Will, Probate & Powers of Attorney
Wills
The value of a properly drafted Will should never be under estimated as family disputes can often be avoided and non-blood beneficiaries included, and tax planning and Trusts can be incorporated. We works with our clients to create a Will that suits their circumstances and aims. This means we are able to offer cost effective, straightforward Wills, as well as complex Wills involving Inheritance Tax planning or Trusts to protect family wealth.
We recognise the importance of a Will and, for this reason, all our Wills are prepared by Solicitors. We recommend that Wills are reviewed at least every five years or sooner if key events have occurred. Please contact us if you think your Will needs reviewing.
We believe a Will is something that all adults should have in place. Some clients require complex Wills, others simple Wills. We are happy to help with both.
Probate
The death of a loved one is never easy to deal with and handling matters arising out of the administration of the estate can be complex. Our client base is made up of people from all walks of life, from farmers to pensioners and from wealthy entrepreneurs to landed estates.
Our clients welcome our understanding of the issues and our professional and sensitive approach. We are responsive and are happy to provide clients with an estimate of our legal fees for administering each individual estate as well as an estimate of how long the administration will take at the outset. We are happy to link the payment of our legal fees with the achieving of key goals, such as the obtaining of a Grant of Probate. This is consistent with our approach to getting on with the task we have been employed to undertake. As our work in administering estates brings us into contact with the close relatives and friends of the deceased, we are able to offer a first rate service combining the need for sensitivity with the need to deal with the administration in a business-like fashion.
Powers of Attorney
A Power of Attorney is a legal document by one person appointing another to handle his or her affairs. Our experienced solicitors are familiar with all types of Powers of Attorney and regularly act as professional Attorneys under them. Our role often brings us into contact with individuals with diminishing mental capacity in difficult circumstances. Our approach is professional whilst sympathetic and understanding. Choosing the right person to act for you under a Power of Attorney is vital.
Enduring Power of Attorney
An Enduring Power of Attorney allows the Attorney to make "personal care decisions" on the Donor's behalf once he/she is no longer fully mentally capable of taking decisions him/herself. Personal care decisions may include deciding where and with whom the Donor will live, who he/she should see or not see and what training or rehabilitation he/she should get. However, if the Donor wants, he/she can specifically exclude any of these powers when setting up the Power of Attorney or can make the Attorney's powers subject to any reasonable conditions and restrictions. You can appoint anyone you wish to be your Attorney, including a spouse, family member, friend, colleague, etc. The Enduring Power of Attorney is becoming increasingly popular due to its practical nature.