Wills & Probate

Making a Will is about more than deciding who inherits your estate. It provides certainty for the people closest to you and allows your wishes to be clearly recorded. Whether your affairs are straightforward or more complex, having an up-to-date Will can help avoid unnecessary uncertainty in the future.

Every family is different. Property ownership, business interests, blended families and changing personal circumstances all influence how a Will should be prepared. We take the time to understand your situation before advising on the arrangements that best reflect your wishes.

We begin by discussing your family, financial circumstances and the people or organisations you wish to benefit. We explain the options available, advise on any issues that may affect your estate and prepare a draft Will for your approval. Once you are satisfied with the document, we arrange for it to be signed correctly and explain when it may be sensible to review your Will in the future.

Administering an estate often comes at a time when families are also coping with bereavement. Alongside the practical responsibilities of dealing with assets, liabilities and legal requirements, executors are frequently managing unfamiliar processes. Clear advice can help make those responsibilities more manageable

Many executors have never administered an estate before and are understandably unsure where to begin. We explain each stage clearly, answer your questions and provide the level of support that best suits your circumstances, whether you need assistance with the entire estate or only specific aspects of the administration.

We begin by establishing the information available about the estate and explaining the steps involved in the administration process. Depending on your instructions, we can assist with the probate application, correspondence with financial institutions, collection of assets, payment of liabilities and distribution of the estate. Throughout the matter we keep you informed so you understand what has been completed and what remains outstanding.

A Lasting Power of Attorney allows you to choose who will make decisions on your behalf if you are ever unable to do so yourself. Putting these arrangements in place early gives you control over who will act for you and provides reassurance for those closest to you.

Many people only consider a Lasting Power of Attorney after a family member has lost the ability to make decisions independently. At that stage, the available options may be more limited and the process can become more complicated. Preparing the documents in advance allows you to decide who should act on your behalf and under what circumstances.

We explain the different types of Lasting Power of Attorney, discuss who you wish to appoint and answer any questions about how the documents operate in practice. We prepare the paperwork, ensure it is completed correctly and guide you through the signing and registration process so the documents are ready if they are ever needed.

Estate planning is about ensuring your affairs are organised in a way that reflects your wishes, protects your family and supports your long-term objectives. As your circumstances change, reviewing those arrangements helps ensure they continue to meet your needs.

Estate planning is rarely a one-off exercise. Family circumstances, property ownership, business interests and financial arrangements often change over time. Reviewing your plans periodically helps ensure they continue to reflect your wishes and respond to changes in your personal or financial circumstances.

We begin by understanding your current arrangements, your family circumstances and your long-term objectives. We explain the available options, prepare any necessary legal documents and work alongside your accountant or financial adviser where appropriate. We also identify when future reviews may be beneficial as your circumstances develop.

Trusts can be valuable in the right circumstances, but they are not appropriate for everyone. We explain how different trust arrangements operate, discuss the reasons they may be beneficial and help you decide whether they are suitable for your particular objectives.

Trusts are often discussed as a solution without fully explaining when they are appropriate or how they operate in practice. We explain the purpose of different trust arrangements, the responsibilities involved and the practical implications before any decisions are made, allowing you to consider whether a trust is suitable for your circumstances.

We discuss your objectives, explain the different trust structures available and advise on the legal implications of each option. Where a trust is appropriate, we prepare the documentation, explain the responsibilities of the trustees and coordinate with your other professional advisers where required.

When someone is no longer able to make certain decisions for themselves and appropriate legal arrangements have not already been put in place, an application to the Court of Protection may be necessary. Understanding the process early can help families make informed decisions during an already challenging time.

Applications to the Court of Protection often arise during difficult and emotional circumstances. Families are frequently dealing with uncertainty whilst also trying to understand unfamiliar legal procedures. We explain the process clearly, discuss the available options and guide you through each stage so you understand what is involved.

We discuss your circumstances, explain whether a Court of Protection application may be appropriate and advise on the information required to support the application. We prepare the necessary documentation, correspond with the Court where appropriate and continue advising you until the application has been determined.

Planning for the future often raises questions that do not fall neatly into one legal category. Whether you are reviewing your existing arrangements or considering them for the first time, early advice can help you understand your options before important decisions are made.

Planning for the future often becomes easier once you understand the legal position. We take time to understand your circumstances, explain the available options and provide practical advice that reflects your personal objectives rather than adopting a standard approach.

We begin by listening to your circumstances and understanding what you would like to achieve. We explain the legal issues involved, identify any documentation that may be required and outline the next steps. Where further work is needed, we agree the scope of our involvement before any work begins.