Wills, probate & mental capacity
From defining your wishes to discussing tax options
No one likes to think about their death and what they’d want to happen to their assets. Sadly, dying without a properly drawn will can cause a great deal of wasted time, unnecessary expense and heartache, as well as hassle from disputes that could easily be avoided. And there are the potential inheritance tax implications to consider, too.
Our service takes you through all the relevant things you need to think about as well as drawing up a will that really reflects your wishes. We can help whether you need a single will for a modest estate, or if your affairs are more complex with both personal and business assets to consider.
Many people avoid paying for a will by using other methods, but often this can be a false economy – we’d be happy to explain to you why.
Try our online tool to get you started with preparing your will.
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Wills, probate & private client services
Wills, probate & private client news
Trust Registration Service
What is the Trust Registration Service?
Reporting an estate’s value for inheritance tax
Acting as an executor means that you are responsible for reporting the value of the estate and declaring any inheritance tax due, so it is important to make sure you follow correct procedures. ‘Since January 2022, new rules apply in respect of reporting inheritance...
Power of Attorney: Making your wishes clear
If you are considering giving Power of Attorney to a loved one, we understand that this may feel overwhelming. There are many considerations, including choosing someone you trust to carry out your wishes and conduct your affairs as you would want. Choosing the right...
Planning your legacy through charitable giving in your will
There are many reasons why someone might choose to leave money to charity in their will. Tax planning may be a key incentive, or it could be due to a lack of close family members. Some may simply wish to create a longer lasting personal legacy or they might have...
Paying inheritance tax when estate funds are tied up
Making sure your property passes as you choose with a life interest trust.
Making sure your property passes as you choose, with a life interest trust.
Making sure your property passes as you choose with a life interest trust.
How has Covid-19 affected inheritance tax?
There is still much uncertainty about the true impact of coronavirus on all aspects of our lives. Inheritance tax is no different, with the fallout of the pandemic affecting the value of estates, inheritance tax planning, and the valuation of business assets...
Protecting your business if you lose mental capacity
The judicial decision that the will of HRH the Duke of Edinburgh be kept private for the next 90 years highlights that a will generally becomes a public document once probate has been granted, open to be read by anyone with an interest in the estate, highlighting the importance of discussing intentions to avoid later challenges to the estate and to exclude any confidential information.
The cap on care costs
The judicial decision that the will of HRH the Duke of Edinburgh be kept private for the next 90 years highlights that a will generally becomes a public document once probate has been granted, open to be read by anyone with an interest in the estate, highlighting the importance of discussing intentions to avoid later challenges to the estate and to exclude any confidential information.
Vulnerable face timebomb by not appointing others to act
Professionals working with the elderly and vulnerable are raising concerns over future safeguarding following a dramatic fall in the number of lasting powers of attorneys registered during the coronavirus pandemic. Figures from the Office of the Public Guardian, the...