Private clients

Wills, Probate and Estate administration

The preparing of Wills and the procedure of obtaining Grants of Probate embraces with the processes of  passing an individual’s property and investments to his intended beneficiaries, the winding up of his affairs, that is carrying out his Will after death.

Have you made your last Will? You can save your family a great deal of anxiety and considerable time and expense. It should also give you peace of mind that your affairs are in order.

We are experienced in advising and in the preparation of Wills including those involving Inheritance Tax issues.

The term Probate means ‘to prove the Will’ at the Probate Court. There is also the requirement to consider and, if necessary, account to the Inland Revenue in respect of Inheritance Tax.

It is not usually necessary to actually attend the Court to ‘prove the Will’. The Probate is obtained by completing forms (for HM Rvenue and Customs and for the Court) and dealing with the legal paperwork at the Court through the post. Strictly speaking it is not essential to engage a solicitor to carry out this process but in most cases we would expect that it would be best all round to do so.

An experienced solicitor will take all the strain for you in investigating the estate passing under the Will, advising and accounting for the correct amount of any Tax payable and, through the preparation of Estate Accounts ensure that the Will properly carried out.

What if there is no Will? You will need advice about the rules governing 'intestacy' and the dealing with the deceased's estate through a Grant of Letters of Administration.

Also see Enduring and Lasting Powers of Attorney