Probate
We understand that the loss of a loved one can be a difficult time. Having to then deal with the administration of your loved one's estate can be challenging and painful.
We can guide you through all aspects of estate administration including obtaining a grant of probate (if needed), liaising with relevant and interested parties, distributing the estate and providing beneficiaries with advice on taxation matters.
Please click here for more information on the processes involved and our prices for assisting you in such matters.
Wills
It is estimated that over 60% of the population do not have a Will. If you do not have a Will this means that your estate may not pass to whom you wish or you do not provide for the ones you love once you pass away.
We are experienced in advising clients and drafting Wills and can help you to ensure that everything and everyone is covered in your Will and that all your wishes will be carried out after your passing. We can also consider together with you Inheritance Tax and minimising your tax liabilities.
There are a number of things to consider when making a will, such as:
- Appointing Guardians for minor children
- Appointing executors to be responsible for administering your estate
- Funeral wishes, such as whether you wish to be buried or cremated
- Whether you wish to leave specific gifts such as jewellery or paintings to a certain person/persons
- Whether you wish to leave cash sums (e .g. £500 to every grandchild) to a certain person/persons
- Will the rest of your estate be held on trust for particular beneficiaries or will it pass to them outright?
- What happens if a particular beneficiary predeceases you?
Also, we can now register your Will with the first online register of Wills – Certainty.co.uk. This means that your loved ones will be able to find out which solicitor holds your Will using the online search service, in case they do not know when the time arises.
Please do not hesitate to give us a call to discuss your wishes further and how we can help you.
Powers of Attorney
It is always worth considering how you will manage your affairs in later life and whether you would like to nominate someone whom you trust to look after your affairs, should the time come when you become mentally or physically incapacitated.
There are two types of Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), one which deals with your property and financial affairs and one which enables you to make decisions about your health and welfare. It may be hard to imagine a time in the future when you may be unable to make clear decisions about your finances or healthcare. However, LPAs enable you to nominate someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf.
An important thing to remember when organising a Lasting Power of Attorney is that they must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before the law comes into effect, which normally takes 6-8 weeks.
Please do give us a call for an initial discussion and to see how we can help.
Contesting a Will
We can help with disputes involving:
- Inheritance Act Claims - an Inheritance Act claim can be made by a dependant who does not believe that they have been sufficiently provided for by the Will.
- Validity of Wills - The validity of wills can come into question for a number of reasons- Mental Capacity, Undue Influence, Invalid Procedure, Fraud
- Disputes regarding Lifetime Gifts
- Breach of trust- These cases can involve issues such as where a Trustee does something which is not authorised by the Trust document
- Recovery of property
- Disputed administration of estate claims (Executor disputes)
- Co-habitation claims
- Claims against professional advisors
- Disputed Powers of Attorney