Wills, Trusts & Probate

Making a Will is one of the most important things you can do, without one you cannot control what happens to your assets and you may leave many problems for your family to deal with. Each Will is tailormade to suit individual circumstances, taking into consideration personal financial circumstances, family and other commitments and any taxation issues that may arise by reason of death.

Following a death it is important that the Estate is administered sympathetically as well as efficiently. Administration involves obtaining valuations of all the assets and liabilities of the Estate, preparing court and tax forms, applying for the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration (where there is no Will), and once obtained, gathering in the assets, settling the liabilities (including any tax due) then distributing the Estate in accordance with the Will or the statutory rules where there is no Will, which is called intestacy. In some case a trust will need to be set up and we will deal with the implications of this and taxation advice (including where appropriate deeds of variation of the Will or intestacy and of family arrangement). There may be claims against the Estate or disputes between beneficiaries and/or executors, in which case we will advise and assist.