How we can help
Our experienced wills and probate solicitors can provide the following services:
- Preparation of a will
- Reviewing and updating an existing will
- Disputing or defending a will
- Estate and inheritance tax planning
- Administration of estates and obtaining grants of representation
- Drafting and administration of trusts
- Setting up an asset protection trust
- Lasting Power of Attorney
- Registration of Enduring Powers of Attorney
- Court of Protection applications
For details of our Fixed Fee Probate Services, please click here.
FAQS
What is a will?
A will is a legal document outlining a person’s wishes after they pass away. It determines how their assets and property will be distributed and what should happen to their remains. It may also outline who should care for their children or legal dependents.
A will ensures your wishes are respected and helps to protect your chosen beneficiaries from the claims of others.
What happens if I don’t register a will?
Approximately 6 in 10 adults currently living in the UK have not registered a will. This means that these people are leaving their entire estate, finances and assets to the ruling of UK intestacy law – which a person’s family has no control over.
Without a formal will, an unmarried partner has no automatic entitlement to key aspects of the estate. So, a family home could be liable to be sold and children may be disinherited unintentionally when the eventual ruling is announced.
That’s why it always pays to think ahead and prepare for any long-term possibility. Consulting a specialist wills solicitor can save you and your family from the stresses of uncertainty in an emotionally difficult time.
What is probate?
Probate describes the processes involved in dealing with a will.
Usually, a will names an ‘Executor’, who is responsible for ensuring the wishes expressed in the will are followed. They are often a family member or a lawyer.
But, before the Executor can follow the instructions in the will, they’ll need a grant of probate. Once granted, they can begin distributing the estate.
When may I require a probate specialist?
Regardless of the circumstances surrounding an estate, we would strongly recommend appointing an experienced probate solicitor to manage your situation.
A lawyer is particularly important when the deceased dies without a will, there are complex agreements in place, the estate is valued over the £325,000 inheritance tax threshold, or there is a possibility that the estate is bankrupt (insolvent).