To ensure that your property is distributed to your loved ones in the most tax efficient manner, we will prepare a will in accordance with your instructions.
Our Wills Department provides Wills and Inheritance Tax advice. This Department is headed by a Solicitor, with a specialist Wills Team dedicated exclusively to the preparation of Wills. Our team of lawyers is able to assist in obtaining probate and ensuring the transfer of your assets as well as pursuing the instructions set our in your Will.
Making a Will is not expensive and it is quick and easy, but can benefit from our expert input. You can ensure that all your assets are dealt with properly and advantageously in the way you want. We can assist you in your Will preparation so that you can protect and take care of your loved ones at what will be a distressing time for them.
What happens if you don't have a Will? The law says who gets what. If there are no known living relatives, once an extensive search has been undertaken, your money and estate goes to the Crown.
Advantages of using our Wills Service:
- Your Will is prepared by a Legal Professional.
- We use plain English when writing Wills.
- Highly trained, friendly and understanding staff.
- Professional, efficient and competitively priced service.
- Inheritance Tax advice and planning.
- Guardianship advice.
- Will and document storage.
- Home made Wills can be more costly to execute than professional Wills.
The process of preparing your Will:
- We will advise you and take your instructions.
- Where appropriate, advise you on Inheritance Tax planning.
- Prepare a draft Will for your approval.
- Prepare the final document for signature.
- Supply you with an original or copy of your signed Will.
- If required, Store the original Will in our strong room for safekeeping.
Importance of your last Will and Testament:
Do not assume that your wishes will automatically be carried out after your death. If you do not have a Will your estate will pass to your relatives according to the rules set out in the Laws of Intestate Succession, so you need to make a Will to be certain that your assets go to the people you wish to inherit them:
- Your children may not be looked after by the people you would choose.
- If you are an unmarried woman with young dependent children it is essential that you make provision for their long-term future.
- If you are living with someone but not married to them, they do not have an automatic right to any part of your estate.
- The value of your estate could be reduced by tax you need not have paid.
Only a Will can make your wishes legally binding. With a Will you can:
- Dispose of your assets as you wish.
- Choose your own executors.
- Plan for any tax which may be payable on your death.
- Avoid family disputes.
- Make gifts to family, friends or charities.
- Set out your wishes for your funeral arrangements.
When it comes to your Will, it's only right that your family and friends come first in your thoughts. But that doesn't mean you can't also leave a gift to a charity however large or small that may be. This may give some benefits if there is an Inheritance Tax implication.
Lasting Powers of Attorney
We also offer advice and guidance concerning Lasting Powers of Attorney. These are documents appointing someone to deal with your property and finances and/or with your personal welfare, if you become unable to manage for yourself.
Please read our ‘Wills-FAQ’ for more information regarding Wills.
Our ‘Jargon Buster’ Section gives you information regarding the technical terms involved.
Important: Always use a legally qualified professional to prepare your Will.
Limitation: Wills prepared by us are valid under the laws of England & Wales. If you are not a resident in England or Wales, our Wills may not be suitable for you. If you own property in another country, you would also have to make a Will in that country.
DISCLAIMER: The information on this brief guide is written as a general guide only and it is strongly recommended that specific legal advice is sought before action is taken.
Please contact us for further information.