Paul Watkins

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Paul Watkins

Email:

Paul.Watkins@porterdodson.co.uk

Phone:

01308 555634

Location:

Bridport

Position:

Partner

Team:

Private Client

Specialism:

Succession planning,Wills and probate,Estate administration including probate and intestacy,Inheritance and other taxes,Lasting Powers of Attorney,Tax planning

Get in Touch

Bio

I joined Porter Dodson as a Partner in 2022 and shortly after became the Bridport Office Head.

Having trained in the same Bridport office as I am in now, I qualified as a solicitor in 2006 and became a full member of STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) in 2007. I was previously a Partner in a law firm in East Devon where I worked for over 12 years.

I have 20 years experience in private client law. I enjoy listening to and advising individuals, families, business owners and farming clients on succession and tax planning and estate administration. I also act as an Executor for clients and a Trustee in connection with family trusts and as an attorney managing individuals property and financial affairs.

I am a good listener, which is essential in my area of work. I like to know my clients, their objectives and goals. I enjoy problem solving and a logical thought process helps with succession and tax planning to achieve the best possible outcome for clients. I pride myself on the empathy that I can give to clients often during difficult circumstances.

Outside of work I enjoy sea swimming which I do throughout the year. In 2022 I walked the 100km Jurassic Coast Challenge, starting at Corfe Castle, to Swanage, Weymouth and finishing in Bridport. I completed the course in 22 hours and raised £600 for Parkinsons UK. The previous year I completed the same course and raised £1,200 for Juvenile Diabetes Charity JDRF. I also play football for West Dorset Veterans having previous played Saturday football in the Perry Street league for around 20 seasons and now use my experience to help coach with the Bridport Youth Football Club.

I am a member of the Bridport Round Table and enjoy fundraising for the local community including organising the Boxing Day Swim 2024 in which over £2,000 was raised for charity.

Testimonials

I was very impressed with the level of service I received from Paul. All of his help made a very painful time bearable. Thank you so much.

C Cleghorn

We needed to get our Wills in place and after two bad experiences with other firms, we made an appointment with Paul Watkins at the Bridport branch. He was professional, made the process very easy and was quick at getting everything in place for us. I would definitely recommend his services and will be using him again for any future legal requirements.

Z Miles

I came to Porter Dodson to make a Will with Paul Watkins. Immediately on entering the offices and greeted by the receptionist, Jackie, the atmosphere felt friendly. Paul was extremely helpful and gave me excellent advice. He was also a very attentive listener. Paul drafted the Will quickly and efficiently. He gave me first class service and I thoroughly recommend Porter Dodson.

Mrs G

I would like to thank Paul Watkins in Bridport for helping me write my new Will. From the first time I saw him, he was very approachable and at the same time very professional. He made me feel at ease and was a pleasure to deal with him. The matter was dealt with very promptly and accurately.

Mrs W

Paul Watkins was professional, friendly and pleasant

LPA Client

We appreciated Paul's meticulous attention to detail which gave us confidence in the process in his hands

Estate Administration Client

Paul Watkins handled our new wills. We were completely satisfied with his competence and efficiency.

Lynda

I cannot thank Paul enough. He had been our solicitor at a previous firm and so knew of us and our requirements. From the time I contacted him after my husbands death I received, not only sympathy, but understanding and a willingness to help. We could not of had a better guide.