We offer a free initial consultation, fixed fee options are available for some matters. We advise on:
Wills
- Drafting and amending Wills
- Inheritance Tax and how to minimize it
Many people fail to make a Will and that can lead to complications for their loved ones left behind. If you don’t make a Will your estate may pass to someone you had not intended it to, you can’t make any charitable donations or appoint legal guardians for your children. We provide professional advice and will make the process as simple as possible for you.
Probate
- Completing Inheritance Tax accounts
- Applying for grants of probate (if there is a will) or letters of administration (if there is no Will and the deceased has died “intestate”)
- Administration of the estate
- Contentious Probate
Dealing with the estate of a loved one can be difficult, stressful and complex, particularly during times of grief. We aim to make the process as stress free as possible and will provide professional and friendly advice.
Lasting Powers of Attorney
- Property and Financial decisions
- Health and Welfare decisions
Many of us do not think about the consequences of getting older and needing to rely on our loved ones to act on our behalf in the event that we become unable to do so. By making Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) we can make sure that the right person to provide for our needs is appointed and registered to step in if we become unable to. A person must still have mental capacity to make an LPA and if we delay making one until it is too late it will require someone to make an application to the Court of Protection to obtain an order to deal with our affairs which is an expensive and lengthy process, takes the power as to who we appoint away from us and is more limited as to what that person can therefore do. Therefore, when planning for our future we should consider making LPA’s. Our solicitors will advise you and guide you through the process and draft the LPA’s for you and arrange for them to be registered.
Court of Protection
- Application to the Court to appoint a Deputy for Property and Affairs
- Application to the Court to appoint a Deputy for welfare applications
If a loved one has lost capacity and has not made a valid Lasting or Enduring Power of Attorney it may become necessary to apply to the Court of Protection to be appointed as that person’s Deputy to be able to deal with those crucial and often complex decisions that cannot otherwise be resolved. We will advise you throughout the process to enable you to obtain the Orders necessary for you to deal with and make the necessary decisions on your loved one’s behalf.
Funding for Probate Matters
Our highly experienced probate team offer a free initial meeting to assess your needs. After that, fees are calculated on an hourly rate basis, from £165 to £250 per hour (plus VAT). Fixed fees are available in some cases from £1,000 plus VAT. The team assesses each case and its funding on an individual basis and will provide you with a clear quote at the start of your case and regular updates throughout the matter.
For any other matters relating to wills or Lasting Powers of Attorney, please contact one of the Wills & Probate team members for a quote.
Who to Contact
Consultant
Partner