time limits to be aware of are:
- The Ombudsman will consider your complaint if you refer it on to them within either of the following: six years of the problem happening or three years from when you found out about it.
- The Ombudsman will not accept complaints where the act/ omission or the date of awareness was before 5 October 2010.
13. Note that the Legal Ombudsman service cannot be used by businesses or most other organisations unless they are below certain size limits. Further details are available from the Legal Ombudsman.
What to do if you are unhappy with our behaviour
14. The Solicitors Regulation Authority (‘SRA’) can help if you are concerned about our behaviour. This could be for things like dishonesty, taking or losing your money or treating you unfairly because of your age, a disability or other characteristic.
15. Visit their website to see how you can raise your concerns with the SRA at: https://www.sra.org.uk/consumers/problems/report-solicitor/
What to do if your complaint relates to an insurance policy
16. If your unresolved complaint relates to an insurance policy covering your case, you may contact the Financial Ombudsman Service:
- Phone: 0800 023 4567
- Online complaint forms available via their website:
- Post: Financial Ombudsman Service, Exchange Tower. Harbour Exchange. London. E14 9SR.
What to do if your complaint remains unresolved
17. If a complaint cannot be resolved, you may also be able to ask for it to be referred to a process of alternative dispute resolution using a certified provider. We are not required to agree to such a request. In any case this is not available to businesses, only consumers. We will give you more information about that right if it becomes relevant.
EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY
COMMUNICATIONS PLAN
INTRODUCION
This plan is to raise awareness of policies and procedures we have for ensuring our services are accessible to all and that staff, clients and third parties are treated fairly.
EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY
We have an Equality and Diversity Policy setting out our duties under the Equality Act 2010. We also have to adhere to professional rules set out in the SRA Standards and Regulations.
We are aware of our professional obligations and we promote equality and diversity towards our work colleagues, clients and relevant third parties and in turn, we ask our staff, clients and third parties to adhere to these obligations.
The protected characteristics under the Act are:
-
-
- age;
- disability;
- gender reassignment;
- marriage and civil partnership;
- pregnancy and maternity;
- race;
- religion or belief;
- sex; or
- sexual orientation.
-
OUR POLICY STATEMENT
We, as a firm, are committed to preventing discrimination and harassment and to promoting equality and diversity with clients, staff and all other third parties that work within it. We are all expected and legally required to treat everyone equally and with the same attention, courtesy and respect regardless of any protected characteristics.
We will ensure (as far as is reasonable) that adjustments are made for anyone with a disability.
This Policy covers all professional dealings with clients, solicitors, barristers and other third parties to include:
-
-
- accepting instructions from clients;
- using experts and counsel;
- the provision of services to clients;
- dealings with those representing others; and
- interaction with everyone involved in or incidental to the provision of our services
-
This policy also covers any recruitment, training and promotion of personnel within the firm.
STAFF AWARENESS
All staff are made aware that they should :
-
-
- treat people courteously and fairly regardless of background
- assess client’s needs without making assumptions based on ethnic origin, age or disability
- consider clients’ needs and make reasonable adjustments.
-
Reasonable adjustments can include:
-
-
- If a client has hearing difficulties, we can agree to communicate in writing or the client may wish to have a person to “sign” for them
- If a client has sight impairment, we can agree to make the font larger in a letter or email or communicate by telephone
- If a client has mobility issues, we can offer an appointment in our office at Ystrad Mynach where clients can be seen downstairs, as access to our Caerphilly office is upstairs.
- If a client is unable to communicate effectively in English, there are translation services who can assist
-
Our Staff and Partners in the firm are trained annually on the duties under the Equality Act.
RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE POLICY AND REVIEW
Rhiannon Street is responsible for our Equality and Diversity Policy and this Plan and dealing with any issues that may arise. Ultimate responsibility rests with the Senior Partners.
INFORMING CLIENTS
Our Communications Plan will be openly available to the public:
-
-
- By being posted on our website
- The plan will be high-lighted in our Client Care letter and Terms of Business
- The plan is available on request
-
COMPLAINTS
If anyone believes they have been a victim of discrimination, they are entitled to implement the Complaints Procedure which is in the Complaints Procedure Information Sheet available on our website or by request.
APP 41 (6.22)
Website - Terms Of Use
Welcome to our website. If you continue and use this website, you are agreeing to comply with and be bound by the following terms and conditions of use which, together with our privacy policy, governs this firm's relationship with you in relation to this website. If you disagree with any part of these terms and conditions, please do not use our website.
The use of this website is subject to the following terms of use:
1. The content and information on this website is as accurate as possible at the date of the last review but it is subject to change without notice. Legislation may change from day to day and you should therefore not rely on the accuracy of the website. The website is intended to give general information and does not constitute legal advice. Should you require legal advice, please contact one of our offices. Your use of any information or materials on this website is entirely at your own risk, for which we shall not be liable. It shall be your own risk to ensure that any products, services or information available through this website meets your specific requirements. This firm will not accept responsibility in the event that you act on the information given on this website without contacting us for formal legal advice. All liability is disclaimed in such circumstances.
2. We do not provide any guarantee as to the accuracy, timeliness, performance, completeness or suitability of the information and materials found or offered on this website for any particular purpose. You acknowledge that such information and materials may contain inaccuracies or errors and we expressly exclude liability for any such inaccuracies or errors to the fullest extent permitted by law.
3. This website contains material which is owned by or licenced by us. This material includes, but is not limited to, the design, layout, look, appearance and graphics.
4. Unauthorised use of this website may give rise to a claim for damages and/or be a criminal offence.
5. Links to other websites - from time to time, this website may include links to other websites which you may find useful. This firm is not responsible for the material contained in those websites, does not endorse or recommend those sites, and accepts no responsibility for information provided by them.
