Wills, Probates and Trusts

Will what you've worked for still belong to you and yours?

The American inventor and scientist, Benjamin Franklin, once said, nothing's certain except death and taxes.

We cannot help you with the first - but we can certainly assist you on the second matter. When someone dies, we discuss the Will - and advise on minimizing Inheritance Tax. We obtain the Grant of Probate, deal with the collection of assets, pay any liabilities, deal with the Capital Taxes Office, distribute the Estate to your chosen Beneficiaries - and handle all the other issues that face a bereaved family.

Everybody should make a Will to ensure that their wishes are carried out - who should benefit, who should be the executors, who should be guardians if there are children - and review it regularly. A properly drafted Will can also often save a good deal of inheritance tax.

First and foremost, you must make a Will.

Any one of us may not be around tomorrow.
You can (and should) update a Will at any time if your circumstances change, such as marriage or a birth.
Your Will can name the Executors who will administer your Estate. Many of our clients - indeed whole families - appoint us to this role.
You can name your children’s Guardians, should you die prematurely.
And, of course, you can plan to minimise Inheritance Tax.
Creating a Trust.
The object of this is to protect family assets, in the most tax-efficient way.
With a gift during your lifetime, or through your Will, you can ensure that any sum given to your children is looked after until they can use it sensibly.
If you've remarried, you can look after each other, while ensuring that children of previous marriage(s) ultimately inherit their Estate(s).
Power of Attorney.
Vital protection, should you, or a loved one, be unable to manage your affairs.
Remember: you could be incapacitated tomorrow.
You might have to enter a costly nursing home. Who'd ensure that the fees didn't eat up all the value of your own home?
If you were able to remain at home, who'd manage your bills?
Who'd protect your hard-earned cash from cheats? Who'd pay the milkman?
Just some of the ways in which Power of Attorney can protect you and yours.