Wills and Probate
A Will is usually simple and inexpensive to draft and we encourage all our clients to have their's prepared. They are often surprised by the worth of their assets and the affect on the distribution of their estate if no Will was in place. A professionally drafted Will can help avoid unintended consequences and reduce the possible liability to inheritance tax. It can also ensure that your assets are passed to who you choose and without unnecessary delay. In addition to providing for your dependents, your Will can reduce the likelihood of disputed claims on your estate.
It is also important to plan your affairs for your lifetime and we can advice upon matters such as Lasting Powers of Attorney, whereby you can appoint somebody to deal with your financial affairs or health care decisions should you be in the unfortunate position of being unable to deal with your affairs yourself.
We can also provide legal and practical advice when someone close to you dies. Whether there is a Will or not (it does not matter who drafted it or where it is kept now), we can attend to the immediate legal formalities, administer the estate, deal with the bequests and manage Inheritance tax matters.
The main private client work carried out by the firm is:
- Preparation of Wills
- Advice on the effects of divorce/re-marriage on your estate
- Full probate services
- Deeds of Variation and family arrangements
- Dealing with intestacies
- Inheritance tax and estate planning advice
- Preparing and registering Powers of Attorney
- Creation and administration of trusts
- Applications to the Court of Protection for the appointment of a deputy
- Disputes over Wills and claims against an estate
