Our Services
Wills
It’s all too easy to put off making a Will, but the difficulty is that we never know when it may be needed.
Experience shows that families who don’t plan ahead to cope with death or illness suffer higher levels of stress, expense and delay compared to families with the right legal and financial protection in place.
Making a Will is the only way to ensure that your wishes are carried out after your death. Including:
You decide who inherits your property and money – not the Government!
You choose people you trust to act as your Executors and administer your wishes.
You appoint Guardians to look after young children, to avoid them being taken into care.
You avoid unnecessary exposure to Inheritance Tax, which is charged at 40%.
You reduce the level of stress and anxiety on your family, and avoid the potential for conflict.
You have peace of mind that your affairs are in order.
… it’s your chance to choose!
Common misconceptions
If you die without a Will, it is called dying Intestate and means that certain rules will apply that you cannot alter.
I’m married so my spouse will get everything anyway!
Not necessarily. Under the current intestacy rules, it depends on the size of your estate and whether you have any children. Intestacy causes delays and complexity. For families with children, the division of assets can create co-ownership problems and an Inheritance Tax liability. Making a Will protects your family from this.
I’m sure my parents would look after my children if I died!
If you have not nominated guardians in your Will, then the Court will decide on the future of your children. In the interim your children would likely be taken into care whilst a decision is made. Writing a Will is your chance to choose who you want to look after them and your wishes for how you want them brought up.
We’re not married, but we are treated as “common law partners”, right?
Legally there is no such thing as common law partners and as an un-married partner you would not be entitled to anything if your partner died.
Whilst professional advice cannot stop the inevitable, it can help you control what happens afterwards. Contact us now for an appointment.
Lasting Power of Attorney
We tend to think that our spouse or immediate family would be able to sort out our day to day affairs if we were unable to, but that simply is not the case. The problem is that incapacity could occur at any time, due to accident, injury, illness or dementia and so on.
Creating a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a crucial step for adults to ensure their affairs are managed according to their wishes in case they become unable to make decisions for themselves in the future. By appointing trusted individuals as attorneys, individuals can have peace of mind knowing that their financial, health, and welfare matters will be handled responsibly.
Without an LPA, loved ones may face significant legal and financial hurdles to make decisions on behalf of the individual. Planning ahead with an LPA empowers individuals to maintain control over their lives and protects their interests during unforeseen circumstances, offering both practicality and security for the future.
Contact us now to find out how you can protect yourself.
Will Trusts
Using a will trust comes with some great benefits, giving you more control over how your assets are distributed. Unlike a standard will, a will trust lets you specify exactly how and when your beneficiaries receive their inheritance. This is especially helpful for ensuring that young children, dependents with special needs, or beneficiaries who aren’t ready to manage a large sum of money get the support they need over time. It helps prevent mismanagement of funds and makes sure your wishes are followed.
Another big advantage is the potential for tax savings and protecting your assets from creditors. Trusts can be set up to reduce estate taxes, meaning more of your wealth goes to your beneficiaries. Plus, assets in a trust are generally safe from creditors and legal claims, which is crucial for protecting your family’s financial future. This protection also covers issues like divorce settlements or business liabilities, keeping your estate intact for your loved ones.
Lastly, will trusts offer more privacy and efficiency in handling your estate. Unlike wills, which become public during probate, the details of a trust usually stay private, helping to avoid disputes and keep family harmony. Trusts also make the distribution process smoother and faster, skipping the lengthy probate process. By choosing a will trust, you’re not only securing your legacy but also giving your beneficiaries peace of mind and clarity during a tough time.