6. Links from other websites - we are generally happy to allow links to our website from other websites provided that permission is given in advance.
7. This firm makes every effort to ensure that electronic material downloadable from this website is virus-free but we cannot accept liability in the event that any virus causes loss or damage and advise that, for your own protection, you use virus-checking software when using this website.
8. Governing law - the use of this website is governed by English law and any dispute in relation to it will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts.
9. Variations - we reserve the right to vary or amend these terms and conditions at any time and all such variations and amendments will be effective immediately upon being made available via this website.
10. Privacy Notice - If you provide us with any personal data while using this website we may use it to provide you with any information or services you have requested. We may also use it for any other purpose for which you give your consent. For example we may send you additional information about the firm or its services, if you have consented to us doing so.
11. Cookies - We use cookies to help give you the best experience on our website. Please view our Privacy Policy located in the Client Care Section before proceeding. If you continue to use this site, we will assume that you are happy to receive all cookies.
Privacy Policy
This Policy explains how we use, keep and protect your personal data. You should also read our Terms of Business which can be found on our website.
DATA
What data we need
This will depend upon the type of matter we are dealing with. It will include personal data, eg name, address, date of birth, gender, contact details, financial information and information required to complete ID checks. This information may be obtained from various sources if needed to undertake your legal work, eg provided by yourself, relating to someone else if you have authority to do so, or passed to us by third parties such as banks, building societies, GP. This list is not exhaustive.
We may need to request sensitive personal data eg health, age, gender, marital status, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation. However, in most cases, personal data will be restricted to basic information.
Our use of that information is subject to your instructions, data protection law and our duty of confidentiality.
Why we need it
We may receive personal data from you for the purposes of money laundering checks, eg copy passport. These will be processed only for the purposes of preventing money laundering and terrorist financing, or as otherwise permitted by law or with your express consent.
How we use your personal data
We use the information you provide primarily for the provision of legal services and for related purposes including
Updating and enhancing client records
Analysis to help us manage our practice
Statutory returns
Legal and regulatory compliance.
This enables us to verify your identity, check sources of funds, write to you and progress your matter by advising you, preparing documents, carrying out litigation etc.
How long we keep your data
Your data will be retained only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purpose for which it was obtained, or as required by law eg
Conveyancing - 6 years
Matrimonial - 6 years
Child - until the child’s 21st birthday
Wills - indefinitely
Deeds - indefinitely
You consent to us retaining such data for longer than the 5 years statutory period, unless you tell us otherwise. We sometimes need to retain data for longer to comply with requirements of a third party, such as mortgage lenders.
Where your data is processed and stored
Your data is usually retained in computer and/or manual files
How we protect your data and keep it secure
We take all reasonable steps to protect your data whilst in our care. We have high standards of technology to prevent loss, misuse or destruction. We have high standards of confidentiality to ensure your data is handled in line with our Data Protection Policies.
What we do with your data
We may need to pass on such information to third parties such as expert witnesses and other professional advisers, including advisers appointed by another party to your matter. We may also give such information to others who perform services for us, such as typing or photocopying.
Our practice may be audited or checked by our accountants or our regulator, or by other organisations. We do not normally copy such information to anyone outside the European Economic Area, however we may do so however when the particular circumstances of your matter so require. All such third parties are required to maintain confidentiality in relation to your files.
We will not sell or rent your information to third parties or share your information for marketing purposes.
Children’s privacy protection
Our services are not aimed specifically at children because in legal work children are generally represented by their parents or guardians.
MARKETING
It is not our normal practice to send out marketing information but from time to time we may do so where we believe the information may be of assistance and of relevance to you. If you do not wish to receive such information, please notify us, preferably in writing.
We like to send present and past clients information that we think might be of interest to them. That can include information about legal developments or publicity information about us and our services.
How we collect this data
We may submit an enquiry
You may fill in a questionnaire or survey on our website
You may ask us a question via email or social media channels
You can indicate if you are happy to receive such information. You can change your mind at any time, so if you later want to opt out, just let us know.
CHANGES TO THIS POLICY
The date of this policy is shown at the end of the document. We may change this policy from time to time. Any changes to this policy will apply to you and your data immediately. If these changes affect how your personal data is processed, we will take reasonable steps to let you know.
YOUR RIGHTS
You have the right to request :
the right to be informed what we hold and to request access
prevent the processing of data for direct marketing purposes.
the right to have errors corrected
the right to have data deleted if we have no justification for holding it.
If you have any of these requests, you must contact our Data Protection Officer.
ABOUT COOKIES
This website uses Cookies. We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytic partners who may combine it with other information that you have provided to them or that they have collected from your use of their services,
You consent to our Cookies if you continue to use the website.
Cookies are small text files that can be used by websites to make a user’s experience more efficient. The law states that we can store Cookies on your device if they are strictly necessary for the operation of this site. For all other types of Cookies we need your permission.
This site uses different types of Cookies. Some cookies are placed by third party services which appear on our pages.
You can at any time change or withdraw your consent from the Cookie Declaration on our website. Your consent applies to the domain on www.caswelljones.com.
You will see a Cookie Consent Banner when you use the website for the first time which alerts you to the use of Cookies. This informs you about the use of Cookies and asks for consent to set Cookies on the web browser.
DATA PROTECTION OFFICER
Our Data Protection Officer is Mr Stephen Jones who can be contacted by telephone on 02920 864888 or email sdj@caswelljones.com
COMPLAINTS
If you wish to make a complaint on how we handle your personal data, you can contact our Data Protection Officer.
You can also make a complaint to the Information Commissioner, who is an independent regulator at:
Information Commissioner’s Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Telephone 03031231113