WILLS

WILLS

A well-drafted and flexible will is a key tool to protect your family or dependants in the future, yet half of all Britons fail to take this sensible step.

A will allows you to organise your estate so that you can pass on your wealth to the people you want to benefit, avoid unnecessary tax bills and specify exactly how your assets are dealt with. It also gives you peace of mind that you can make arrangements for the care of your children or dependants in the event of your death.

Without a will, there is uncertainty and your family or dependants may not benefit in the way you had intended: where there is no will, the State sets the rules.

Our expert team can advise you on the issues you need to consider and the drafting of your will to reflect your wishes.

We can also advise on matters including the appointment of a guardian for children aged under 18, options to protect your estate, such as trusts, inheritance tax and on preparing a Lasting Power of Attorney, which it is wise to put in place alongside your will. We will also ensure that your will is properly dated, signed and witnessed, which is critical to the validity of your will.

Making a will is a simple, affordable step that will give you peace of mind that your loved ones will be looked after when you are no longer around.

For more information on how we can help you, please contact us.

CARE FEE WILLS

Our clients are often concerned about the cost of care if they become unable to remain living at home. In particular they are concerned that nearly all their savings may be used to pay for their care and will not be available to pass on to their children.

We offer advice in respect of Wills and Trusts which can help to protect some of the assets in a couple’s estate from future care fees.

Some people use the terms “ Care fee Wills” or “Blood line Wills” to refer to this type of arrangement.

If this is an area of concern to you we suggest you make an appointment to discuss it with one of our qualified solicitors.

LASTING POWER OF ATTORNEY

The Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) allows you to appoint someone to manage financial and other matters on your behalf when you are no longer able to do so for yourself.

We’ll provide you with clear, straightforward advice on the implications of taking such a step, which is a sensible move for anyone making a will.

An LPA allows the person making the arrangement –the donor – to give a relative, friend or professional adviser the legal authority to manage their financial and property matters if they become mentally incapacitated. This person is known as an attorney.

The LPA also allows the donor to give an attorney – not necessarily the same person as the one handling their financial affairs – the power to make decisions on matters including their health and welfare.

Our expert team can advise and assist you in arranging an LPA, which avoids the need for complicated legal proceedings to unfreeze the assets of someone who has become incapable of handling their own affairs in old age – or at any age – but has made no provision in case that happens.

An attorney always has to act in your best interest so it is vital that you appoint someone who will do so. If you cannot find an appropriate person, we may be able to act as your attorney.

We can also ensure that the power is properly given and, where appropriate, registered at the Court of Protection.

For more information on how we can help you, please contact us.