Probate, Wills, Trusts & Inheritance Tax

Probate

When you die, your assets have to be distributed according to the instructions in your Will. If you haven't made a Will your assets will be distributed as dictated by law.

We are Executors to many of our clients and our experience and expertise enables us to deal with all aspects of the administration of estates. We can handle everything from arranging the funeral to valuing shares, organising the sale of property and personal belongings to Inheritance Tax calculations.

Making a Will

When you make a Will, you decide who inherits your assets. If you don't, the law decides.

• If you leave assets over a certain threshold there may be a substantial charge to Inheritance Tax. When you make a Will we can give you proper legal advice about how to lessen the Inheritance Tax liability, if not avoid it altogether.

Trusts

During your lifetime you may wish to make financial provision, for example, for your children or grandchildren, without giving sums of money to them straight away. Alternatively you may wish to do this through your Will. Such gifts can be arranged through the use of Trusts. We provide specialist advice on all types of Trust and can show you how they can be used to significantly reduce your Inheritance Tax liability.

The sound investment of Trust Funds can also be managed through Brewin Dolphin Securities with whom we have a long-standing association.

Attorneyships

The Enduring Power of Attorney / Lasting Power of Attorney

This enables people to decide, whilst they are still mentally able, who they would like to manage their affairs should they become physically or mentally incapable of doing so themselves.

• You choose the Attorney. It could be your solicitor, a member of your family or a trusted friend.
• You always remain in control. As long as you are of sound mind you can cancel the Enduring or Lasting Power of Attorney at any time.