Make the Right Decisions Now for Your Autistic Child’s Future

Having children is a challenge. There is no manual and, even if there was, it would be effective as each child has its own characteristics and foibles, any kind of worthless. Having a child who is neurodiverse brings a completely new set of challenges.

He now uses that understanding to help families in a similar position to prepare for the future.

He said: “My child was nine when we first received a formal diagnosis and we worked really hard to get the right provision for them. “But then you start to think, what if something happens to me and everything, we have put in place is taken away?”

Charles Fraser, Longmores’ Senior Solicitor and Head of the Older and Vulnerable Client team, has firsthand knowledge of raising a child on the autism spectrum and it has provided him with an awareness that can only be gained from experience.

No parent wants to consider dying, but for children who may need ongoing support from a local authority through their adulthood, thinking ahead is vital. Charles spoke at The Autism Show on 10 June and shared advice about using trusts and wills to reduce the risk that the person they want to inherit will lose their benefits and the support that comes with them.

“For those dependent on mean-tested benefits, their life can be turned upside down if they inherit

Watford comes together for The Big Coronation Lunch

On Sunday 7 May, over 1000 people turned out for The Big Coronation Lunch which was held in celebration of His Majesty King Charles III and Queen Camilla being crowned.

Located at Cassiobury Park’s iconic Bandstand, the day was filled with picnics, live music and entertainment, a perfect opportunity for families and friends to come together to celebrate. The atmosphere was festive and welcoming, with people bringing their own blankets, chairs and food.

The musical acts consisted of local artists including The Out Handers, Union Jacqui, Gospel Manna Choir and many more, who kept the crowd entertained with their energetic performances throughout the day. The Big Coronation Lunch was closed out with a rousing rendition of ‘God Save the King’ led by the Elected Mayor of Watford. Of the event, Peter Taylor said: “We were thrilled that so many people came together to celebrate this historic moment. We wanted a create a fun, family-friendly event that everyone could enjoy. I am really pleased that residents had such a great time. I would like to thank our sponsors The Berkeley Group for making this event possible and for all of those involved in organising it and performing on the day.”

For more information about events taking place at our award-winning park, please visit: https://www.watfordbigevents.co.uk/ a large sum of money, especially if they are not equipped to manage their own finances.

“I appreciate through my own experience how difficult it is to get the right help and support. And no parent wants all that effort to go to waste.”

Charles also spoke at an event for SPACE, the award-winning Hertfordshire charity which supports families of children and young people who are neurodivergent. Chris Russell, Training Lead and Family Support Manager, said: “It is clear that Charles has a great understanding of the different approach to financial planning that parents and carers of neurodiverse children need to consider.”

Contact Charles Fraser to discuss the future provision for your child: charles.fraser@longmores.law l We focus on attracting people who match our values first and foremost l We encourage people with little or no experience to come and ‘have a go’ through our work experience programme l Our own experienced people love to be mentors and share their experience l We are working with Herts LEP to partner with local schools, CTP to retrain ex-services personnel and in collaboration with other industry colleagues l We are starting an Academy to train and upskill apprentices and trainees

Vacancies in construction related businesses are at an all time high and we, like our industry colleagues are facing a skills shortage right now and over the next 10+ years.

MCP is a repairs and maintenance, family business based in Hertford, caring for our customers since 1978.

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