Wills

It is an astonishing fact that most people in the UK have not made a Will. This oversight means their estate will be distributed in accordance with a strict legal formula which takes no account of their desires or intentions. It is also likely to reduce the value of their estate by needlessly subjecting much and possibly most of it to inheritance tax.

Our Wills Department advises clients on all aspects of planning their Will and ensuring that inheritance tax liabilities are kept to a minimum. We aim to deal with our clients with tact, skill and sensitivity, so we can fully understand their intentions and advise them on how best to achieve them.

First, we will need to know what you want to leave to whom so we can identify possible complications and resolve them before preparing a draft. We then produce a draft of the Will putting everything into clear and unambiguous language that we then go over with you to make sure you understand it. Once you have approved the draft we will send you the Will and a 9-point guide on what to do to make sure it is properly signed and witnessed and comes into effect. Then, if you want, we can keep your Will safely stored in our offices. As the storage of Wills is such a popular ancillary service, we provide this service without any extra charge.

If you want, we can also act as your executors, working either independently or (as co-executors) together with whoever else you appoint. Clients sometimes instruct us to act in this way to make sure Probate is processed with minimal delay and the Will is carried out promptly and professionally, sparing family from needless stress or distraction at a time of grief.

Experience has shown us that sound Will planning is the only way you can be certain your loved ones will be spared from the worst-case (but distressingly common) scenario of needless dissipation of wealth through paying avoidable tax or embroilment in a family feud.

Probate

When someone dies, the executors of the Will (or their next of kin where there is no Will), will need to administer the estate. Our Probate team is able to advise constructively, sensitively and compassionately on the many legal and practical issues which follow bereavement. We offer straightforward advice in relation to obtaining a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration. We can also work on behalf of the estate representatives to ensure the deceased’s estate is efficiently administered and that their affairs are wound up and their assets transferred or sold as required, and the beneficiaries receive their entitlement without needless delay or anxiety.

Where a dispute is involved e.g. if a Will is contested, our Wills and Probate Department liaises with our Litigation Department or, as appropriate, our Property Department.

I need to know more
If you would like to know more contact us.