Wills, Trusts and Probate
Wills, Trusts and Probate covers the area of law which is sometimes referred to as Private Client, and deals with planning for later life, ensuring children are provided for and putting your affairs in order.
Perhaps never an easy thing to face up to, planning for later life is something which many of us are understandably guilty of putting to the back of our minds.
However, there is some comfort, reassurance and peace of mind to be gained in knowing that your affairs, and your loved ones, are taken care of after your death. By sorting out your affairs now, you will avoid future problems, distress or anxiety for your family in the future. Our friendly and experienced team will guide you through the process to ensure you reach the best solution for your needs.
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Wills
We spend our lives working hard to provide for ourselves and our loved ones.
You may have a property, savings, and investments as well as your personal and digital possessions. All of these assets make up your ‘Estate’. Making a Will ensures that when you die your Estate is shared according to your wishes. Everyone ought to have a Will, but it is especially important if you have children, if you own property, if you own a business or have investments, savings or insurance policies.
More about Wills
Trusts
A Trust is a way of managing assets for people.
Assets may include money, investments, land and/or buildings. There are different types of Trusts and they are taxed differently.
More about Trusts
Probate & Estate Administration
Following the death of a loved one, Probate is the term used for managing someone’s Estate.
An Estate is the term used to describe the deceased person’s assets which might include money, investments, land and /or buildings. Sometimes a formal ‘grant’ must be obtained from a court to enable their Estate assets to be collected in and divided between their beneficiaries.
More about Probate
Power of Attorney
Removing uncertainty about who will manage your affairs if you become unable to do so.
Our specialist and experienced team can guide you through the process of setting up and registering LPAs for you. This ensures that you will have the person you would wish making decisions on your behalf, should you ever become unable make decisions about your property and finances or health and welfare yourself.
More about Power of Attorney
Appointment of Deputies
If a person loses capacity without an LPA in place, it may be necessary to appoint a deputy.
Deputies are appointed by the Court of Protection to manage the property and financial affairs and/or personal welfare of someone who lacks capacity. We can guide you through the process and ensure you understand the implications of decisions you are making.
More about Appointment of Deputies
More about Appointment of Deputies
Elderly Client Services
We can advise on a wide range of issues affecting elderly clients and their families.
Our team offer home visits if required and can liaise with relevant medical professionals if necessary. We are also able to offer general advice and help regarding issues around protecting a home and other assets from care home fees.
More about Elderly Client Services
Key stages of Private Client matters
As mentioned above, Private Client is the area of law which covers Wills, Trusts and Probate. The key stages involved when drafting legal documents such as Wills, Codicils, Advance Decisions, LPAs, all Trust documents, other Powers of Attorney, registering EPAs, Letters of Advice and Deeds of Variation are as follows:
- Preparing a draft of doc/advice based on your instructions and making any necessary amendments to the draft;
- Preparing the final, approved doc ready for your signature if required;
- Arranging for you to complete the final document by signing it;
- Arranging registration of doc where required; and
- Providing you with a copy and storing the original in this firm’s strong room for safe keeping, alongside your other papers.
Pricing
Details of our pricing together with our hourly rates are available here.
Pricing
Timescales
Further information about the key stages of Probate together with approximate timescales can be found here.
Timescales
Our Jargon Buster
If you are a bit bamboozled by legal terminology and would appreciate a straightforward explanation without the legal mumbo jumbo, you’ve come to the right place! Here’s our plain-speaking, straight-talking guide.
GUIDE TO LEGAL SPEAK
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